Common AC Problems and How to Deal with Them

Don't buy a new AC just yet and see if the issue can be fixed.

Air conditioners are a lifesaver for West Michigan homeowners, keeping homes cool during the hot, humid summers. When your air conditioner begins to falter, it can leave your home feeling uncomfortable while driving up your energy costs. Understanding the most frequent AC issues—and the best ways to address them—can help you avoid unnecessary expenses, hassle, and wasted time.

Whether you live near downtown Grand Rapids, in the neighborhoods of Wyoming, or the quieter streets of Ada, MI, understanding the warning signs and knowing when to call a professional can keep your home comfortable all year.

Why AC Problems Are Common in West Michigan

West Michigan’s weather is extreme. Sweltering summer humidity strains cooling systems, and bone-chilling winter dryness may lead to frozen coils and restricted airflow. Add dust, pet dander, and debris in your ducts, and your system has to work overtime just to keep up.

The silver lining? Most problems are preventable. Regular maintenance, like air duct cleaning or HVAC inspections, catches issues before they become costly. Homeowners in Kentwood, Ada, and surrounding areas often find that preventive care not only reduces energy bills but keeps the whole house comfortable, no matter the season.

Everyday Air Conditioning Problems and How to Tackle Them

Discover the common challenges homeowners encounter and practical steps to tackle them.

1. AC Constantly Running

If your AC never seems to turn off, it’s not just annoying—it’s costing you money. Common causes include dirty air filters, a faulty thermostat, a stuck fan, or electrical issues.

What to do: Start by cleaning or replacing your air filters every 1–2 months and double-check your thermostat settings. If it keeps running, call a professional. Local technicians in Grand Rapids can quickly diagnose the issue.

2. AC Won’t Turn On

Sometimes your AC simply refuses to start, leaving your home hot and uncomfortable. This may happen due to tripped circuit breakers, a damaged thermostat, or wiring issues.

Steps to take: Reset any tripped breakers, but skip the DIY electrical work. A professional HVAC inspection ensures your system is safe and fixes the root cause.

3. Weak or No Cool Air

If your AC is blowing weak air or isn’t cooling effectively, it could be caused by low refrigerant, blocked ducts, worn blower belts, or dirty air filters.

Tips for fixing it: Replace filters and clear any duct obstructions. Professional air duct cleaning ensures your system isn’t clogged with dust or debris. If refrigerant is low, a certified technician can handle the refill safely.

4. AC Blowing Hot Air

When your AC pushes warm air instead of cooling, it can make your home uncomfortable very quickly. This is usually caused by dirty filters, duct obstructions, or low refrigerant levels.

How to deal with it: Replace filters regularly, especially during spring and summer, and schedule duct cleaning or duct sanitization to maintain proper airflow. When the issue persists, schedule a service visit so an expert can check the refrigerant and system parts.

5. Coolant or Drainage Leaks

Moisture or leaks near your air conditioner can signal a serious problem. Refrigerant leaks often appear as bright stains, while water leaks result from excess condensation.

Steps to address it: Have a trained expert inspect it promptly to reduce the risk of costly repairs. Regular maintenance, including dryer vent cleaning, can help minimize moisture issues.

6. Unstable Cooling Pattern (Short Run Times)

Short cycling, where your AC rapidly turns on and off, can damage your system and increase energy costs. Causes include clogged filters, miscalibrated thermostats, or an oversized AC unit.

How to fix it: Replace dirty filters and have a professional assess whether your system is properly sized for your home. Correct sizing and a properly calibrated thermostat improve efficiency and comfort.

7. Freezing AC Coils

Ice forming around your AC coils or copper lines is a sign of low refrigerant, poor airflow, or blocked ducts.

Recommended action: Turn off your system and let the ice melt, then schedule an HVAC inspection to check refrigerant and airflow. Keeping ducts clean before winter can prevent this issue.

8. Circuit Breaker Trips Repeatedly

If your AC trips the breaker often, the issue could be improper installation, electrical capacity problems, or faulty wiring.

Tips for resolving it: Avoid DIY solutions. Call a licensed professional to inspect your system and ensure that your wiring and breakers are rated correctly. Homeowners in Grand Rapids, Ada, and Kentwood should rely on local, trusted technicians for safe installation and repair.

Preventive Steps for West Michigan Homeowners

Keeping your AC in top shape is much easier than repairing it after a breakdown. Here’s what helps:

• Schedule annual AC maintenance before summer and winter.
  
  
• Keep ducts clean with air duct cleaning.
  
  
• Reduce moisture and improve airflow with dryer vent cleaning.
  
  
• Replace air filters every 1–2 months.
  
  
• Monitor your system for unusual noises, smells, or leaks.

Regular care keeps your system running efficiently, prolongs its life, and ensures your home stays comfortable through West Michigan’s seasonal extremes.

When to Call a Professional

Some AC issues, such as changing a filter or adjusting the thermostat, can often be handled on your own. However, if your system won’t start, airflow is weak or warm, ice is forming, or the unit cycles on and off repeatedly, it’s time to call a certified HVAC professional.

At Grand Rapids Duct Cleaners, we help homeowners throughout the area with everything from routine maintenance to full AC repairs and system replacements. Our services include air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, duct sanitization, and preventive maintenance to keep your home comfortable year-round. Contact us today to schedule a service or have one of our experts inspect your system.

Keep Your AC Running Smoothly Year-Round

A well-functioning air conditioning system is essential for your home, and small malfunctions can escalate into significant expenses if not addressed promptly. By understanding common problems—like weak airflow, short cycling, or leaks—and taking simple preventive steps, homeowners can help their systems run efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress.

Regular maintenance, including air duct cleaning and dryer vent care, can prevent many common AC issues and improve indoor air quality. Paying attention to your system and addressing small problems early can make a big difference, keeping your home comfortable through both West Michigan’s humid summers and wet, cold winters.