An AC that runs without cooling is one of the most common calls we get in Hampton Roads. Some causes you can fix in minutes. Others need a technician.
Check these first
- Thermostat. Set to COOL, fan on AUTO, and set a few degrees below room temperature.
- Air filter. A clogged filter can freeze the indoor coil and stop cooling. Replace it.
- Outdoor unit. Is the fan spinning? Is it humming but not starting? Check the breaker and the outdoor disconnect.
- Ice. Ice on the refrigerant lines means low airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off so it can thaw.
The 7 most common causes
- Failed capacitor. The outdoor unit hums but the fan or compressor won't start. The most common AC repair we make.
- Bad contactor. The switch that turns the outdoor unit on wears out.
- Dirty outdoor coil. Dust, grass and salt block heat from leaving the house.
- Low refrigerant from a leak. Refrigerant doesn't get used up. Low refrigerant means a leak that needs to be found.
- Frozen indoor coil. Usually a dirty filter, weak blower or low refrigerant.
- Clogged condensate drain. A float switch shuts the system off to prevent a ceiling leak.
- Duct problems. A disconnected attic duct dumps cold air into the attic.
For home service calls, Ace's diagnostic is $75, and it's waived when you approve the repair. Call (757) 495-7782.
See AC repair or emergency service.
Written by the Ace Mechanical team. We've been fixing heating, cooling, refrigeration and plumbing across Hampton Roads for more than 30 years. Questions about your own system? Call (757) 495-7782.
