My Air Conditioner Is Broken: What Could Be Wrong?
If it’s hot and your AC isn’t working, you might be asking:
“Is my air conditioning broken?”
“How do I fix this myself?”
“When should I call a professional?”
As a homeowner, it’s good to understand what might be going wrong. Here’s a big-picture view (a 5,000-foot flyover, if you will) of the most common problems we see in air conditioning service and maintenance, and what you might be able to do on your own.
⚠️ Caution: Air conditioning systems are complex—and they can be dangerous. If you decide to work on your system, make sure you’re educated, trained, and confident. It’s easy to accidentally cause injury or property damage.
Quick Fixes You Might Be Able to Handle
Before calling for service, check a few simple things that sometimes fix the problem:
Dirty air filter – Swap it out.
Thermostat batteries – Are they installed right and still good?
Thermostat settings – Make sure it’s on cool and the temperature is turned down.
Tripped GFCI outlets or switches – Reset them if needed.
Condenser coils and drains – Some people safely clean these themselves (more on that below).
Common Outdoor Unit Problems
Dirty Condenser Coil
If your outdoor unit looks like it’s wearing a furry coat, it’s likely a dirty coil. This blocks airflow and can cause overheating. Regular maintenance prevents this, but if you're comfortable, you might gently rinse it off yourself.
Tip: If the system’s been running like this for a while, it may have caused deeper problems.
Electrical and Mechanical Issues We See Often:
Bad or underperforming compressors – Often tied to low refrigerant charge or poor operating conditions.
Worn contactors – Arcing inside causes corrosion and resistance.
Out-of-spec capacitors – These overheat motors and shorten their lifespan.
Loose disconnects – Can lead to improper voltage and amperage.
Failing fan motors – Bearings wear down, causing high amperage.
Some homeowners who are handy, have a high-quality electrical meter, and know their way around Google can safely investigate these. But for most people, this is best left to trained professionals.
Common Indoor Unit Problems
Airflow and Dirt Buildup
Dusty or damaged fan blades – A basic “pull-and-clean” can sometimes restore airflow.
Overheated motors – Often from poor airflow or overcooling.
Worn capacitors – Common in hot attic environments.
Moisture and Drainage Issues
Frozen coils – Usually caused by low refrigerant or bad airflow.
Clogged drains – Often a result of poor maintenance or bad installation.
Flooded pans – Caused by blocked drains, can trip safety switches.
Ductwork Problems
Damaged or inadequate ducts – Extremely common and often misdiagnosed.
Broken or collapsed ducts – Sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden behind panels.
When to Call in the Pros
If the problem isn’t obvious, or you’re not comfortable opening up panels and testing with electrical tools, it’s time to bring in a trusted professional. At Professional HVAC, we help homeowners across Worcester County stay cool, safe, and confident in their homes.
We know what to look for, how to fix it, and how to prevent future issues—without guesswork or mess.
