There’s not much worse than coming home to a hot, humid house in the middle of a Louisiana summer—only to find your air conditioner isn’t working like it should. Whether you live in Shreveport or Bossier City, AC problems can throw off your whole day.
The good news? Many issues have simple causes, and some can even be resolved without a service call. But knowing when to DIY and when to call in the Bossier City or Shreveport HVAC pros is the key to staying comfortable and avoiding bigger (and more expensive) problems down the line.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common AC issues we see in the Shreveport area—and what to do about them.
1. Your AC Won’t Turn On
If your AC isn’t turning on at all, don’t panic. Start with the basics.
What to check:
- Is the thermostat set to “Cool” and the temperature set below the current room temp?
- Are the thermostat batteries dead?
- Did a power outage trip the circuit breaker?
If the thermostat is working and your breaker panel looks fine, the issue could be with your system’s capacitor, contactor, or another electrical component. That’s when it’s time to call for AC repair in Shreveport, LA.
2. The System Turns On and Off Constantly
This is called short cycling, and it can seriously affect your system’s performance and energy efficiency.
What might be causing it:
- A dirty air filter
- Low refrigerant levels
- Frozen coils
- An oversized unit
Change the filter first. If the cycling continues, schedule AC maintenance to have a technician inspect refrigerant levels and check for more serious issues.
3. The Air Isn’t Cold
You can hear the system running—but the air blowing out isn’t cool.
This could be caused by:
- A clogged or old filter
- Ductwork leaks or blockages
- Low refrigerant
- A failing compressor
Start by replacing the filter and making sure all vents are open and unobstructed. If the problem continues, you may need professional air conditioning services in Shreveport, LA to pinpoint the issue.
4. Hot Air Is Blowing From the Vents
This one’s a step beyond “not cold”—you’re getting heated air when you’re supposed to be cooling down.
Possible causes:
- A refrigerant leak
- A malfunctioning condenser or evaporator coil
- A thermostat wiring issue
You’ll want to get this diagnosed quickly to prevent further damage. Our team offers reliable AC repair throughout Shreveport and Bossier City.
5. Ice Is Forming on the Unit
If you notice frost on the outdoor unit or puddles forming near your indoor air handler, you might have a frozen coil.
What to do:
- Turn off your system and set the fan to ON to thaw the coil
- Replace the air filter
- Avoid running the system until a technician can inspect it
Frozen coils are often linked to airflow problems or refrigerant issues—both of which can be addressed during a professional HVAC service.
6. Foul Smells Coming from the AC
If you smell musty, sour, or burning odors when the system runs, don’t ignore them.
Common causes:
- Mold or mildew buildup in ducts or the evaporator coil
- A clogged condensate drain
- Electrical component failure
Persistent odors not only make your home unpleasant—they can be harmful to your health. Schedule an inspection and cleaning to eliminate the root of the smell and improve your indoor air quality.
7. Unusual Noises from the System
Hearing buzzing, rattling, grinding, or banging? That’s your AC telling you something’s wrong.
What it might mean:
- Buzzing: electrical issues or capacitor failure
- Rattling: loose parts or debris
- Grinding: motor bearing issues
- Banging: compressor problems or fan damage
Turn off the system and give us a call. Running your AC while it’s making odd noises can lead to major damage. Our technicians in Shreveport and Bossier City can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.
8. Your Breaker Keeps Tripping
If your AC trips the circuit breaker every time it turns on, it could mean the system is drawing too much power.
Why this happens:
- The compressor is overheating
- There’s a short circuit somewhere
- The fan motor is failing
Whatever the cause, this is not something to troubleshoot on your own. Electrical issues need to be handled by a trained technician to keep your home safe.
9. It’s Just Not Keeping Up
Your AC is technically working—but your house still feels too warm, sticky, or unevenly cooled.
If your system is more than 10–15 years old, it may be losing efficiency. Newer systems cool faster, run quieter, and save money on your utility bill. If you’re tired of repair after repair, ask us about your options for system replacement.
We can walk you through the process and help you choose a new unit that fits your home and budget. Start here: SBC’s full air conditioning installation services.
Local Experts for AC Repair in Shreveport and Bossier City
Whether your air conditioner just stopped working or it’s been struggling for a while, SBC Cooling + Heating is here to help. Our licensed technicians provide expert air conditioning services in Shreveport, LA, and we proudly serve homeowners in Bossier City as well.
We’ll show up on time, explain what we’re doing, and get your system running right—without the upsell.
Book your appointment now and get back to being cool and comfortable.
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