Article Updated: April 2025
Motor City summers can bring the heat and humidity, making a functioning air conditioner a necessity for comfortable living. As Michigan homeowners, you rely on your AC to keep your home cool and your family comfortable throughout those warm months. Understanding some common air conditioning issues and how to troubleshoot them can save you time, money, and the headache of a sweltering house.
At Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been serving the Michigan metro area for decades, and we know the unique challenges our local climate can present to your AC system. This guide will walk you through five common AC problems we see in Michigan homes and provide targeted troubleshooting tips to help you get your cool back.
My AC Won’t Turn On: No Cool Relief!
Nothing is more frustrating than flipping the thermostat and hearing… nothing. If your AC unit refuses to power on, here’s what Michigan homeowners should check first:
-
Check Your Circuit Breaker (Especially After a Storm): Michigan can experience strong storms that can sometimes trip breakers. Locate your electrical panel and check the breaker for your AC unit. If it’s tripped (usually in the “off” or a middle position), flip it firmly to the “on” position. If it trips again immediately, don’t keep resetting it – this could indicate a more serious electrical issue.
-
Inspect Your Fuses (If Applicable): Older Michigan homes might still have fuse boxes. Check the fuse for the AC unit. A blown fuse will have a broken wire inside. Replace it with a fuse of the correct amperage. Again, repeated blown fuses signal a larger problem.
-
Examine Your Thermostat Settings: Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool,” the temperature is set significantly lower than the current room temperature, and the fan setting is on “auto” or “on.” Sometimes, a simple setting adjustment is all it takes. Also, check the batteries in your thermostat if it’s battery-powered.
-
Consider a Power Outage: Has there been a recent power flicker or outage in your Michigan neighborhood? Wait a few minutes to see if power is fully restored to your AC unit.
When to Call the Experts: If you’ve checked the breaker, fuses, and thermostat, and your AC still won’t turn on, it could be a problem with the internal wiring, the motor, or other components. Our licensed technicians at Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can safely diagnose and repair these more complex issues for your Michigan home.
Weak Airflow or Not Cooling Properly?
If your AC is running but the airflow is weak or the house isn’t getting as cool as it should, consider these Michigan-specific factors:
-
Dirty Air Filters (A Common Culprit in Dusty Michigan Homes): Our older housing stock and seasonal changes can lead to dusty conditions. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and less efficiently. Check your filter monthly (or more often if you have pets or allergies) and replace it with a clean one. This is a simple step that can make a big difference in cooling performance and energy bills.
-
Blocked Outdoor Condenser Unit (Think Leaves and Debris): The outdoor unit needs good airflow to release heat. Check for leaves, grass clippings, branches, or other debris that might be blocking the fins. Carefully clear away any obstructions.
-
Closed or Blocked Vents: Ensure that air vents throughout your Michigan home are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
-
Potential Ductwork Issues (Common in Older Michigan Homes): Over time, ductwork in older homes can develop leaks or become disconnected, leading to lost cool air. While you can’t easily inspect this yourself, noticing consistently weak airflow in certain areas might indicate a ductwork problem.
-
Low Refrigerant Levels (Requires Professional Attention): Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air. If levels are low due to a leak, your AC won’t cool effectively. Do not attempt to handle refrigerant yourself.
When to Call the Experts: If you’ve changed the filter and cleared the outdoor unit, but the cooling is still poor, you might have a refrigerant leak or other internal issues. Our experienced Cregger technicians can accurately diagnose the cause and perform the necessary repairs to restore proper cooling to your Michigan home.
Water Leaking From Your AC: A Problem in the Making
Water leaks are a sign something isn’t right and can lead to water damage and mold growth, especially in our humid Michigan summers. Here’s what to look for:
-
Clogged Condensate Drain Line (Often Caused by Algae and Debris): Your AC produces condensation, which drains away through a pipe. This line can become clogged with algae, mold, or debris, causing water to back up and leak. You might be able to clear a minor clog by carefully using a wet/dry vacuum at the drain line opening near the indoor unit.
-
Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan (More Common in Older Units): The condensate drain pan beneath the indoor unit can rust or become damaged over time, leading to leaks.
-
Improper Installation: If your AC was recently installed, a leak could be due to an installation error.
When to Call the Experts: If you suspect a clogged drain line and can’t clear it yourself, or if you notice a damaged drain pan or suspect improper installation, it’s best to call the professionals at Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We can safely and effectively address these issues to prevent further damage to your Michigan home.
Strange Noises Coming From Your AC: Sounds You Shouldn’t Ignore
Unusual noises can indicate a variety of problems, some minor and some more serious. Pay attention to the type of noise:
-
Banging or Clanging: Could indicate loose or unbalanced components.
-
Hissing: Might suggest a refrigerant leak (call a professional immediately).
-
Grinding: Could be a sign of a failing motor bearing.
-
Squealing: Might indicate a loose belt (in older units) or a fan motor issue.
-
Buzzing: Could be electrical issues or loose parts.
Troubleshooting for AC Noises:
-
Inspect the Outdoor Unit for Debris: Sometimes, leaves or small objects can get caught in the fan, causing noise. Carefully remove any visible debris.
When to Call the Experts: If the strange noises persist after checking for debris, or if you hear hissing, it’s crucial to call the experienced technicians at Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more significant and costly repairs down the line for your Michigan AC system.
Short Cycling: On and Off, On and Off…
Short cycling is when your AC turns on and off frequently without completing a full cooling cycle. This wastes energy, can lead to uneven cooling, and puts unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Common causes in Michigan homes include:
-
Dirty Air Filter (Again, a Frequent Culprit!): Restricted airflow can cause the system to overheat and shut down prematurely.
-
Oversized AC Unit: An AC unit that’s too large for your home cools the space too quickly and then shuts off, leading to short cycles. This is often an installation issue.
-
Low Refrigerant Levels: Similar to not cooling properly, low refrigerant can also cause short cycling.
-
Malfunctioning Thermostat: A faulty thermostat might be sending incorrect temperature readings, causing the unit to cycle on and off erratically.
Troubleshooting Short Cycling:
-
Check and Replace Your Air Filter: This is the easiest and most common fix.
When to Call the Experts: If changing the filter doesn’t resolve the short cycling, it’s likely a more complex issue like an oversized unit, low refrigerant, or a thermostat problem. Contact the experts at Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for a proper diagnosis and repair to improve your comfort and energy efficiency in your Michigan home.
Keep Your Cool with Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Troubleshooting these common AC issues can provide temporary relief, but for lasting comfort and the health of your HVAC system, professional help is often necessary. As a trusted provider of plumbing, heating, and cooling services in Michigan, MI, Cregger Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help you stay cool all summer long.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems or have other concerns about your air conditioning system, call our experienced and local team today at (248) 543-1190! We understand the needs of Michigan homeowners and are committed to providing reliable and efficient service.
Contact our team today to schedule AC repair in Michigan, MI today!
