When your AC stops cooling in Bangalore's summer, here are the 7 most common reasons and what to do about each one.
There's nothing worse than switching on your AC after a long day and feeling warm air instead of cool. Before you panic or call someone out, it helps to know what's actually likely to be wrong — some of these are quick fixes, others need a technician with the right tools. Here are the seven causes we see most often on AC repair calls across Bangalore.
This is the single most common reason an AC blows warm air. Refrigerant gas (R22, R32, or R410A depending on your unit) doesn't get "used up" — if levels are low, there's almost always a leak somewhere in the copper coils. A technician needs to locate the leak, seal it, and recharge the gas to the correct pressure. Topping up gas without fixing the leak is a temporary fix at best.
Bangalore's dust gets into AC filters fast, especially near construction-heavy areas. A clogged filter restricts airflow, makes the unit work harder, and can make it feel like it's "not cooling" even though it's running fine mechanically. This is the easiest fix — filters should ideally be cleaned every 4–6 weeks during heavy-use months.
The compressor is the heart of your AC — it pressurises the refrigerant so it can absorb and release heat. If it's failing, you might hear unusual noises, notice the outdoor unit not running, or see no cooling at all. Compressor issues are more serious and costly, but a good technician will confirm this before recommending a replacement, not before checking the simpler causes first.
If airflow is restricted (dirty filter) or refrigerant is low, the evaporator coil can ice up. You might notice water dripping from the indoor unit or visible frost. Running the AC continuously in this state can damage the compressor, so it's worth switching off and getting it checked rather than waiting it out.
Sometimes the AC is cooling fine, but a faulty temperature sensor is telling it the room is already cool, so it cycles off too early. This is common in older units and usually a straightforward sensor replacement.
The outdoor condenser unit needs clear airflow to release heat. Leaves, dust, or being boxed in too closely by a wall or grille can choke it, especially in apartment balconies. A simple cleaning and clearance check often solves cooling problems that seem mysterious from indoors.
If an AC was undersized for the room at installation (a common cost-cutting mistake), it will run constantly but never quite cool the space, especially in peak summer. This isn't a "fault" as such, but it's worth getting confirmed if a unit has never cooled well since day one.
Cleaning a filter yourself is safe and easy. Anything involving refrigerant gas, electrical components, or the compressor should be left to a certified technician — handling refrigerant or opening sealed units without the right equipment can be unsafe and can void any remaining warranty. If your AC isn't cooling after a filter clean, it's time to get it diagnosed properly.
FixMaster technicians diagnose the exact cause and quote you upfront — no guesswork, no hidden charges.