Beat the Heat: 5 Common AC Problems (DIY Fixes & When to Call a Pro)
Is your AC blowing hot air or making strange noises in the heat? Not only is experiencing such AC problems annoying, they can also be a sign of increased electricity bills and expensive repairs. Before you panic, it’s important to educate yourself because many common problems have simple solutions that you can do yourself. This guide explains the 5 most common AC problems, offers practical do-it-yourself solutions, and gives clear indications on when to call in a professional.
What to do if the AC is blowing hot or weak air?
The AC is running constantly, but the house feels lukewarm instead of cool.
- Dirty air filter (most common cause): A clogged filter blocks airflow, reduces cooling capacity, and forces the AC to work harder. Because how will it pull in fresh air and convert it into cool air when there is no airflow?
- Low refrigerant: This essential cooling substance absorbs heat. Low levels, usually due to leaks, cause poor cooling.
- Block condenser unit (outdoor unit): Dirt, leaves, or debris can clog the outdoor coils, preventing heat from escaping. If this unit malfunctions, you will definitely experience a cold.
- Thermostat malfunction: incorrect settings (unintentionally on “heat”), dead battery, or calibration issues.
- Strange noises (knocking, rattling, whistling, crackling): This could be a warning sign for you. Your previously silent AC now sounds like a toolbox falling down the stairs. Unusual noises rarely fix themselves.
How to solve it yourself?
Change or clean the air filter: Find the filter and remove the old filter, clean it or install a new one. Do this every month during the summer season because the AC is used a lot during these days and with the air flow, it also pulls in dust and dirt.
Cleaning around the outdoor unit: First, you need to turn off the power at the breaker. Go to the outdoor AC unit and clean the leaves, grass, and debris within 2 feet. You can wash the grilles of your outdoor unit to remove any dirt that may be stuck in them. This is usually done with a high-pressure water machine.
If changing or cleaning the filter doesn’t work, be sure to call an AC service provider. You can also hire a good expert on Fixydo and get your AC serviced. Always call someone good, professional, and skilled for AC service.
Most Alarming Issues in your AC that need to fix
- Loose panels, screws, or debris (branches, leaves) stuck in the outdoor fan cage could be causing the rattling sound. You can check this problem yourself, but if you can’t figure it out, call a good AC repairman.
- If you hear a knocking/rattling sound, it could possibly be caused by a broken or unbalanced fan blade, loose motor mount, or a failed compressor.
- You should take a serious note when you hear a whistling/bubbling sound in AC as it usually indicates a refrigerant leak.
These are the situations that you should immediately call a good AC repairman when they appear. If you are not sure about the AC service fee in Dubai, we also provide you with information about it. Here is a general rate list that may vary depending on the service provider or technician fee. For more information, you can visit the Fixydo AC Repairing Services section and compare the various service providers available.
| Service / Repair | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic AC Service (Split/Window) | AED 150 – 300 | Includes filter cleaning, coil check, refrigerant level, etc. |
| Deep Cleaning / Chemical Cleaning | AED 300 – 600 | More extensive cleaning like coil, drain, ducts |
| Central / Ducted AC Servicing | AED 400 – 800 (single visit) | For complex systems |
| Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) | AED 500 – 2,000 per unit/year | Includes multiple visits, priority etc. |
| Refrigerant Top-up / Recharge | AED 150 – 800 | Depending on refrigerant type & leak detection |
| Refrigerant Leak Repair | AED 200 – 600 or up to 1,500 | Depending on severity |
| Thermostat Replacement | AED 150 – 600 | Standard repairs, smart thermostats more costly |
| Fan / Motor Replacement | AED ~400 | As per Cool Air UAE pricing |
| Compressor Repair / Replacement | AED 800 – 3,000 (up to AED 2,500 commonly) | Central system costs vary |
| PCB Board Repair | AED 400 – 900 | |
| Other (Drain line, wiring, sensors, etc.) | AED 100 – 400 | E.g., leak repair, pipelines, filters |
AC Troubleshooting Quick Reference Table
| Problem | Top Causes | Safe DIY Steps | Call a Pro When? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm/Weak Air | Dirty filter, Low refrigerant, Blocked condenser, Thermostat | Replace filter, Clean outdoor unit, Check thermostat | Refrigerant leak suspected, DIY fails, Thermostat faulty |
| Water Leaks | Clogged drain, Dirty filter, Frozen coil, Damaged pan | Pour vinegar down drain, Replace filter | Major leak, Vinegar fails, Ice present, Pan damaged |
| Strange Noises | Loose parts, Debris, Refrigerant leak, Motor failure | Turn off power, Tighten panels, Clear debris | Hissing/bubbling, Grinding, Loud banging, Rattling persists |
| Won’t Turn On | Tripped breaker, Dead thermostat, Faulty capacitor, Safety switch | Reset breaker, Replace batteries, Check drain | Breaker trips repeatedly, Capacitor issues, Motor failure |
| Short Cycling | Dirty filter/coils, Oversized unit, Refrigerant issue, Frozen coil | Replace filter, Clean outdoor unit, Relocate thermostat | Ice on coils, Refrigerant issues, Unit significantly oversized |
Prevention is Cheaper Than Repair: Your AC Maintenance Checklist
These common problems can be avoided by following this simple routine:
- Replace Filters: Be sure to clean or replace filters every month, or at least every 3 months during heavy use (heat/cold). If you are considering getting new filters, always use the correct size and MERV rating.
- Outdoor Unit Maintenance: Every Spring/Fall: Clean 2+ feet around unit. Wash condenser coils lightly with hose (power off!). Trim plants/shrubs.
Annually, a certified technician should check the refrigerant levels, inspect the electrical components, clean the coils, calibrate the thermostat, and catch potential problems early. This is the best investment to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of the AC. But first, you must take care of the little things.
Fixydo is a handy services website where you can book any good AC repair or service provider as per your choice and budget. You just have to find any nearby AC service provider based on your location, which you can do with the help of advanced filters. Get your AC checked today, book now. You can directly jump according to your location;