Spring is a great time to take notice of the quality of your air conditioner. Are you satisfied with the quality of it? If not then it might be time to repair your air conditioner. Repair services are somewhat inevitable within the lifespan of every air conditioner, but if you could avoid them as often as possible, wouldn’t you? Instead of rushing to call your HVAC company, it’s helpful to first understand common signs that indicate you should call for AC repair to catch issues early and prevent major breakdowns.
If you found yourself face-to-face with an AC issue this spring, you might have just rushed over to the phone and dialed the number of your preferred HVAC company without a second thought. We want to encourage you to take a moment to really understand common air conditioning problems and how to avoid them in the future. If you want to learn more about your air conditioner then keep reading.
What common AC problems should you watch for?
Several common air conditioning issues can signal the need for repair and be prevented with regular maintenance:
- Faulty thermostat causing inaccurate temperature control or frequent cycling
- Refrigerant or water leaks that can damage components and reduce efficiency
- Strange noises indicating mechanical wear or airflow blockages
- Warm air or weak airflow, often due to dirty filters or duct issues
- Short cycling, where the system turns on and off frequently
To avoid these problems: change filters regularly, consider a thermostat upgrade, and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.
Common AC Problems in Hot Weather & Warning Signs
Here are some common air conditioning problems to look out for in the upcoming months:
- Your thermostat is gravely inaccurate
- Your outdoor unit is leaking (either refrigerant or water)
- You hear weird sounds whenever you run your system
- Your AC bill is sky-high
- Your unit blows lukewarm or hot air
- Your AC short cycles
Expert AC Prevention Tips That Actually Work
#1. Check in on Your Air Filter
Nine times out of ten we suggest that you let a professional air conditioning technician do everything for your air conditioner. One thing you can do though is: regularly change the air filter in your home. When we talk about your air filter, we’re not talking about any indoor air quality systems that you might have in your home, we’re talking about the filter in your air conditioning unit. Different AC units require different things—some require you to change the filter while others require you to clean it. Get to know your air conditioner and change or replace the filter at least once a season to avoid air conditioning problems. Additionally, if you’ve noticed your system short cycling or making unusual noises, it may be time to inspect the filter or schedule a maintenance visit.
#2. Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat
If you haven’t upgraded your thermostat since you bought your air conditioner or heater, it’s time for you to consider an upgrade. Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. If you’re still using a dial thermostat or a digital thermostat without advanced features, you’re just not getting the most from your thermostat. Smart thermostats on the market work for you and they even strive to help you save money and energy. An upgrade to one of these systems is helpful to both your air conditioner and your wallet.
#3. Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Scheduling an appointment for maintenance services with our team is the best thing you can do for your system hands down. Spring is the best time of year to schedule these appointments too! If you haven’t maintained your system yet, contact our team today and schedule an appointment. Make sure to ask about our maintenance program too! Also, if you notice your AC has excessive condensation, it’s a good idea to get it checked during your maintenance visit to prevent more severe issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are common problems that air conditioners face during warm weather?
Answer: Some common AC issues include inaccurate thermostat readings, leaks in the outdoor unit, unusual noises when the system runs, high energy bills, warm air instead of cool, and frequent on‑off cycling, also known as short cycling.
Question: What’s a simple maintenance step I can do myself to help avoid AC problems?
Answer: A good practice is to check and either clean or replace your AC’s air filter regularly. Depending on your system, you might need to change or clean the filter at least once every season to keep it running efficiently.
Question: Why should I consider upgrading my thermostat for my AC system?
Answer: Older or basic thermostats may be inaccurate or inefficient. Upgrading to a modern or smart thermostat helps your AC run more efficiently, which can prevent problems and reduce overall energy use.
Question: How important is scheduled maintenance for preventing AC problems?
Answer: Very important. Scheduling regular professional maintenance — ideally before the hot season — helps catch problems like leaks or excess condensation early. This prevents severe breakdowns and extends the system’s lifespan.
If you’re looking for quality air conditioning repair services in Coos Bay, OR then we’re the right team to call. Make sure you contact Comfort Flow Heating to schedule an appointment today.
541-726-0100