Common Late‑Summer AC Problems and How to Fix Them

By late summer in Ohio, your AC has already been working hard to cool your home. Long stretches of hot, humid days and sudden temperature spikes put continuous pressure on your system. This kind of non-stop use exposes weaknesses, especially in older units or systems that haven’t been cleaned or checked in months.

This guide from Comfort Control in Wellington, OH, breaks down common late-summer AC issues, what should be checked, and when it’s time to bring in a professional.

1. Weak or Insufficient Cooling

Most of the trouble with insufficient cooling starts with airflow. A dirty filter or clogged indoor coils block cool air from circulating. If airflow seems okay but the air still feels warm, you might be low on refrigerant. A failing capacitor or compressor can also cut into cooling power.

Start by replacing the filter and gently vacuuming visible dust from the indoor coil. Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and hasn’t been accidentally changed. If none of these steps help, don’t keep running your system. Low refrigerant or failing components require attention from a technician before they cause more damage.

2. Frequent Cycling (Short Cycling)

If your AC keeps turning on and off in short bursts, something’s interfering with its ability to run a full cycle. Oversized units cool the home too quickly and shut down before properly dehumidifying. Dirty filters or closed vents can cause the system to overheat and reset. Thermostat placement near a hot window or cold vent may also confuse your system.

Try cleaning or replacing the filter, and check that nothing is blocking the return vents. Reset your thermostat schedule to a more gradual cooling plan. If the problem keeps happening, call for service. We may need to adjust refrigerant levels or test sensors.

3. Strange Noises from Outdoor or Indoor Units

Odd sounds are often early warnings. Grinding or squealing usually means motor or belt trouble. Rattling points to a loose screw, debris in the fan, or a failing part. Clicking could mean your contactor is wearing out, especially if it keeps clicking without starting.

You can safely look for loose panels, visible debris in the fan area, or twigs caught near the outdoor unit. Don’t try to lubricate or tighten internal parts. High-voltage components and spinning blades make this a job for a licensed professional from our team, especially when sounds persist or get louder.

4. Water Leaks or Excess Condensation

If you’re seeing water around your indoor unit, a clogged condensate drain may be the cause of the problem. Warm air hitting a cold evaporator coil creates moisture, which should drain out. When the line gets blocked, that water backs up and spills onto the floor.

Shut off the power and remove the drain line cover if accessible. Use a wet/dry vacuum on the outside drainpipe or flush it with warm water and a small amount of vinegar. If the coil is frozen or water keeps returning, there may be low levels of refrigerant in your unit, a bad fan, or a bigger airflow issue at play. This is when it’s time to schedule emergency service.

5. Warm Air Blowing from Vents

There are several reasons why you may have warm air blowing from your vents. Possible causes include a refrigerant leak, reversing valve issues if you have a heat pump, or dirty coils that are iced over.

Pay close attention to your system, checking to see if warm air is consistently blowing out of vents or if this is an intermittent issue. You can try resetting your thermostat or breaker to see if that fixes the issue. If not, professional diagnostics are likely necessary.

6. Rising Energy Bills Without Performance Improvement

When your bills go up without an improvement in comfort, efficiency is a problem. Dirt on the coils, filters, or blower slows everything down. That forces the system to run longer just to reach the set temperature.

First, change your filter. Next, seal any obvious duct leaks and avoid cooling unused rooms. Use ceiling fans to help circulate air and adjust your thermostat so your system runs less when you’re not home. If your AC system is more than 12 to 15 years old and struggles despite maintenance, it might be time to compare the cost of repairs with an upgrade to a more efficient system.

Proactive Tips to Prevent Late‑Summer AC Problems

A few small habits make a big difference when your system’s running constantly. Change your filter every one to three months, depending on pets or allergies. Check your outdoor unit weekly and clear away grass clippings, leaves, or trash that block airflow. If you didn’t schedule a tune-up earlier in the season, it’s not too late.

A mid-season check helps you catch wear and tear before it turns into a full breakdown. Pay attention to new noises, smells, or airflow changes, and write them down. These signs help your technician solve problems faster.

Why Homeowners Trust Comfort Control Ohio for Late-Summer AC Repairs

You don’t need to guess what’s wrong with your AC system or hope it goes away on its own. We handle late-summer AC problems every year for families across Ohio. Our licensed and experienced team knows how to spot the warning signs, clean and restore performance, and prevent bigger problems from building up. Whether it’s issues with refrigerant, wiring, or airflow, we get straight to the root cause.

When the heat is still high and your AC can’t keep up, we here at Comfort Control are ready to step in.