Common AC Problems (And What to Do About Them)

There’s almost nothing worse than walking into a warm house after a long day, expecting cool relief—and realizing your AC isn’t doing its job.

Air conditioning problems are common, especially in Arvada and Wheat Ridge where systems get put to the test during the summer months. But not every issue means a major breakdown. Some problems are quick fixes, while others need professional repair to prevent long-term damage.

Below, we break down the most common AC problems we see in the Arvada area, what might be causing them, and what you can do about it. If you need help right away, Mighty Pine Heating & Air is here for fast, friendly, and local service.

Call (720) 538-8755

1. Your AC Won’t Turn On

What to check first:

• Is the thermostat set to “Cool” and turned down below room temperature?
• Have the batteries died?
• Did your circuit breaker trip?

Try flipping the breaker OFF and then back ON, replacing the thermostat batteries, or resetting any programmable schedules. If none of that works, it’s likely an internal system issue—possibly with wiring, the capacitor, or the compressor—and it’s time to call in the pros for AC repair in Arvada, CO.

2. The AC Keeps Turning On and Off (Short Cycling)

Short cycling means your system is starting and stopping too frequently. That’s not just annoying—it’s a sign that something’s off.

Common causes:

• A clogged or old air filter
• A refrigerant leak
• An oversized system that cools too quickly and shuts off before completing a full cycle

Start by replacing the filter. If that doesn’t fix it, schedule a professional AC maintenance visit so we can check refrigerant levels, coils, and other key components.

3. There’s No Cool Air Coming Out

You hear the system running, but the air coming from the vents feels warm—or barely moves at all.

Potential issues:

• Dirty air filter blocking airflow
• Ductwork problems or closed vents
• Frozen evaporator coils
• Low refrigerant

Try changing the air filter and ensuring all vents are open and unblocked. If you still don’t feel cool air, you may be dealing with refrigerant issues or a failing compressor—both of which require expert repair.

4. Hot Air Is Blowing Out

This one’s particularly frustrating. If hot air is coming from your AC system, the refrigerant may be low or leaking, or there could be a problem with the condenser or evaporator coil.

Don’t ignore this one. It won’t get better on its own, and running your system like this could cause further damage. A quick call to Mighty Pine can get your system cooling again.

5. The Coils Are Freezing

If you spot ice buildup on your outdoor unit or notice puddles around the air handler, your evaporator coils might be frozen.

What to do:

• Turn off the system and switch the fan ON to encourage thawing
• Replace your air filter if it’s dirty
• Avoid running the system until a technician can inspect it

Frozen coils often point to airflow issues or refrigerant problems—both of which we address with comprehensive HVAC service in Arvada and Wheat Ridge.

6. Foul Smells Are Coming from the Vents

Musty, sour, or burning smells coming from your vents usually mean one of three things:

• Mold or mildew inside the ductwork
• A clogged drain line or dirty drain pan
• Overheating electrical components
  

Foul odors can worsen indoor air quality or even lead to health issues if left unaddressed. Our team can locate the source, clean the system, and help prevent future issues with regular AC maintenance.

7. Loud or Strange Noises

A healthy AC system should be relatively quiet. If you start hearing buzzing, banging, grinding, or rattling, take note.

Here’s what those sounds might mean:

• Buzzing: electrical issue or failing capacitor
• Banging: loose parts or debris in the blower
• Grinding: motor bearing problems
• Hissing: refrigerant leak

In any of these cases, turn the system off and contact a technician. Continued use could worsen the problem.

8. Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping

If your breaker keeps flipping every time the AC kicks on, your system might be pulling more amps than the breaker is rated for. This could be caused by:

• A shorted motor
• Refrigerant issues
• Electrical overload

We never recommend trying to “force” the system back on repeatedly. Instead, let our team inspect it safely and thoroughly so you don’t risk permanent system damage—or an electrical fire.

9. Your System Just Isn’t Keeping Up

Sometimes the system is technically running—but your house is still warm, humid, or inconsistent from room to room.

If your system is over 10–15 years old, it may simply be struggling to perform. You may benefit more from a new AC installation than constant band-aid repairs.

At Mighty Pine, we’ll walk you through your options, assess your home’s cooling needs, and help you find a unit that saves energy while keeping every room comfortable.

Local AC Repair in Arvada and Wheat Ridge

From no-cool calls to frozen coils, Mighty Pine Heating & Air has seen—and solved—it all. Our experienced team provides responsive, high-quality air conditioning services in Arvada, CO, and we also serve nearby Wheat Ridge with the same attention to detail and care.

If your air conditioner is acting up, don’t wait for things to get worse.

Contact us today to schedule your AC service and get back to feeling cool and comfortable ASAP.

Call (720) 538-8755