Certified Building Contractor CBC1265305 · AC & Heating
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
A straight answer from a Florida state-certified contractor — then what you can check yourself and when to call. Free estimate: (954) 620-7812.
Most often, the system is moving air but not removing heat. Restricted airflow (a dirty filter or a frozen coil), a dirty outdoor coil, a failed electrical part such as a capacitor, or low refrigerant from a leak are the usual causes. The fan can run normally while the cooling part of the system is not working.
What the air feels like tells you a lot. Weak airflow points to a filter, coil or duct problem. Strong airflow that is only lukewarm points to the outdoor unit or the refrigerant circuit, which is work for a licensed air-conditioning contractor.
Why it happens
An AC cools by pulling heat out of your indoor air with refrigerant and releasing it outside. Anything that interrupts that cycle leaves you with a blower that still runs. A clogged filter or dirty evaporator coil can freeze up and block airflow. A failed capacitor or contactor can keep the outdoor compressor or fan from starting. A refrigerant leak lowers the system's ability to absorb heat, and refrigerant does not get used up, so low charge generally means a leak somewhere.
Florida conditions add stress. The system may run most of the year, and humidity keeps the coil wet and prone to buildup. Near the coast, salt air can corrode outdoor coils over time. A clogged condensate drain can shut a system down or leak into a ceiling or closet. During hurricane season, outages and power surges can damage compressors and controls.
Sometimes the equipment is fine and the house is the problem: leaking or disconnected ducts, or an older system that can no longer keep up with the load.
What you can check yourself
Thermostat settings
Confirm it is set to Cool, the set temperature is below room temperature, and the fan is on Auto. Fresh batteries can fix a blank or erratic display.
Air filter
A dirty filter restricts airflow and can lead to a frozen coil. Replace it if it looks clogged.
Ice on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines
If you see ice, turn the system off and let it thaw fully. Running it frozen can strain the compressor, and the cause of the freeze still needs to be found.
Outdoor unit
Check that the fan is spinning and that leaves, mulch or plants are not crowding the unit. Keep your hands out of the unit and leave electrical panels closed.
Breaker and condensate drain
Check that the breaker has not tripped. If you see water near the indoor unit, the condensate drain may be clogged and a safety switch may have shut the system down.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the filter and thermostat are fine and the air is still warm, if the coil keeps freezing, if the outdoor unit hums but does not start, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification, and air-conditioning work in Florida is a licensed trade under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes, so this is not a DIY repair.
We manage AC and heating projects under our Florida Certified Building Contractor license CBC1265305. The AC work itself is done by our Florida-licensed air-conditioning subcontractors, as s. 489.113(3), Florida Statutes provides. If the diagnosis points to replacing the system or air handler, that typically needs a mechanical permit from your city or county building department, pulled by the licensed AC contractor, with inspection and close-out. Confirm the specifics with your local building department. An open or unpermitted job can surface at sale, refinance or insurance renewal. We serve Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties; call (954) 620-7812 or use the form for a free estimate.
What a pro will do
- Diagnose the causeThe technician checks airflow, coils, the outdoor unit's electrical parts, the condensate drain and the thermostat before recommending anything.
- Find and repair refrigerant leaksIf the charge is low, the leak is located and repaired rather than just topping off the system.
- Clear drains and fix water leaksClogged condensate drains are cleared and the source of any ceiling or closet water is addressed.
- Replace the system when repair no longer makes senseReplacement uses equipment that meets current SEER2 standards, with the mechanical permit, inspections and close-out handled by the licensed subcontractor.
Related questions
- Why is my AC blowing warm air outside?
- Common causes include a failed capacitor or contactor, a dirty or blocked outdoor coil, or low refrigerant. A tripped breaker or a power surge can also keep the compressor from starting while the indoor fan keeps running.
- Why is there ice on my AC?
- Ice usually means restricted airflow, such as from a dirty filter, or low refrigerant. Turn the system off to thaw it and have the cause diagnosed.
- Does fixing an AC need a permit?
- Routine maintenance, thermostat swaps and clearing a condensate drain usually do not. Replacing a system or air handler typically does, but rules vary, so confirm with your local building department.
- Could a refrigerant leak be the problem?
- Yes, especially in an aging system. Low refrigerant reduces cooling and can freeze the coil. Finding and repairing the leak is a licensed technician's job.
- How do I get a quote for AC repair or replacement?
- Call us at (954) 620-7812 or use the form on the page. We give a free estimate and a written scope before work starts, in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
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