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Why Your AC Is Not Cooling and How to Fix It

Why Your AC Is Not Cooling and How to Fix It

Common Causes

  1. Dirty air filter — restricts airflow and can cause the coil to freeze. Replace it.
  2. Thermostat set wrong — make sure it's on COOL, not just FAN.
  3. Outdoor unit blocked — clear plants and debris 2 feet around the condenser.
  4. Tripped breaker — AC units use a dedicated circuit. Check the panel.
  5. Frozen evaporator coil — turn off AC, run fan only for 2-4 hours to thaw.

When to Call a Pro

If the system runs but blows warm air after checking the above, you likely have a refrigerant leak or compressor issue. Do not attempt to add refrigerant yourself.

Related Guides

How to Change Your HVAC Air Filter Annual Furnace Maintenance Checklist How to Clean Your AC Condenser Coils How to Replace Thermostat Batteries What HVAC Noises Mean and When to Worry

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