Why Is My AC Not Working Right? 6 Symptoms and Solutions.

Why Is My AC Not Working Right? 6 Symptoms and Solutions.

August 23, 2022 by Timberline

If you enjoy a cool, comfortable living or working space on a hot Colorado summer day—and who doesn’t?—it can be a little concerning when your air conditioning system isn’t operating properly. For example, the system comes on but produces little or no cooling. Or, you simply aren’t getting any response from the outdoor AC unit.

While it’s true that you’ll need a trained HVAC technician to diagnose and address most AC problems, knowing what various symptoms point to can be helpful. At a minimum, that knowledge can make you feel better able to discuss the situation with the tech. And in some instances, there are issues you can handle without assistance.

Learn more about common AC symptoms, their causes, and solutions below.

Insights on AC Issues

Six of the most common indicators of an AC problem are:

1. There’s little/no cooling. One cause of little or no cooling is a lack of power to the furnace (inside your home or business) or the condensing unit (outside). This goes without saying, of course, but confirming those system components have power is an excellent first step to take.

Another cause of an AC system producing minimal, if any, cooling is a problem with the thermostat. Something as simple as dead or dying batteries in a unit that requires them can cause the thermostat to run intermittently or not at all. But the fix is simple also: Try replacing the battery.

2. A buzzing/hissing sound is coming from the outside unit. This often indicates a frozen suction line (i.e., a large refrigerant line). Changing the air filter and running the unit in “fan only” mode can help defrost the coil, although the issue may come back and require a technician visit.

3. The outside unit stops abruptly. In Colorado’s dry climate, debris, “cotton” from trees, etc., gets stirred up by winds and can clog the outdoor coil of an AC system. When that happens, the system can…