10 Common AC Problems and Quick Fixes (DIY Guide 2025)
From 30+ years and 5000+ AC services in Ahmedabad - Try these 10 things before calling a technician. 80% of problems you can fix yourself in 5 minutes!
"Uncle, AC is running but not cooling at all! Can you come right now?" - I get this call 5-6 times daily, especially during summer.
And in 80% of cases, when I arrive, the problem is so simple that the customer could have fixed it themselves in 5 minutes. But they don't know what to check.
Last week, a customer booked emergency service - ₹1,500 extra charge. When I arrived, the AC filter was so dirty that air wasn't flowing at all. Took out the filter in 2 minutes, washed it under tap, and the AC started cooling perfectly again.
Today I'm sharing the 10 most common AC problems I encounter every day, and how you can fix them yourself - without calling a technician, without spending ₹1,000-₹5,000.
⚠️ Safety First!
Before any work, turn off AC and power switch. Avoid touching electrical parts. If not confident, call a professional - safety is most important.
Problem #1: AC is Running But Not Cooling Properly
Symptoms: AC is on, air is blowing, but room isn't getting cool. This is the most common complaint I receive.
Possible Causes and Solutions:
1️⃣ Dirty Filter (80% of cases this is it!)
When dust accumulates on the filter, airflow is blocked. AC works hard but cool air doesn't reach the room.
✓ Quick Fix:
- • Turn off AC and open front panel
- • Remove filter (mesh-like thing)
- • Wash thoroughly under tap water or clean with vacuum
- • Dry completely, then reinstall
- • Time: 5 minutes | Cost: ₹0 | Savings: ₹500-₹800
2️⃣ Wrong Temperature Setting
Often the remote setting is at 27-28°C or Eco mode is on. This makes AC work in power-saving mode and cool less.
✓ Quick Fix:
- • Set temperature to 24°C (optimal)
- • Turn off Eco/Power Saver mode
- • Set fan speed to High
- • Wait 10-15 minutes to see effect
3️⃣ Dirty Outdoor Unit
Dust, leaves, pigeon droppings accumulate on the outdoor condenser unit. This prevents proper heat transfer.
✓ Quick Fix:
- • Turn off AC and main power switch
- • Remove debris around outdoor unit
- • Gently spray with water pipe (not jet pressure)
- • Straighten coil fins if bent
- • Time: 10 minutes | Savings: ₹800-₹1,200
4️⃣ Gas Leakage (Professional Needed)
If all above things are fine and still not cooling, refrigerant gas may be low. This happens due to AC aging or pipe leakage.
🔧 Professional Help:
Call a technician for this. Gas refilling cost: ₹2,000-₹4,000 (depending on gas type). Don't attempt yourself - dangerous and illegal.
Problem #2: AC is Leaking Water (Indoor Unit)
Symptoms: Water dripping from indoor unit onto wall or floor. If not stopped, wall will get damaged and fungus will grow.
🚨 Immediate Action!
Immediately turn off AC when water is leaking. Water can reach electrical parts which is dangerous. First fix the problem, then run AC.
Main Causes and Solutions:
1️⃣ Blocked Drain Pipe (Most Common)
Dust, insects, or fungus blocks the drain pipe. Water can't flow out and backs up into the indoor unit.
✓ Quick Fix:
- • Find drain pipe (thin plastic tube)
- • Disconnect pipe and check if blocked
- • Use thin wire or pipe cleaner to remove debris
- • Pour some water to check it flows freely
- • Time: 10-15 minutes | Savings: ₹600-₹1,000
2️⃣ Wrong AC Level
If AC is even slightly tilted at wrong angle, water doesn't flow toward drain - it flows toward the wall.
✓ How to Check:
- • Place a level (or mobile level app) under AC
- • AC should be slightly tilted back (drain side)
- • If wrong, call technician for reinstallation
- • Service charge: ₹500-₹800
Problem #3: AC is Making Strange Noises
Different sounds have different meanings. Here are the most common sounds and their causes:
| Sound Type | Possible Cause | DIY Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Rattling / Clattering | Loose screws or panel | ✓ DIY: Tighten all screws |
| Whistling / Hissing | Air leak or blower issue | ✓ Clean filter, if continues call technician |
| Grinding / Growling | Compressor or motor problem | ✗ Immediately turn off, call technician |
| Clicking / Ticking | Thermostat or relay (normal) | ➜ Don't worry, this is normal |
| Buzzing / Humming | Electrical issue or voltage | ✗ Turn off main switch, call electrician |
| Bubbling / Water sound | Refrigerant flow (normal) | ➜ Don't worry, this is normal |
When to DIY vs When to Call Technician
✓ You Can Fix Yourself
- •Filter cleaning
- •Drain pipe cleaning
- •Outdoor unit cleaning
- •Changing remote battery
- •Tightening panel/screws
- •Changing thermostat setting
- •Checking power supply
💰 Savings: ₹500-₹1,500 each time
✗ Call Technician
- •Gas refilling or leak repair
- •Compressor problems
- •Electrical issues or short circuit
- •PCB (circuit board) repair
- •Motor or fan replacement
- •Coil leak or damage
- •AC reinstallation
⚠️ DIY can cause more damage
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional
| Problem | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filter Cleaning | ₹0 | ₹500-₹800 | ₹500-₹800 |
| Drain Pipe Cleaning | ₹0 | ₹600-₹1,000 | ₹600-₹1,000 |
| Outdoor Unit Cleaning | ₹0 | ₹800-₹1,200 | ₹800-₹1,200 |
| Gas Refilling | Not DIY | ₹2,000-₹4,000 | - |
| Deep Coil Cleaning | Partial DIY | ₹1,500-₹2,500 | - |
Conclusion: Save Time and Money
In my experience, every year thousands of people spend ₹500-₹2,000 on small AC problems that they could have fixed themselves in 5 minutes. Just filter cleaning solves 70% of complaints!
My Golden Rule:
"First check 3 basics - filter, drain, power. If these are fine and problem continues, then call technician."
This way you'll solve the problem yourself in 60-70% of cases. And in the remaining 30-40% you can give the technician accurate information so they bring the right tools and fix it quickly.
Remember - AC is a machine, not magic. With basic care and sensible use, it will run 10-12 years without major problems. And if ever you face a problem you can't handle, we're always just a phone call away.
In Ahmedabad's heat, AC breakdown means life stops. So do some preventive care. These 5 minutes monthly can save you from big trouble in the middle of summer!
Disclaimer: All DIY tips given in this article are for simple and safe maintenance. For any electrical or technical work, always call a certified technician. System Designing is not responsible for any damage from wrong handling. Safety First!