Top 5 Common AC Problems and How We Fix Them
June 02, 2025 By: One Way Heating & Cooling
If you're living in El Paso, you already know, air conditioning isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When the desert heat creeps in, your AC becomes your best friend. But when it suddenly stops working, that best friend can feel like a no-show. The good news? Most AC problems are more common (and fixable) than you might think.
At One Way Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen it all. From strange noises and weak airflow to complete system shutdowns, we’ve helped thousands of El Paso homeowners and businesses beat the heat and get their AC units back in top shape.
Let’s walk through the five most common air conditioning problems we see and, more importantly, how we fix them fast, so you can breathe easy again.
1. AC Blowing Warm Air
The Problem:
You set your thermostat to 70°F, but it feels like a hair dryer is blowing from the vents. If your AC is blowing warm or room-temperature air, you’re not just uncomfortable, you could be wasting energy and money.
Common Causes:
Low or leaking refrigerant
Dirty evaporator coils
Faulty compressor
Incorrect thermostat settings
How We Fix It:
Our certified techs run a full diagnostic check. If it’s low refrigerant, we don’t just top it off, we find the leak and seal it. We also inspect coils and compressors, and recalibrate or replace the thermostat if needed. Bottom line: we restore your system’s cooling power.
2. Weak or No Airflow
The Problem:
Your AC’s running, but you can barely feel the air, or there’s nothing coming out of the vents at all. This isn’t just annoying, it means your AC is struggling and likely working harder than it should.
Common Causes:
Clogged air filters
Blocked ducts or vents
Failing blower motor
Frozen evaporator coil
How We Fix It:
First, we check your air filters (they should be replaced every 1–3 months). If that’s not the issue, we dig deeper—clearing ducts, inspecting the blower motor, and thawing frozen coils. We’ll have your airflow back at full blast before you know it.
3. AC Won’t Turn On
The Problem:
You hit the switch or crank the thermostat, but nothing happens. No sounds, no breeze, no cold air. Cue the frustration.
Common Causes:
Blown fuse
Thermostat failure
Broken capacitor or contactor
How We Fix It:
We check the power source and electrical components. Sometimes it’s as simple as resetting a breaker. Other times, we replace a worn-out capacitor or swap out a dead thermostat. We always make sure your system is safe and reliable before we leave.
4. Strange Noises Coming from the Unit
The Problem:
Your AC should hum quietly in the background, not rattle, grind, or screech like something out of a horror movie. Weird sounds often mean internal parts are wearing out or failing.
Common Causes:
Loose parts
Worn-out fan belts
Motor issues
Debris in the system
How We Fix It:
We listen carefully (yes, literally) to diagnose the sound. Then we tighten, lubricate, or replace the faulty components. Ignoring strange noises can lead to bigger damage down the line, so this is one fix you don’t want to delay.
5. Water Leaks Around the AC Unit
The Problem:
Notice puddles or moisture near your AC? That’s a red flag. While some condensation is normal, leaking water usually points to a drainage issue or worse.
Common Causes:
Clogged condensate drain line
Rusted or broken drain pan
Frozen coils
Excess humidity in the system
How We Fix It:
We unclog the drainage line using a specialized vacuum or pressurized flush, repair or replace the drain pan, and check for ice buildup. If needed, we also help manage your home’s humidity levels to prevent future problems.
Why These Problems Matter - Especially in El Paso
In El Paso, where summer temps can easily hit triple digits, any downtime in your AC isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a health and safety issue. And while some problems seem small at first, they can quickly snowball into expensive repairs or full system replacement if left unchecked.
That's why our team at One Way Heating & Cooling prioritizes fast, honest, and effective service. We never push what you don’t need, and we don’t leave until your home feels cool again.
What Makes One Way Heating & Cooling Different?
You have choices when it comes to AC repair. So why choose us?
Local Expertise: We understand El Paso’s unique climate and how it affects AC performance.
Quick Response: Same-day appointments available. We show up on time and get the job done right.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. No surprises. Just fair, honest quotes.
Certified Technicians: Our team is licensed, insured, and highly trained.
Customer-First Approach: We treat your home like it’s our own—clean, respectful, and with care.
Prevent Future AC Problems with Routine Maintenance
Want to avoid surprise breakdowns? Regular maintenance is key.
When you schedule a tune-up with us, we:
Inspect and clean coils
Check refrigerant levels
Test all electrical components
Replace or clean filters
Ensure your system runs at peak efficiency
Many of our clients save money on energy bills and avoid emergency calls thanks to routine care. We also offer affordable maintenance plans that keep your system running smoothly all year long.
Call One Way Heating & Cooling Today
If you're dealing with any of these AC problems, or just want to prevent them, don't wait for the El Paso heat to win. Let us take care of your comfort, contact One Way Heating & Cooling today.
Don’t sweat it, literally. With One Way Heating & Cooling, you’re in good hands.