How Marietta, Kennesaw & Acworth Homeowners Can Diagnose (and Sometimes Repair) a Broken Air Conditioner
When your AC suddenly goes out during a Georgia summer, it's not just inconvenient—it can feel like a full-blown emergency. For homeowners in Marietta, Kennesaw, or Acworth, where 90-degree days and high humidity are the norm, waiting around in the heat just isn't an option. But here's some good news: not every AC issue needs an immediate service call.
Sometimes, a few smart checks and quick fixes can get your system humming again—without the wait.
1. Check the Thermostat First
Before diving into the system itself, make sure your thermostat is working properly.
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No display? Try changing the batteries.
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Wrong setting? Confirm it's set to "Cool," not "Fan" or "Heat."
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Too close to room temp? Set the desired temperature a few degrees lower than the current indoor temp to kick the system on.
You'd be surprised how many service calls in Acworth and Kennesaw are resolved with a simple thermostat adjustment.
2. Check the Circuit Breaker
If your AC is completely unresponsive—no fan, no compressor—it could be a tripped breaker.
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Head to your electrical panel and locate the breaker labeled "AC" or "HVAC."
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Flip it off, then back on.
If it trips again shortly after, that's a red flag. Call a licensed HVAC tech—there could be a wiring or capacitor issue.
3. Swap Out a Dirty Air Filter
This one's especially common around Marietta and other pollen-heavy areas.
A clogged air filter chokes airflow, causing your system to overwork—or shut down completely.
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Find your return vent, remove the filter, and hold it up to the light.
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If you can't see through it, it's time to replace it.
Homeowners near wooded areas or busy roads in Kennesaw or West Cobb might need to replace filters monthly in peak season.
4. Look for Ice on the Coils
Ironically, ice forming on your indoor coils during a Georgia summer means something's wrong.
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Shut off the system and let it defrost (this can take several hours).
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Once thawed, restart the system.
If the ice reappears, you may be dealing with low refrigerant or a blocked airflow issue—that's when you call in the pros.
5. Listen to the Sounds
Weird noises tell a story.
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Buzzing may mean a failing capacitor or electrical trouble.
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Rattling often comes from loose components or debris.
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Squealing or grinding? That could point to a motor or blower problem.
While you may not be able to fix these yourself, describing the sound to your HVAC tech gives them a head start.
6. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Your outside condenser works hard in Atlanta's intense summer heat, so make sure it's got room to breathe.
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Clear away grass, leaves, or mulch buildup.
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Confirm the fan is spinning when the system's on.
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Spray the coils gently with a garden hose to remove dust and pollen—especially after storms that roll through Cobb County.
When to Call in the Experts
If you've checked the basics and your AC is still blowing warm air (or worse—no air at all), don't sweat it alone.
Some problems like refrigerant leaks, faulty capacitors, or compressor failure are best left to licensed pros with the tools and training to fix them fast.
Pro Tip for Locals:
Marietta and Kennesaw homes—especially older properties—may have aging HVAC units that need more frequent tune-ups. Scheduling a spring and fall maintenance visit can keep you ahead of breakdowns, save on energy bills, and even extend the life of your system.
Trust the Local Experts at Guardian
At Guardian Home Experts, we serve homeowners in Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth with fast, reliable AC service. Whether you need a quick repair, a new system estimate, or a seasonal tune-up, our team has you covered—with same-day appointments and 5-star service.
Conquer the heat, stay cool, and trust your home to the HVAC heroes right in your neighborhood. Call Guardian today or schedule online here.
