What Could Go Wrong with My Air Conditioner

Woman wiping sweat with napkin

Woman wiping sweat with napkin

Woman wiping sweat with napkin

Learn about some of the most common air conditioner problems and how to troubleshoot them.

Air conditioning (AC) units are complex machines with many moving parts. When it’s all working, they keep us cool on the hottest days. But if even one component breaks, you can start feeling the heat. Here are some of the most common air conditioning problems, along with HVAC troubleshooting tips to help you prevent them:

Clogged filters. Replacing the HVAC filter on schedule, usually monthly or quarterly, depending on the type of filter is an easy maintenance task that most homeowners perform themselves. When filters aren't changed regularly, they fill up with dust and restrict airflow through the entire system. This can reduce system efficiency and airflow throughout your home, as well as accelerate wear and tear on system components. Always keep a supply of replacement filters at home, and set reminders so you won't forget to change them.

Low refrigerant. Refrigerant is a chemical solution that absorbs heat from your home and allows it to be expelled outside. If your system is leaking refrigerant for any reason – age, poor maintenance, improper installation or physical damage – your AC will eventually struggle to keep up. The problem will only get worse until a licensed HVAC technician repairs the leak and replenishes the refrigerant supply. The best way to monitor for this problem is to schedule AC tune-up service every year, and to keep an eye out for moisture or oily substances around hose connections on your outdoor compressor.

Blower problems. While your AC is responsible for removing heat and supplying cool air, it's the blower that actually moves air around your house. The blower is a powerful fan system with many moving parts that require occasional lubrication, as well as a fan belt that must be periodically replaced. If the belt breaks or if bearings run dry and seize up, your whole cooling system will grind to a halt. Inspection, lubrication, and necessary parts replacement are all typically part of your annual AC tune-up service.

Failing capacitors. The small, largely hidden components that spark your compressor motor to life are called capacitors, and they have shorter lifespans than most other AC system parts. Every time your thermostat sends a signal to start cooling, it's the capacitor that provides the jolt that gets the cool air flowing. During your annual tune-up, your technician should replace any capacitors that show signs of wear.

Thermostat malfunction. The thermostat is the brain of any AC system, and when it malfunctions all sorts of problems can arise. Your AC could run constantly or not at all, it could become unresponsive to user input, or it could even start reading room temperature incorrectly. Your HVAC technician should inspect your thermostat as part of annual maintenance, but like any electronics, thermostats can sometimes fail without warning. When this happens, replacement is almost always more cost-effective than repair, and it also provides the opportunity to upgrade to a modern smart thermostat.

Clogged drain line. ACs produce condensation as they operate, and this moisture drips into a drain pan before funneling into a drain line. Depending on where your system is installed, this drain line may lead to a basement floor drain or directly outside your home. If the line becomes clogged with dust, dirt, or the formation of mold or algae, the water may back up and overflow the drain pan, creating a wet mess that could damage system components. Your HVAC technician should inspect and clear this line as part of routine maintenance, but as an added preventative measure, you can occasionally pour a cup of white vinegar into the drain pan to inhibit mold growth.

System failure due to age. Nothing lasts forever, and when it comes to ACs, most systems last between seven and 10 years. As your system ages, it will gradually lose efficiency and may start experiencing more mechanical breakdowns. Planning ahead for system replacement can help you avoid an expensive yet unavoidable surprise.

So, what do you do if your AC unit isn’t working as well as it should or it’s nearing the end of its life? Our air conditioning protection plans can shield you from unexpected repair expenses and help you avoid costly breakdowns in the future.

Terms and conditions contained in the protection plans may limit our contract obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions, and our cash back offer. View plan details for more information.

Terms, conditions, and other restrictions

*Repair claims are limited to $500 per service call and $2,000 per plan in the aggregate per plan term. Plans are provided by NRG Protects Inc. Independent contractors will be performing various services under the plans. In some instances we may make a cash payment in lieu of repairs or replacement in the amount of actual cost, which may be less than retail, to repair or replace any covered system, component, or appliance.

**If your authorized repair technician determines that the water heater is deemed irreparable, we will give you a credit of $500 towards a replacement water heater by your authorized repair technician.

Once repair plans commence, there is a 30-day waiting period before you may request services for a claim. Unless the plan provider elects not to renew the plan, upon expiration of the first year, the plan will automatically renew at the standard rate and terms unless you opt out of the auto-renewal option in writing by mail at P.O. Box 2309, Houston, TX 77252- 2309, by email at cancel@nrgprotects.com or by calling us at 1.855.241.9094. Sales tax will be added in select states.

This is a summary of what the provider will and will not cover under the plan, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the plan. The Terms and Conditions may limit the provider's contractual obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions and any cash-back option available under the plan. Please refer to the Sample Terms & Conditions for details.