Having trouble with your air conditioner or heating system? Below are answers to some of the most common HVAC problems homeowners experience in Memphis, Arlington, Bartlett, Lakeland, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, and surrounding areas.

If these simple checks don't solve the problem, HVAC Heroes can diagnose the system and help you determine the best repair option.
 
Why is my AC running but not cooling?

If your air conditioner is running but your house isn't getting cool, several things could be causing the problem. Common causes include a dirty air filter, frozen evaporator coil, low refrigerant due to a leak, dirty outdoor coil, failed capacitor, blower problem, or compressor issue.

First, make sure your thermostat is set to COOL and check your air filter. If everything looks normal but the house still isn't cooling, it's time to have the system diagnosed.

Why is my AC blowing warm air?

Warm air from your vents can happen when the indoor portion of the system is running but the outdoor unit isn't cooling properly.

Check that your thermostat is set to COOL rather than FAN. You can also check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. If the breaker trips again after being reset, don't continue resetting it—schedule service to determine why it's tripping.

Why won't my air conditioner turn on?

An AC that won't turn on could be caused by the thermostat, a tripped breaker, a condensate safety switch, failed capacitor, electrical problem, or another system component.

Check your thermostat and breaker first. If the system still won't start, an HVAC technician can determine whether the problem is electrical, mechanical, or related to the cooling system.

Why is my outside AC unit not running?

If air is coming from your vents but the outdoor condenser isn't running, your home may not cool properly.

Possible causes include a tripped breaker, failed capacitor, contactor, condenser fan motor, wiring problem, or compressor issue.

Turn the system off if it isn't cooling and schedule a diagnostic rather than continuing to run it.

Why does my AC keep freezing up?

Ice on your evaporator coil or refrigerant lines isn't normal, even when it's extremely hot outside.

A frozen AC can be caused by restricted airflow, a dirty filter, blower problems, a dirty evaporator coil, or a refrigerant issue.

Turn the cooling system off and allow the ice to thaw. Avoid continuing to run a frozen system because the underlying problem still needs to be corrected.

Why is my AC leaking water?

Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it cools your home, especially during humid Memphis summers.

Water around the indoor unit may be caused by a clogged condensate drain, drain pan problem, frozen evaporator coil, or drainage issue.

Because leaking water can damage ceilings, flooring, or other areas of your home, it's best to address the problem quickly.

Why does my AC keep turning on and off?

When an air conditioner repeatedly starts and stops without completing a normal cooling cycle, it's often called short cycling.

Possible causes include thermostat problems, airflow restrictions, electrical issues, refrigerant problems, or equipment that's improperly sized.

Frequent short cycling can put additional wear on HVAC components, so it's worth having the cause diagnosed.

Why is my AC running all day?

On extremely hot Memphis days, longer run times can be normal. But if your AC runs continuously and still can't reach the thermostat setting, there may be a problem.

Dirty coils, restricted airflow, refrigerant issues, ductwork problems, equipment condition, or improper system sizing can all affect cooling performance.

Why is my upstairs hotter than downstairs?

Temperature differences between floors are common, but a large difference may indicate an airflow or HVAC problem.

Ductwork design, insulation, air leaks, inadequate return air, balancing issues, thermostat location, or system design can all contribute to an uncomfortable second floor.

An HVAC technician can evaluate the entire system instead of simply lowering the thermostat downstairs.

Why is there weak airflow coming from my vents?

Weak airflow can be caused by a dirty filter, blocked or damaged ductwork, blower problems, dirty evaporator coils, closed dampers, or other airflow restrictions.

If several vents have weak airflow, the problem may be related to the HVAC system itself. If only one room is affected, the ductwork serving that area may need to be inspected.

Why is my AC making a buzzing, rattling, squealing, or grinding noise?

Different noises can point to different HVAC problems.

Rattling may come from loose components, while squealing or grinding can indicate a motor or mechanical problem. Buzzing can sometimes be associated with electrical components.

If your system suddenly starts making a loud or unusual noise, shutting it down and having it inspected can help prevent additional damage.

Why does my AC smell bad?

A musty smell can be associated with moisture or buildup within the HVAC system. Burning or electrical odors should be taken more seriously.

If you smell something burning, turn the system off and have it inspected.

Why is my thermostat set to 70 but my house is 78?

If the temperature inside keeps rising even though the AC is running, the system may not be removing enough heat from the home.

Possible causes include airflow problems, dirty coils, refrigerant issues, mechanical failures, duct problems, or a system that's struggling to handle the home's cooling load.

Why is my house so humid even though the AC is running?

Your air conditioner should remove both heat and moisture from your home.

If your house feels cool but still humid, the problem could involve airflow, system sizing, equipment operation, ductwork, or the amount of moisture entering the home.

High indoor humidity can also contribute to sweating vents and registers.

Why are my AC vents sweating?

Condensation forms when humid air contacts a surface that's colder than the surrounding air.

Sweating HVAC vents can sometimes indicate high indoor humidity, air leaks around the register, ductwork issues, or other moisture problems.

Persistent condensation should be investigated, especially if it's causing water stains, rust, or mold around the register.

Why does my AC breaker keep tripping?

A breaker that repeatedly trips shouldn't simply be reset over and over.

The system may have an electrical problem, failing motor, compressor issue, damaged wiring, or another condition causing excessive electrical demand.

If the breaker trips again after a reset, leave the system off and have it inspected.

How do I know if my AC is low on refrigerant?

Possible signs include poor cooling, longer run times, ice on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil, or unusual system pressures found during a professional diagnostic.

Refrigerant isn't something an AC should routinely "use up." If the system is actually low, there may be a leak that needs to be located and evaluated.

Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?

There isn't one age or repair price that automatically means an HVAC system needs to be replaced.

We consider the age and condition of the equipment, repair history, cost of the current repair, efficiency, refrigerant type, comfort problems, and the homeowner's plans for the property.

At HVAC Heroes, our goal is to explain your options so you can decide whether repairing or replacing makes the most sense for your home and budget.

How long does an HVAC system last?

System life varies depending on the equipment, installation quality, maintenance, usage, and operating conditions.

Older equipment doesn't necessarily need to be replaced simply because of its age. If your system is still operating reliably, we can help you maintain it. If repairs are becoming frequent or expensive, we can discuss replacement options.

How often should I change my HVAC filter?

There's no single schedule that's right for every home.

Filter type, pets, dust, allergies, system runtime, and the number of people living in the home all make a difference. We recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it whenever it becomes noticeably dirty or begins restricting airflow.

How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?

We recommend routine HVAC maintenance at least twice a year. Many homeowners choose a spring AC check and a fall heating check so both sides of the system are inspected before their busiest seasons.

Regular maintenance can identify developing problems, keep coils and components clean, and help your equipment operate properly.

How much does HVAC repair cost in Memphis?

HVAC repair costs depend heavily on what's actually wrong with the system.

A simple electrical component or drain problem is very different from a refrigerant leak, blower motor, coil, or compressor repair. That's why HVAC Heroes diagnoses the problem first and explains the recommended repair before moving forward.

Do you provide HVAC repair near me?

HVAC Heroes provides AC and heating repair throughout the Memphis area, including Arlington, Bartlett, Lakeland, Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, Eads, and surrounding communities.

We service residential and light commercial HVAC systems and work on all major brands. 

Do you offer same-day AC repair?

Same-day appointments may be available depending on the day's schedule and your location. During extreme heat, appointment availability can fill quickly, so calling earlier in the day gives us the best chance of getting you on the schedule.

Do you offer financing for HVAC replacement?

Yes. HVAC Heroes offers financing options for qualifying customers who need a new heating and cooling system.

We can discuss available options when providing your replacement estimate.

Still Having HVAC Trouble?

If your AC isn't cooling, your heat isn't working, or something just doesn't seem right, HVAC Heroes can help.

HVAC Heroes, LLC
Serving Arlington, Bartlett, Lakeland, Memphis, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville, Eads & surrounding areas
Call 901-440-HERO (4376)

Expert service. Honest people. HVAC done the Hero Way.