Talk to an air conditioning repair and installation service near you. Better Homes & Gardens Local Services connects you to companies that specialize in repairing and installing central air conditioning systems. Get started on your project today with a free quote!
Central AC systems are relatively complex, and may stop working for any number of reasons.
Some central air cooling issues are relatively easy to fix:
These central air cooling issues require an HVAC pro:
These central air cooling issues require an HVAC pro:
First things first: if your system is leaking water, turn it off to prevent water damage.
As for the leaking, common causes include the drain pipe getting clogged, a pump failing, or a cracked pan. In colder temperatures, the evaporator coil may freeze and then leak water when melting.
If water is leaking from your system, it’s wise to contact an HVAC professional who can find and resolve the issue.
Factors that cause central air systems to freeze up include a dirty air filter, blocked air vents inside the house, a bad evaporator coil, or low refrigerant.
To avoid damage, you should address the issue quickly. When you first notice your system freezing, turn it off, and turn on your thermostat fan to thaw the system.
Next, make sure the system’s air filter isn't too dirty, and also check that the supply and return air vents inside the house are free and clear. Additionally, check to see that the large, outdoor condenser unit is free from dirt buildup and debris like leaves, twigs and grasses.
If the filter, vents and outdoor condenser all seem fine, it's time to call a local HVAC professional.
The most obvious sign is a lack of cooling. Also, be aware of any strange sounds or odors coming from the air conditioner. Other signs of trouble include poor airflow, unexpected thermostat behavior, or water leaking from the system.
If you think there's a problem, it’s better to resolve the issue quickly than wait for the air conditioner to stop working completely. On-going issues can result in serious, expensive damage to your system.
Explore other FAQs on this page for more clues and information.
Homeowners should have their central AC system serviced at least once a year.
Even if you don’t suspect any issues, regular service maintenance is important to keep your system running as cleanly and efficiently as possible, and extend its overall lifespan.