A/C Not Working Right? Here’s What to Check, What It’ll Cost, and When to Call for Help
When your air conditioner starts acting up—barely cooling, making weird noises, or refusing to turn on—it can ruin your day fast. Especially during a heatwave. This guide will walk you through the most common problems, what you can troubleshoot yourself, how much repairs usually cost, and when it’s time to call a pro.
What Typically Goes Wrong (and What It Looks Like)
Air conditioners are built to last, but like any system, they can break down—especially if they’re running non-stop during summer.
Here are the top issues we see most often:
- ❄️ It blows air, but it’s not cold
This usually means low refrigerant, clogged filters, or a failing compressor. - 💧 Water is leaking from the unit
If it starts dripping after you shut it off, chances are the drainage line is clogged or the unit wasn’t installed level. - 🔇 It’s noisy—rattling, clicking, or humming
Could be a worn-out fan motor, loose parts, or bearings starting to go bad. - 🚫 It won’t turn on at all
Sometimes it’s as simple as a tripped breaker, but it could also be a fried circuit board or an overheated system.
🧠 True story: A customer recently called saying their A/C “just doesn’t work like it used to.” Turned out it was set to “fan” mode—blowing air without cooling. Took 30 seconds to fix, no tools needed.
What Does It Cost to Fix?
Prices vary based on the problem, but here’s what you can expect:
|
Repair Type |
Estimated Cost |
|
Refrigerant recharge |
$80–$250 |
|
Deep cleaning (indoor unit) |
$100–$200 |
|
Circuit board replacement |
$200–$600 |
|
Fan motor repair |
$150–$400 |
💡 Pro tip: If your unit is over 12 years old and the repair costs nearly as much as a new system, it’s probably time to upgrade. We’ll help you weigh the options so you don’t waste money on short-term fixes.
Before You Panic — Try These 5 Quick Checks
Not every A/C issue is a big one. Here are five things to try before calling for service:
- 🔌 Check the power — look at the outlet and your circuit breaker
- 🪫 Try new batteries in the remote
- 🌬 Clean the filters — clogged filters choke airflow
- ❄️ Make sure it’s in cooling mode, not just “fan” or “auto”
- 🌡 Double-check the thermostat setting — it might be set too high
If you’ve run through this list and it’s still not cooling, it’s time to bring in a technician.
When It’s Time to Call a Technician
Some signs mean it’s best not to wait:
- Constant leaking or water damage
- Strange smells (burning, musty, moldy)
- The unit shuts off on its own or flashes error codes
- You suspect a refrigerant leak
- You’ve done your part—and it’s still not working
⚠️ Important: Don’t try to open the unit or fix electrical/refrigerant components yourself. It’s dangerous and could make the problem worse.
And remember—during peak summer months, good HVAC pros get booked fast. Better to get on the schedule early than suffer through a heatwave.
How to Keep Your A/C From Breaking Again
A few simple habits can save you hundreds of dollars in future repairs:
- Clean your filters every 4–6 weeks, especially during heavy use
- Never run your A/C on “cool” mode in cold weather
- Check that the drainage line is clear (especially in humid areas)
- Book a preventive maintenance check once a year, ideally in spring or fall
📌 And if your system connects with a furnace or ductwork, don’t forget that issues can overlap. Learn more about that on our furnace repair page.
Bottom Line — Don’t Ignore the Signs
Let’s sum it up.
✅ If your air conditioner isn’t cooling well, leaks, makes strange noises, or won’t turn on, it’s trying to tell you something. And the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the issue might become.
✅ Before you call for help, check the basics: power supply, remote batteries, filter cleanliness, and thermostat settings. If that doesn’t fix it, don’t waste time troubleshooting deeper problems alone—it could lead to bigger damage or safety issues.
✅ When in doubt, call a licensed technician who can accurately diagnose and fix the issue. Professionals don’t just repair—they help extend the life of your system and keep it working safely.
✅ Want to avoid problems in the first place? Keep your filters clean, book annual maintenance, and never ignore small changes in how your system runs. Prevention is cheaper than repair.
At the end of the day, your A/C system is what makes your home bearable during the hottest months. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about sleep, health, and peace of mind.
📞 So if you’re sweating it out while your A/C sits idle—don’t wait. Give us a call today or book online, and we’ll get your cool back, fast and stress-free.