Common AC Problems in Central Texas and When to Call for AC Repair in Waco
- Haught Air Conditioner
- Mar 18
- 5 min read
Living in Central Texas means dealing with intense summer heat, and a reliable air conditioning system is essential for staying comfortable. However, with heavy use comes the risk of breakdowns, and AC issues always seem to pop up at the worst times. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak, dirty coils, or a sudden system failure, knowing the signs of trouble can help you get ahead of costly repairs.
At Haught Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping homeowners with AC repair in Waco for years, and we know the common problems that affect air conditioning systems in this region. This guide will walk you through the most frequent AC issues, their causes, and how to prevent them.
1. Refrigerant Leaks: Why They Matter
What Is Refrigerant, and Why Is It Important?
Refrigerant is the substance that allows your air conditioner to cool the air. It cycles through your system, absorbing heat and releasing it outside. Without the correct refrigerant levels, your AC won’t cool effectively.
Signs of a Refrigerant Leak
Warm Air Coming from Vents – If your AC is running but blowing lukewarm air, it could be low on refrigerant.
Ice Buildup on Coils – Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze
Hissing Sounds – This could indicate a small refrigerant leak in your system.
Higher Energy Bills – When refrigerant is low, your AC works harder, increasing energy costs.
What Causes Refrigerant Leaks?
Corrosion in the refrigerant lines
Loose connections or poor installation
General wear and tear over time
How to Fix It
A professional should always handle refrigerant leaks. Simply adding more refrigerant won’t solve the problem—the leak must be found and sealed. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, schedule an AC repair with us in Waco.
2. Dirty Coils: A Hidden Energy Drain
What Are AC Coils?
Your air conditioner has two primary coils:
Evaporator Coil (inside) – Absorbs heat from indoor air.
Condenser Coil (outside) – Releases the absorbed heat outdoors.
When these coils get dirty, your AC becomes less efficient and may struggle to cool your home.
Symptoms of Dirty Coils
Weak Airflow – Dirt buildup restricts heat exchange, making cooling less effective.
Higher Cooling Costs – A dirty coil forces your system to work harder, increasing energy use.
Uneven Cooling – Some rooms may feel colder than others due to restricted airflow.
What Causes Dirty Coils?
Dust and debris buildup from the air
Outdoor debris like leaves and dirt clogging the condenser
Lack of routine maintenance
How to Fix It
Evaporator Coil: A professional cleaning may be necessary if there’s a heavy grime buildup.
Condenser Coil: Homeowners can clean the outdoor coil with a garden hose, but severe buildup requires professional attention.
Regular maintenance prevents this problem and keeps your AC running efficiently. If you haven’t had your system checked recently, consider scheduling a Waco AC repair service to keep your coils in top shape.
3. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters: The Simplest Fix
Why Air Filters Matter
Your AC’s air filter helps keep dust, pollen, and debris from entering your system. When it gets clogged, airflow is restricted, causing your AC to struggle.
Signs of a Dirty Filter
Reduced Airflow – If your home isn’t cooling properly, check your filter first.
More Dust Around Your Home – A dirty filter won’t trap dust effectively.
Frequent AC Repairs – A clogged filter can strain your system, leading to breakdowns.
How Often Should You Change Your Filter?
Every 1-2 months in peak cooling season
More frequently if you have pets or allergies
This is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly AC repairs in Waco and keep your system running efficiently.
4. Thermostat Issues: The Overlooked Problem
Is Your Thermostat to Blame?
A malfunctioning thermostat can make it seem like your AC isn’t working. Before assuming your system is broken, check the thermostat settings.
Common Thermostat Problems
Incorrect Temperature Readings – Your AC may turn on and off incorrectly.
Dead Batteries – Some thermostats rely on batteries that need periodic replacement.
Wiring Issues – A loose connection could prevent your AC from responding properly.
How to Fix It
Try resetting the thermostat or replacing the batteries. If the problem continues, an HVAC technician can inspect and recalibrate the system.
5. AC Won’t Turn On: What’s Causing It?
Nothing is worse than turning on the AC on a scorching Waco day—only to find that it won’t start.
Possible Causes
Tripped Circuit Breaker – Check your electrical panel and reset the breaker if needed.
Blown a fuse – This can stop your system from powering up.
Faulty Capacitor – If your AC makes a clicking sound but doesn’t start, the capacitor may need replacing.
Frozen Evaporator Coil – If airflow is blocked, the coil can freeze, preventing the AC from running.
How to Fix It
Start by checking the breaker and thermostat. If those aren’t the issues, it’s time to call for AC repair in Waco to diagnose and fix the problem.
How to Prevent Common AC Problems
Regular maintenance is the key to avoiding costly repairs. Here are some simple steps every Waco homeowner should take:
Change Your Air Filters – Do this every 1-2 months to keep airflow unrestricted.
Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit – Remove leaves, dirt, and debris from your condenser.
Schedule Annual AC Tune-Ups – A professional inspection can catch small issues before they become big problems.
Check Refrigerant Levels – Low refrigerant can lead to poor cooling and higher energy bills.
Monitor Energy Bills – A sudden increase may indicate your AC isn’t running efficiently.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your AC system and avoid needing emergency repairs.
When to Call for Professional AC Repair in Waco
While some minor AC issues can be handled with basic troubleshooting, certain problems require professional expertise. Call Haught Air Conditioning if you experience:
Weak or warm airflow coming from your vents.
Strange noises like grinding, banging, or squealing
Frequent cycling on and off
Unusually high energy bills without explanation
Ice buildup on your evaporator coils
Our experienced technicians provide fast, reliable AC repair in Waco, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable all summer.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your AC Running Smoothly in Central Texas
Living in Waco means relying on your air conditioning system for most of the year. By recognizing the signs of common AC problems—refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, clogged filters, and thermostat issues—you can catch minor issues before they turn into major repairs.
If your AC is showing signs of trouble, don’t wait until it breaks down completely. At Haught Air Conditioning, we offer expert AC repair in Waco and preventive maintenance to keep your system running at peak efficiency.
