Common AC Problems and How to Troubleshoot Them
- Jean Swafford
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Why is My Air Conditioner Not Working?
When your AC stops working, especially during the hot Florida summers, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. At Big Air AC, we often get calls from homeowners in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and surrounding areas experiencing AC issues. Before you panic, here are some common problems and what you can do before calling a professional.
1. Clogged Drain Line
A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons an AC unit stops working.
Symptoms: Water leaking near the indoor unit, AC shutting off unexpectedly
What You Can Do:
Locate the drain line (usually a white PVC pipe near the outdoor unit)
Use a wet/dry vacuum to suction out any debris
Pour a mixture of vinegar and water into the line to prevent buildup
2. Bad Blower Motor
The blower motor is responsible for pushing cool air through your home.
Symptoms: Weak or no airflow from vents, unusual noises
What You Can Do:
Check the air filter (a clogged filter can cause the motor to overheat)
Listen for any buzzing sounds, which may indicate motor failure
If the motor isn’t working, it likely needs professional repair
3. Bad Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor helps release heat from your system.
Symptoms: The outdoor unit is running but not cooling, loud noises coming from the fan
What You Can Do:
Ensure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit
Turn the unit off and try spinning the fan blades gently (if they don’t spin freely, the motor may be bad)
Call Big Air AC for professional service
4. Bad Capacitor
Capacitors give the compressor and fan motors the boost they need to start up.
Symptoms: AC won’t turn on, clicking sound from the outdoor unit
What You Can Do:
Turn off power to the unit and check for any bulging or leaking capacitors
Capacitors store high voltage—this is best left to a professional
5. Bad Contactor
The contactor controls electricity flow to the compressor and fan.
Symptoms: AC unit won’t turn on, humming noise but no cooling
What You Can Do:
Listen for a clicking sound when the thermostat is adjusted
If there’s no click, the contactor may need replacement
6. Broken Thermostat
Your thermostat controls when and how the AC runs.
Symptoms: AC won’t turn on, incorrect temperature readings
What You Can Do:
Replace the thermostat batteries
Ensure it’s set to cool mode
If it’s an older unit, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat
7. Low Refrigerant Due to a Leak
If your system is low on refrigerant, it won’t cool properly.
Symptoms: AC blowing warm air, ice buildup on refrigerant lines
What You Can Do:
Check for visible ice on the copper refrigerant lines
If there’s ice, turn off the unit and let it thaw before calling a technician
Only a licensed HVAC professional can recharge refrigerant
8. Broken Breaker or Tripped Breaker
A tripped breaker can stop your AC from running.
Symptoms: AC unit completely dead, no power to thermostat
What You Can Do:
Check the electrical panel and reset the breaker
If it trips again, there may be an electrical issue requiring professional attention
When to Call Big Air AC
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and your AC still isn’t working, Big Air AC can help. We offer same-day service and will diagnose the issue, provide transparent pricing, and ensure your system is running efficiently.
Call us at (239) 738-1344 or visit BigAirAC.com to schedule an appointment today!
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