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Common HVAC Cooling Problems and How to Fix it?

At Cool Season Heating & Cooling, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with cooling issues, especially during the hottest months. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand some of the most common HVAC cooling problems, their causes, and what you can do to fix them—or when it’s time to call in the pros.

1. AC Not Blowing Cold Air

What’s happening? Your AC is running, but the air coming out isn’t cold.
Possible causes:

  • The thermostat might be set incorrectly.

  • The air filter could be clogged, restricting airflow.

  • Refrigerant levels might be low.

  • The condenser unit outside could be dirty or blocked.
    What you can do:

  • Check and adjust your thermostat settings.

  • Replace or clean the air filter.

  • If you suspect a refrigerant leak or dirty condenser unit, it’s time to call a professional.

2. Weak Airflow

What’s happening? The air coming out of your vents feels weak or uneven.
Possible causes:

  • Clogged air filters.

  • Blocked or closed vents.

  • Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork.

  • A malfunctioning blower motor.
    What you can do:

  • Replace or clean your air filters.

  • Ensure all vents are open and unobstructed.

  • Inspect your ductwork for leaks or blockages.

  • If the blower motor is the issue, contact us for repairs.

3. AC Won’t Turn On

What’s happening? Your AC unit isn’t starting at all.
Possible causes:

  • Thermostat issues.

  • A tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

  • Problems with the power supply or wiring.

  • A faulty capacitor or contactor.
    What you can do:

  • Check your thermostat settings and replace the batteries if needed.

  • Inspect your circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.

  • If the problem persists, it’s time to call a professional.

4. Frequent Cycling

What’s happening? Your AC turns on and off frequently.
Possible causes:

  • A dirty or clogged air filter.

  • An oversized or undersized AC unit.

  • Thermostat issues.

  • Refrigerant leaks.
    What you can do:

  • Replace or clean your air filter.

  • Check your thermostat settings and recalibrate if needed.

  • If the problem continues, contact us to evaluate your system’s sizing and refrigerant levels.

5. Strange Noises Coming from the AC

What’s happening? You hear banging, rattling, squealing, or other unusual sounds.
Possible causes:

  • Loose or broken components inside the unit.

  • A malfunctioning blower motor or fan.

  • Debris in the outdoor condenser unit.
    What you can do:

  • Tighten any loose parts if you feel comfortable doing so.

  • Clear debris from the outdoor unit.

  • If the noise continues, call a professional to diagnose the issue.

6. Water Leaks Around the AC Unit

What’s happening? You notice water pooling around your indoor or outdoor unit.
Possible causes:

  • A clogged condensate drain line.

  • Frozen evaporator coils.

  • A damaged or disconnected drain pan.
    What you can do:

  • Check and clear the condensate drain line.

  • If the evaporator coils are frozen, turn off the AC and let them thaw.

  • If the problem persists, contact us for repairs.

7. Unpleasant Odors Coming from Vents

What’s happening? You notice a musty, burning, or foul smell when the AC is running.
Possible causes:

  • Mold or mildew in the ductwork or evaporator coils.

  • A dirty air filter.

  • Electrical issues causing a burning smell.
    What you can do:

  • Replace or clean your air filter.

  • If you suspect mold or mildew, contact us to clean your ductwork and coils.

  • If you smell burning, turn off the AC immediately and call a professional.

8. High Energy Bills

What’s happening? Your cooling costs are skyrocketing.
Possible causes:

  • An inefficient or aging AC unit.

  • Poor insulation in your home.

  • Leaky ductwork wastes cool air.

  • A thermostat set too low.
    What you can do:

  • Raise your thermostat setting and consider using a programmable thermostat.

  • Seal and insulate your ductwork.

  • If your AC is old, it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.

When to Call the Pros

While some cooling problems can be fixed with a little DIY effort, others require the expertise of a trained HVAC technician. If you’re unsure about the cause of the issue or don’t feel comfortable making repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Cool Season Heating & Cooling. We’re here to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.

Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Today!

Prevention is the best way to avoid cooling problems. Regular maintenance can help catch small issues before they become big headaches. Contact us today to schedule an AC tune-up and ensure your system is ready to handle the heat.

Common HVAC Cooling Problems and How to Fix it?