When your air conditioner in Richardson, TX, stops working properly, all you want is relief. But before you call for help, it’s natural to do a little Googling first. That’s just how we figure things out these days.
DIY air conditioning repair advice is everywhere online, and some of it seems simple enough.
Still, not every AC issue is something you can (or should) handle on your own.
Let’s break down the most common air conditioning problems we see in Richardson, what might be causing them, and when it’s best to call a professional AC repair service like TemperaturePro.
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6 Times You Should Call an AC Repair Service for an Air Conditioning Problem
Some air conditioning problems are obvious—you know you need an air conditioning contractor. Others might tempt you to try a little DIY air conditioning repair first. But even if you know a guy or watch a few videos online, these six common issues will require quality AC repairs from experienced HVAC technicians:
1. Warm Air Is Blowing from the Vents
You’ve set the thermostat to cool, but all you feel is warm air. The house heats up fast, and if temps outside are already pushing 100, this can become more than just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous, especially for kids, pets, or older adults. Something’s clearly wrong, and letting the AC run like this strains the system and results in high energy bills.
What’s Causing This Issue?
This problem often points to low refrigerant, a failed compressor, dirty coils, or a thermostat that’s sending the wrong signals. If refrigerant is the issue, this isn’t something you can legally handle without EPA certification. DIY kits won’t find or fix leaks, and adding the wrong amount of refrigerant can permanently damage the compressor.
A licensed Richardson AC repair technician can safely test pressure levels, locate any leaks, make repairs, and recharge the system to manufacturer specs.
2. Weak or No Airflow from Your AC
Your AC is running, but the air barely trickles out of the vents. Some rooms might feel okay, while others are warm and stale. Not only does this make your home uncomfortable, but poor airflow also forces your system to work harder than it should, ultimately driving up your energy bills and increasing wear and tear on your AC unit.
What’s Causing This Issue?
Weak airflow usually comes from a clogged air filter, blocked or leaky ductwork, or a failing blower motor. If the filter hasn’t been changed in a while, that’s a good place to start—but if that doesn’t help, it’s time to call for professional AC repair in Richardson.
An air conditioning contractor can inspect the blower motor, check airflow through the ducts, and test for electrical or mechanical issues. They have the tools to measure pressure and locate blockages that aren’t visible to the eye.
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Air Conditioning Unit
If your cooling system starts making loud, unusual noises—like banging, screeching, buzzing, or rattling—it’s a sign something inside isn’t working like it should. These sounds usually don’t go away on their own. In fact, they often mean system components are loose, worn out, or about to break.
What’s Causing This Issue?
Noises like these can come from a loose fan blade, a bad motor bearing, a broken part inside the compressor, or even debris caught in the AC unit. The problem is, without the right training, it’s almost impossible to tell just by listening. Trying to tighten or replace parts yourself can be dangerous and lead to even more damage.
HVAC technicians can pinpoint the source of the sound, safely access internal components, and make the repair before it turns into a full AC failure. If you’re hearing anything out of the ordinary, it’s smart to schedule air conditioning repair in Richardson before things get worse.
4. Air Conditioning System Keeps Turning On and Off
If your AC system is constantly switching on, running for a minute or two, then shutting back off, only to repeat the cycle, it’s called short cycling. Not only does it fail to cool your home properly, but your monthly energy bills are really going to take a hit.
What’s Causing This Issue?
Short cycling can be caused by a clogged air filter, dirty evaporator coils, frozen components, a failing thermostat, or even a system that’s too big for your house. Either way, it takes a trained HVAC technician to inspect the whole setup and figure out why it’s happening.
Short cycling can overheat the compressor or burn out other key parts. Experienced HVAC technicians can quickly clean the system, check airflow, recalibrate the thermostat, or recommend adjustments so your system runs the way it’s supposed to.
5. Water Leaks Around the AC System
If you’re spotting water near your indoor unit—or worse, dripping through the ceiling—it’s more than just a mess. Water around your AC can lead to mold, damaged drywall, or soaked flooring if it’s not fixed quickly. Your indoor air quality can also seriously suffer.
What’s Causing This Issue?
Most often, this points to a clogged condensate drain line, a cracked or rusted drain pan, or frozen evaporator coils that are thawing out. You’ll need qualified technicians to clear the drain line, inspect for pan damage, and figure out why the coils are freezing and stop it from happening again.
6. AC Unit Won’t Turn On at All
You’ve checked the thermostat, flipped the breaker, and nothing. No air, no noise, no sign of life. When your AC won’t kick on in the summer heat, it’s more than uncomfortable. It can be dangerous.
What’s Causing This Issue?
This kind of full system failure could be a blown capacitor, a faulty thermostat, a tripped safety switch, or even a deeper electrical problem. And unless you’ve got HVAC training, trying to fix it yourself can be risky. These systems involve high-voltage components, and guessing wrong can do more harm than good.
A licensed HVAC technician knows how to test each part safely, pinpoint the breakdown, and get your system back online without making things worse—or putting you in danger.
More on Why DIY AC Repairs Are No Good—and What You Can Do
We’ve already talked a lot about why DIY air conditioning repair isn’t recommended. Simply put, it’s not safe and there’s too much that can go wrong. Even more important? DIY AC repairs can void your manufacturer’s warranty. If you open the wrong panel, damage a sealed part, or handle refrigerant without certification, you could lose your protection entirely, leaving you on the hook for costly repairs or a new AC installation.
That said, if you really want to troubleshoot your Richardson AC repair, here are a few things you can do:
- Change Your Air Filter: A clogged filter can cause weak cooling, frozen coils, or short cycling. A fresh one might fix it fast.
- Check the Thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “cool,” below the room temp, and has working batteries. It could be that simple.
- Look at the Breaker Box: If the AC won’t turn on, a tripped breaker might be the reason. Flip it once to reset.
- Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit: Leaves or dirt around your condenser can block airflow and hurt performance.
- Open Your Vents: Closed vents can throw off airflow and make it seem like your system isn’t working properly.
Our best advice? When you need help with your Richardson air conditioning repair, call TemperaturePro!
Schedule Your AC Repair in Richardson With Us Today
At TemperaturePro, our certified HVAC technicians are trained to do it all. We arrive with fully stocked trucks, ready to diagnose the issue and get your home cool again. Or, if your AC system is too old or severely damaged, and a new AC installation makes more financial sense, we can install a new system quickly.
We also offer routine maintenance to prevent many problems like these and keep your system running at peak performance. With regular maintenance and an annual AC tune up, you’ll avoid breakdowns and save money over time. Want to keep your AC on all summer and avoid a broken heater in January? Join our ProPlan to get on a set maintenance schedule so we can identify minor issues before they become more extensive (and expensive) to deal with.
Locally owned and backed by 5-star reviews, TemperaturePro is known across Richardson and the surrounding area for great service and honest recommendations. We work with top brands, always focus on the best solution for your home, and treat every job like it’s for family. Call our office or schedule your AC repair in Richardson, TX, online!
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