Written by Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning
Last updated: November 2025
Reading time: 4 minutes
Temperatures can vary in spring and fall, but it is fairly common to find yourself facing some seriously hot days during these seasons. On a hot day, nothing offers peace and comfort quite like an AC unit, but your home air conditioner is just a machine, and machines can break. In this article, we are going to take a quick look at how to tell if your AC is broken, including AC troubleshooting tactics the average homeowner can try.
Signs Your AC Needs Repair Work
Spotting a broken air conditioning unit, or one that could use repair work, is easier than the average person might think. In fact, most people are able to know very quickly that something is going wrong with their unit. Let’s explore the more subtle and the not-so-subtle ways to spot a broken air conditioner.
Your AC is Running but Not Cooling
The easiest—and worst—way to find out that your unit is broken is when your AC is not cooling properly. The most common causes include low refrigerant, often due to leaks, dirty condenser coils on the outdoor unit, clogged air filters, blocked or closed vents, and thermostat problems, such as dead batteries or incorrect calibration.
You may notice warm air coming from the vents even when the thermostat is set to a low temperature, or uneven cooling between rooms. If your energy bills have suddenly spiked, this can also signal that your AC is working overtime to compensate for a failing part. Running your system in this condition can cause further wear and tear, potentially damaging your compressor.
Your AC is Making Noise
Most of us get used to the sound of our air conditioners turning off and on, and that is just fine. However, if you notice that your air conditioning unit is starting to sound more like there is a ghost living in your vents, something is likely wrong.
For instance, a rattling sound may indicate loose parts or debris inside the fan. Screeching can indicate a worn belt or motor issue, while banging might signal something more serious, such as a broken compressor. Ignoring strange noises can turn a small mechanical problem into a full system breakdown.
Your Unit is Struggling
An air conditioner can break before giving out completely, and spotting the signs early can help you avoid outages. One strong indicator is that your air conditioner unit has started to struggle while operating in any way.
Some units may take an unusually long time to boot up or cool down the home, for example, and others may begin to power cycle, turning off and on without ever reaching the correct temperature. Any signs of distress from your unit can tell you that your system is in need of repair.
Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Some basic troubleshooting can help you rule out minor issues:
- Re-check thermostat model: It’s easy to accidentally set it to “fan” or “heat”
- Inspect the air filter: A clogged filter can cause freezing or overheating
- Look at the outdoor condensers: Buildup of debris can block airflow
- Check your circuit breaker: If the AC breaker tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, call a professional
- Check for blocked vents or furniture obstructing airflow: Many people overlook this simple issue.
- Inspect the drain line for clogs that might cause moisture buildup or leaks.
- If your AC has a reset switch, refer to your manual to try restarting the system after power fluctuations.
However, remember that DIY repairs beyond these checks can be risky and may void your warranty. If in doubt, turn the system off and schedule a diagnostic visit.
Schedule AC Repair Today
Air conditioner repair is an essential service that keeps Colorado homes cool when they need it. At the first sign of trouble, call in your Arvada HVAC professionals to get everything back up and running. At Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning, we can address all of your AC unit’s issues and help you find solutions that fit your needs and budget. With our expertise and your AC unit, you can enjoy cool air in every room of your home.
To learn more, explore our services, or contact us today. Our experts are here to help with your heating and cooling needs!
