The Quick Fixes You Can Try Before Calling for Emergency AC Repair

It’s a scorching day. You’re sitting there, trying to enjoy the coolness of your air conditioning unit, when suddenly, it starts acting up.

The air isn’t as cold as it should be, or maybe it’s completely stopped blowing.

What do you do?

Do you immediately pick up the phone and call for emergency AC repair, or do you take a moment to troubleshoot and see if it’s something simple?

Here’s the deal.

Not every AC problem is an emergency. Sometimes, a quick fix is all that’s needed to get your AC back up and running.

In this article, I’ll walk you through some simple steps to try before calling for AC repair. Trust me, this can save you time and money.

1. Check Your Thermostat Settings

Before you panic, make sure your thermostat is set properly.

It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people miss this.

Is it set to the correct temperature?

Is it on the cooling mode?

If you’ve been fiddling with it, there’s a chance it got switched to the wrong setting without you realizing.

Quick Fix:

Double-check the temperature setting.
Ensure it’s set to “Cool.”
Make sure the fan setting is on "Auto," not “On,” unless you want it running 24/7.

2. Change the Air Filter

Here’s the thing: dirty filters are one of the most common causes of poor AC performance.

If your filter is clogged, it restricts airflow, which means your AC has to work harder to cool your home.

And when it works harder, it can break down faster.

Quick Fix:

Turn off your AC unit before you start.
Find the filter (usually near the return air duct).
Replace it with a fresh, clean filter.
If you don’t have a replacement on hand, clean the existing one (if it’s reusable).

This quick fix could make a world of difference.

3. Check the Circuit Breaker

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the AC unit itself—it’s with the power supply.

A tripped circuit breaker is a common culprit.

Quick Fix:

Go to your circuit breaker panel.
Look for the switch labeled “AC” or “Air Conditioning.”
If it’s in the off position, flip it back on.

If the circuit keeps tripping, it might indicate an electrical issue, and that’s when you should call in the professionals.

4. Clear Any Blockages Around the AC Unit

Your air conditioner has to breathe.

If there’s debris—leaves, dirt, branches—blocking the outdoor unit, it can’t do its job efficiently.

This is an easy fix that requires no technical knowledge, just a little elbow grease.

Quick Fix:

Turn off the AC.
Clear any debris around the outdoor condenser unit.
Make sure the unit has at least a 2-foot clearance on all sides to allow for proper airflow.

This could be the reason your AC isn’t cooling properly, so give it a go before making that emergency call.

5. Inspect the Condensate Drain

The condensate drain helps remove moisture from your AC unit.

If the drain gets clogged, water can back up and potentially cause damage to your unit. In some cases, this may even cause the system to shut down entirely.

Quick Fix:

Find the condensate drain near your indoor AC unit.
Check for any visible blockages or dirt.
Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean the drain line (make sure the vacuum is set to “vacuum” mode).

This simple step could prevent your AC from completely breaking down.

6. Reset the AC Unit

If you’ve tried everything and your AC is still acting up, you may need to reset it. Sometimes, a system reset can clear any minor faults that are causing it to misbehave.

Quick Fix:

Turn off the power to your AC at the breaker.
Wait for 10–15 minutes.
Turn the power back on.

This can help reboot your system and get it running again.

7. Check for Ice Buildup

If your AC is blowing warm air and the coils are freezing, it’s likely that the refrigerant levels are low, or the airflow is restricted. This is an issue you should address right away before it leads to bigger problems.

Quick Fix:

Turn off your AC immediately.
Let the ice melt.
Check the filter and clean it if it’s dirty.
Check the airflow around your AC to make sure nothing is obstructing it.

If the problem persists, it’s time to call for professional AC repair to address the root cause.

8. Make Sure Your Vents Are Open and Unblocked

It’s easy to forget about the vents once they’re out of sight, but obstructed or closed vents can reduce airflow and prevent your AC from doing its job.

Quick Fix:

Go to each room and check that the vents are open.
Make sure there are no furniture pieces or other objects blocking the vents.
Ensure the air is circulating freely.

This simple step could solve a lot of your airflow problems.

9. Check the Refrigerant Levels

If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, and it’s been a while since your last service, the refrigerant levels might be low.

Now, this is a fix that’s not for the DIYer, and I’m not suggesting you try and top it up yourself.

But, it’s important to check for signs of refrigerant leaks.

Quick Fix:

Look for oily spots around the AC unit.
If you see any, it could indicate a refrigerant leak.

If you suspect a refrigerant issue, don’t try to fix it yourself. You’ll need a professional for this one.

10. Clean the Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils play a major role in your AC’s cooling process. Over time, they collect dirt, which reduces their efficiency.

Quick Fix:

Turn off the AC.
Use a soft brush to remove dust and debris from the coils (be gentle, don’t bend the fins).
Use a vacuum to clean the area around the coils.

This quick cleaning could help your AC run more efficiently.

AC Repair FAQs

What should I do if none of the quick fixes work?

If you’ve tried everything and your AC still isn’t working properly, it’s time to call in a professional. At this point, the problem might be more complex, such as a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor.

How do I know if my AC is beyond repair?

If your AC is over 10 years old and has required several repairs recently, it might be time for a replacement. However, a technician can give you a clear answer after inspecting the unit.

Can I perform AC repairs myself?

Some basic maintenance tasks, like changing the air filter or cleaning the coils, can be done by homeowners. But for more complex issues—like refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, or electrical problems—you should always call a professional.

How often should I have my AC serviced?

It’s recommended to have your AC serviced at least once a year. Ideally, you want to schedule service before the summer months so you can avoid problems during peak usage times.

How can I prevent future AC problems?

Regularly change the air filter.
Keep the area around your AC unit clean and clear.
Schedule routine maintenance and inspections.

Final Thoughts on Quick AC Fixes

Before you rush to call for emergency AC repair, take a moment to check for the basic issues mentioned above. You’d be surprised at how often something simple—like a clogged air filter or a tripped breaker—can cause problems.

By taking a proactive approach, you could save yourself time, money, and a whole lot of hassle.

But, if you’ve tried everything and your AC is still giving you trouble, it’s time to call the professionals at Olive Air and Heating LLC. We’re here to help you with all your AC repair needs, and we’ll get your system running like new again.

Blog