Air conditioner problems, lifespan and upkeep
A central air conditioner moves heat out of your house: the indoor coil absorbs it into refrigerant, and the outdoor unit releases it. That's why it can stop cooling when airflow is restricted or the outdoor unit is dirty, or not turn on at all when power, a thermostat or a clogged condensate line trips it off. If you have a heat pump, the same outdoor unit cools in summer, so the heat pump guide applies too. Refrigerant and electrical work always belongs to a licensed pro.
- Air conditioner not cooling?The AC runs but the air isn't cool, usually a dirty filter, a thermostat setting, a dirty outdoor coil, or a frozen indoor coil.
- Air conditioner won't turn on?Nothing runs when cooling is called for, usually a thermostat issue, a tripped breaker or disconnect, or a clogged condensate line.
Typical lifespan: about 10–20 years
Signs it is near the end:
- A repair costs more than half the price of a replacement.
- Repairs are getting frequent, especially refrigerant leaks or a failing compressor.
- The house cools unevenly or takes much longer to cool than it used to.
- Rising energy bills with no change in how you use it.
- Loud grinding, rattling or squealing from the outdoor unit.
- Check the air filter monthly during cooling season and replace it when it's dirty.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass and debris, with clear space around it.
- Gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose (power off first) when it looks dirty.
- Keep supply vents and return grilles unblocked.
- Have a technician service the system once a year, ideally before summer.
- FurnaceFall
The furnace runs but the house stays cold, which is usually a clogged filter, a thermostat setting, or an ignition fault.
- Heat pumpFall
The heat pump runs but the house stays cold, which is usually thermostat settings, a clogged filter, or an iced-over outdoor unit.
- Washer
Water is left in the drum after the cycle, which is usually a clogged pump filter or a kinked drain hose.
- Fridge
The fridge section is warm or warming. The cause depends on whether the freezer is still cold, and the first fix is often free.
- Washer
The drum fills and washes but won't spin, which is usually an unbalanced load, the lid switch, or a drain problem.
Diagnose your air conditioner in seconds, for free
No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.
Snap one of these:
- the outdoor unit, including the fan and coil
- the thermostat display and mode
- the indoor unit's refrigerant lines, especially any ice
- the model label on the outdoor unit
Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.
Fixology helps you understand your home — it isn't a substitute for a licensed pro on serious gas, electrical, or structural work.