When New England summers bring their characteristic humidity, a working air conditioner is key to maintaining a cool, comfortable home. But what if your AC starts acting up right when you need it most? Understanding common air conditioning problems—and how to troubleshoot them—can help you stay ahead of discomfort and costly repairs.

At Townsend Energy, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine navigate their heating and cooling challenges confidently and clearly.

If your AC isn’t cooling or you notice issues, don’t wait — call us today! Reach out at (978) 717-0490 or fill out our online contact form for prompt, reliable assistance.

Why Does Your Air Conditioner Stop Cooling?

When your AC stops cooling effectively, it’s often a sign of something restricting the system’s ability to move heat from inside your home to the outdoors. The causes can range from simple maintenance issues to problems that require professional attention. Common causes may include:

Dirty or clogged air filters: The filter keeps dust and allergens from circulating through your home, but when it’s dirty, airflow is restricted. This causes your AC to work harder, reduces cooling efficiency, and can lead to ice forming on the evaporator coil. Replacing or cleaning filters every 1–3 months during the cooling season is essential.
Refrigerant leaks: Your AC relies on refrigerant to absorb and release heat. If your system is low on refrigerant—often due to a leak—it won’t cool properly. Refrigerant leaks require professional detection and repair since handling refrigerants involves safety protocols.
Thermostat problems: Sometimes the thermostat settings or calibration can cause the system to run improperly or not at all. Check that your thermostat is set to "cool" and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If it still doesn’t work, the thermostat itself might be faulty.
Frozen evaporator coils: Insufficient airflow or low refrigerant can cause these coils to freeze, stopping your AC from cooling. Clogged filters, dirty coils, or blocked vents can also contribute to freezing.
Blocked or dirty condenser unit: The outdoor condenser unit needs unobstructed airflow to release heat. Dirt, leaves, or debris covering the fins reduces its efficiency. Regularly clearing debris and ensuring at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit helps maintain performance.

If you’ve checked your filter and thermostat and the system still isn’t cooling, scheduling a professional inspection is wise.

Common AC Noises and What They Mean

Unusual noises from your air conditioner are often your system’s way of signaling something’s wrong. Ignoring these sounds can allow minor issues to develop into costly repairs. Here’s what different noises may indicate:

Grinding or squealing: These sounds often come from worn or failing motor bearings or the compressor. If you hear this, turning off your AC and contacting a professional promptly can prevent further damage.
Banging or clanking: Loose or broken parts, such as fan blades, bolts, or components in the compressor housing, can cause banging sounds. This usually requires professional repair to safely replace or tighten parts.
Hissing or bubbling: These noises typically indicate a refrigerant leak or a problem with the refrigerant lines. Since refrigerant leaks can affect performance and environmental safety, professional repair is necessary.
Clicking sounds: Repeated clicking may be caused by a thermostat malfunction or electrical relay issues. If your AC keeps turning on and off rapidly (short cycling), it can lead to system strain.

If you notice any of these noises, it's best to stop using your unit and call Townsend Energy to diagnose the problem safely and accurately.

Why Is Your AC Leaking Water?

Seeing water pooling around your indoor or outdoor AC unit can be alarming, but it’s a fairly common problem with several causes:

Clogged condensate drain line: Your AC removes moisture from the air, which collects and drains away through the condensate line. Water can back up and leak inside your home if this drain becomes clogged with algae, dirt, or debris.
Frozen evaporator coils: When coils freeze due to airflow or refrigerant issues and then thaw, excess water may drip and overflow the drain pan.
Poor installation or drainage: Improperly installed units or drainage systems that don’t slope correctly can cause water to pool or leak where it shouldn’t.

To reduce the risk of leaks, homeowners should regularly inspect the drain line, keep the area around the outdoor unit clear, and schedule professional maintenance to clean drain lines and check for other issues.

How to Reset Your AC Unit Safely

If your air conditioner suddenly stops working or behaves erratically, a simple reset can sometimes help. Here’s a safe way to do it:

Turn off the thermostat and set it to “off.”
Switch off power to the AC at your home’s breaker box or disconnect switch near the outdoor unit.
Wait for about 5 minutes to allow the system’s electronics to reset.
Turn the power back on.
Set your thermostat to “cool” and program your desired temperature.

This reset can clear minor glitches but is not a fix for mechanical problems or refrigerant issues. If your AC does not resume regular operation after resetting, it’s best to call a technician from Townsend Energy.

Preventative Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly

Preventing air conditioning problems is often easier and less costly than repairing them. Here are some straightforward tips to keep your system running efficiently during New England’s humid summers:

Replace or clean your air filters regularly: This simple step improves air quality and strengthens airflow.
Keep your outdoor condenser unit clean: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and other debris at least once a month.
Schedule professional maintenance annually: A licensed HVAC technician can inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils, lubricate parts, and check electrical components.
Seal gaps and leaks in your home: Proper insulation and sealing around doors and windows reduce the cooling load on your system.
Use a programmable thermostat: Setting your thermostat to raise the temperature when no one’s home helps reduce wear on your AC.

Following these tips can help your AC operate more efficiently, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your system.

When to Call Our Experts

If your AC is still struggling after trying basic troubleshooting or if you notice persistent issues like strange noises, water leaks, or uneven cooling, it’s time to reach out to trusted professionals.

Townsend Energy offers comprehensive air conditioning services tailored for New England homes. Our expert technicians have the experience and knowledge to diagnose and fix a wide range of cooling problems safely and efficiently.

Don’t let a faulty air conditioner leave you uncomfortable. Call us at (978) 717-0490 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule service or get advice from our friendly team.