Surviving the Texas Heat When Your AC Won’t Cool
When your ac not cooling properly in Collin County’s brutal summer heat, every minute feels like an eternity. We’ve all been there – sweating through a sleepless night or slogging through the heat of a sweltering July afternoon, wondering why the AC is running but not providing relief.
Common causes of an AC not cooling include:
- Dirty air filter – blocks airflow and reduces cooling efficiency
- Thermostat issues – wrong settings or malfunctioning unit
- Frozen evaporator coils – caused by poor airflow or low refrigerant
- Low refrigerant levels – often indicates a leak in the system
- Blocked outdoor unit – debris prevents heat from being expelled
- Electrical problems – tripped breakers or failed components
- Faulty compressor – the heart of your cooling system has failed
The good news? Some of these problems have simple fixes you can try yourself. Others require professional help to avoid safety risks or further damage to your system.
This guide will walk you through the easy checks first – things like thermostat settings and air filters – then help you identify when it’s time to call in the experts. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can strain the compressor and other components, leading to more severe and costly repairs.
Start with the Simple Stuff: 5-Minute DIY AC Checks
Before you start sweating over expensive repair bills, let’s walk through some quick fixes that might solve your ac not cooling problem in just a few minutes. You’d be amazed how often the simplest solutions work!
Check Your Thermostat Settings First
I know, I know – this feels like asking “Is it plugged in?” But trust me, thermostat issues cause more cooling complaints than you’d think. Start by making sure your thermostat is set to “COOL” mode, not “HEAT” or “FAN ONLY.” Then double-check that the temperature setting is actually lower than your current room temperature. If it’s set to 78°F and your house is already 76°F, your AC won’t kick on.
Here’s where things get tricky: pay attention to your fan setting. Most thermostats have both “AUTO” and “ON” options. When set to “ON,” your fan runs constantly, blowing room-temperature air even when the cooling cycle isn’t active. This makes it seem like your ac not cooling when really it’s just circulating unconditioned air.
We always recommend the “AUTO” setting. This way, the fan only runs when your system is actively cooling, so you’ll feel that refreshing cold air when it matters most.
If you have a smart thermostat, check for error codes or recalibration issues. Sometimes these high-tech units get confused and need a simple reset. Don’t forget to check the batteries in older thermostats – dead batteries can cause communication problems between your thermostat and AC unit.
Inspect and Replace the Air Filter
Your air filter might be the silent villain behind your cooling woes. A clogged filter is like trying to breathe through a dirty sock – your AC just can’t get the airflow it needs to cool your home effectively.
When your filter is dirty, restricted airflow becomes a real problem. Less air flowing over the evaporator coil means reduced cooling efficiency and increased energy consumption as your system works overtime trying to push air through the blockage. In extreme cases, a severely clogged filter can cause your system to shut down completely to protect itself.
Here in Texas, our AC units work harder than almost anywhere else in the country. We recommend checking your air filter every month and replacing it every three months at minimum. If you have pets or family members with allergies, you might need to change filters even more frequently.
Be careful with MERV ratings – while higher-rated filters catch more particles, they can be too restrictive for some systems. This can actually reduce cooling capacity or cause coils to freeze. Stick with the manufacturer’s recommendations or ask us which MERV rating works best for your specific system.
Reset the System and Clear the Outdoor Unit
Sometimes your AC just needs a good restart, like rebooting your computer when it’s acting up. Here’s how to properly reset your system:
First, turn your thermostat to “OFF” to stop the cooling cycle. Head to your electrical panel (usually in the garage or utility room) and find the circuit breaker labeled for your AC unit. Flip it to “OFF” and wait at least 30 seconds – some techs recommend waiting 5-10 minutes to let everything fully reset.
Flip the breaker back to “ON,” then return to your thermostat and set it back to “COOL” at your desired temperature. This simple reset can clear minor electrical glitches that prevent proper cooling.
While you’re outside, take a good look at your outdoor condenser unit – that big box with the fan on top. This unit’s job is to expel heat from your home, so if it’s blocked, your ac not cooling makes perfect sense.
We see condenser units buried under leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and overgrown vegetation all the time. Clearing debris from around the unit can dramatically improve cooling performance. Follow the two-foot clearance rule – keep at least two feet of clear space around the entire unit for optimal airflow.
Think of your outdoor unit like a car radiator. If it can’t breathe, it can’t do its job of getting rid of the heat from inside your house.
Investigating Deeper: Common Reasons for an AC Not Cooling
If those quick fixes didn’t solve your cooling crisis, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Sometimes the problem runs a bit deeper, and that’s when things get interesting. These issues might take a little detective work to identify, and honestly, most of them are best left to the professionals.
Frozen Evaporator Coils: A Sign of Trouble
Here’s something that sounds backwards but happens more often than you’d think – your air conditioner can actually freeze up in the middle of a Texas summer. When your evaporator coils freeze over, they can’t do their job of absorbing heat from your home’s air. The result? Your ac not cooling despite running constantly.
You might spot frost or ice buildup on the copper refrigerant lines near your indoor unit, or you’ll simply notice that your home isn’t getting cool despite the system running non-stop. This freezing usually happens for two main reasons: restricted airflow (often from that dirty filter we talked about earlier) or low refrigerant levels.
If you find frozen coils, here’s what to do immediately: turn off your AC unit to prevent further damage. Then switch your thermostat to “Fan Only” mode – this helps circulate air and speeds up the melting process. Whatever you do, don’t grab an ice scraper or try to chip away the ice. Those coil fins are delicate, and you could cause expensive damage.
The thawing process can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, so be patient. Keep an eye out for water leaks during this time. If the problem comes back after everything’s thawed and you’ve checked your filter, it’s time to call in the cavalry. You can learn more about this frustrating issue here: What to do about frozen evaporator coils.
Low Refrigerant: The Cooling Agent is Missing
Think of refrigerant as the blood flowing through your AC’s veins. This special chemical is what actually absorbs heat from inside your home and carries it outside. When refrigerant levels drop, your system loses its ability to cool effectively – it’s like trying to pump water through a leaky garden hose.
The telltale signs include warm air blowing from your vents and sometimes hissing or bubbling sounds coming from your system. These sounds often indicate a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system.
Here’s an important point that surprises many homeowners: refrigerant doesn’t just “run out” like gas in your car. If levels are low, there’s almost certainly a leak somewhere. Simply topping off the refrigerant without fixing the leak is like putting a band-aid on a burst pipe – it’s not going to solve the real problem.
Professional leak detection and repair is essential here. We need specialized equipment to locate leaks, repair them properly, and then recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant. It’s definitely not a DIY job, both for safety reasons and because handling refrigerants requires certification. For more details about how refrigerant works, check out this helpful resource: What is Refrigerant?.
A Faulty Compressor: The Heart of Your AC System
If the thermostat is the brain of your AC system, then the compressor is definitely the heart. This hardworking component circulates and pressurizes the refrigerant, making the whole cooling process possible. When it fails, your ac not cooling becomes inevitable.
A failing compressor usually announces itself pretty clearly. You might hear strange noises from your outdoor unit – grinding, buzzing, or loud clicking sounds that weren’t there before. Sometimes the circuit breaker trips repeatedly, or the outdoor unit simply won’t start even though the indoor fan keeps running.
Compressor problems can stem from electrical failures, mechanical wear, or refrigerant issues. The tricky thing is that continuing to run your AC with a bad compressor can damage other expensive components too. It’s like driving a car with a failing engine – you might get a little further, but you’re probably making things worse.
This is definitely professional territory. Compressors involve high-voltage electricity, pressurized refrigerant, and complex mechanical parts. Without proper training and tools, attempting repairs can be dangerous and will likely void your warranty. If you suspect compressor trouble, give us a call – we’ll diagnose the issue and help you understand your options.
When to Call a Professional: Issues Beyond a DIY Fix
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your ac not cooling problem is to admit when you’re in over your head. We love empowering homeowners with knowledge, but some AC issues require professional expertise – and that’s perfectly okay! Attempting complex repairs without proper training can be dangerous and often leads to more expensive damage down the road.
Electrical Component Failure
Your AC system is essentially a sophisticated electrical machine, and when any of its electrical components fail, cooling stops fast. These aren’t issues you want to tackle with a YouTube tutorial and good intentions.
Capacitors are probably the most common electrical culprit we see. These small, cylindrical components act like tiny batteries, providing the electrical boost needed to start your compressor and fan motors. When they fail, you’ll often hear telltale signs: a humming sound from your outdoor unit without the fan spinning, clicking noises, or the fan running while the compressor stays silent. A dead capacitor is actually the most frequent reason we see outdoor condenser fans that just won’t turn. You can learn more about how these vital components work here: Understanding AC Capacitors.
Contactors work like electrical switches, controlling the flow of power to your compressor and outdoor fan motors. When a contactor fails, these crucial components simply don’t get the electricity they need to run. Blown fuses and wiring problems can also cut power to your system – these fuses are often housed in a separate disconnect box near your outdoor unit.
Here’s the thing about electrical repairs: they carry serious safety risks, including potentially deadly electrical shocks. Unless you’re dealing with a simple tripped breaker, electrical issues are definitely in professional territory. Our certified technicians have the specialized tools and training to safely diagnose and fix these problems without putting anyone at risk.
An Undersized or Aging System
Sometimes your ac not cooling problem isn’t really a malfunction – it’s either a mismatch between your system and your home’s needs, or simply Father Time catching up with your equipment.
If your AC unit is undersized for your home, it’s like asking a compact car to tow a boat. It might try its best, but it’s never going to get the job done properly. An undersized system will run constantly during Texas summers, struggling to reach your desired temperature while driving up your energy bills. Your house never feels quite cool enough, and the poor unit is working overtime just to keep up. Unfortunately, this isn’t something you can “fix” with repairs – it typically requires replacing the unit with one that’s properly sized for your home’s square footage and cooling needs.
Aging systems present their own challenges. Most air conditioners have a lifespan of about 15-20 years, though here in Texas, our units work much harder than their counterparts up north. All that extra wear and tear means we often see systems showing their age earlier than expected.
An aging system that needs replacement will usually give you plenty of warning signs. It runs constantly but never quite cools the house, your energy bills start creeping higher for no apparent reason, you’re calling for repairs more frequently, or it starts making strange noises or producing odd smells. At some point, continuing to repair an old, inefficient system becomes like putting expensive band-aids on a bigger problem.
The good news? Our team can provide an honest assessment of whether your system just needs some TLC or if it’s time to start fresh with a new, efficient unit. We’ll never try to sell you something you don’t need, but we’ll also be upfront when replacement makes more financial sense than continued repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About an AC Not Cooling
Over our decades serving McKinney and Collin County families, we’ve heard just about every question you can imagine about ac not cooling issues. Here are the ones that come up most often during our service calls.
Should I turn my AC off if it’s not cooling?
Absolutely, yes! If your ac not cooling properly, turning it off is the smartest first step you can take. We know it feels counterintuitive – when you’re hot, the last thing you want to do is turn off your AC. But here’s the thing: running a malfunctioning system is like driving a car with a flat tire. You’re not getting where you want to go, and you’re causing more damage along the way.
When your AC keeps running without cooling, it’s working overtime for nothing. This prevents further damage to expensive components like your compressor, avoids straining the system unnecessarily, and stops coils from potentially freezing solid. Plus, you’ll save on energy bills instead of paying to run a system that’s not helping you stay comfortable.
Think of it as giving your AC a chance to rest while you figure out what’s wrong. Your system (and your wallet) will thank you later.
How do I reset my central AC unit if it’s not blowing cold air?
A good reset can work wonders for minor glitches – it’s like rebooting your computer when it’s acting up. We walk homeowners through this process all the time, and it’s surprisingly effective for simple issues.
Here’s exactly what we recommend: First, turn your thermostat to OFF to stop the cooling cycle completely. Next, head to your circuit breaker (usually in your garage or utility room) and find the breaker labeled for your AC – it might say “AC,” “HVAC,” or “Air Conditioning.” Turn that breaker off, then wait a full 30-60 seconds. This waiting period is crucial because it allows the system to completely discharge and reset itself. Turn the breaker back on, then return to your thermostat and set it back to COOL with your desired temperature.
Give your system about five minutes to start up properly. If you’re still not getting cold air after this reset, that tells us there’s a deeper issue that needs professional attention.
Does cleaning the AC filter directly make the air colder?
This is such a practical question, and we love that homeowners are thinking about how their systems work! The honest answer is no, cleaning your filter won’t directly make the air colder. Your filter’s job is catching dust, pet hair, and debris – not chilling the air.
But here’s where it gets interesting: a clean filter improves airflow dramatically, which allows your system to cool more efficiently. When your AC doesn’t have to fight through a clogged filter, it can move air freely and do its job properly. This reduces strain on the entire unit and helps your home reach the desired temperature faster.
A dirty filter forces your system to work harder, like trying to breathe through a thick blanket. Clean that filter, and suddenly your AC can breathe easy again. While the air temperature coming out of the vents stays the same, your home will cool down more effectively and consistently. It’s one of those simple maintenance tasks that makes a huge difference in how well your ac not cooling issues get resolved.
Get Cool and Comfortable Again in Your McKinney Home
When your ac not cooling during a brutal McKinney summer, it feels like the world is conspiring against you. But here’s the good news – you’re now armed with a roadmap to get back to blessed coolness!
Start with the simple stuff every time. Check those thermostat settings first (you’d be amazed how often it’s set to “heat” in July!), swap out that grimy air filter, and give your system a good reset while clearing away any debris from your outdoor unit. These five-minute fixes solve the problem more often than you’d think, and they’ll save you both time and money.
But don’t ignore the warning signs when something bigger is brewing. If you spot ice on your coils, hear strange hissing sounds, or notice your outdoor unit making noises like a dying robot, it’s time to step back and call in the cavalry. Frozen evaporator coils, refrigerant leaks, electrical failures, and compressor problems aren’t just beyond most DIY skill levels – they can be downright dangerous to tackle without proper training.
At Burnside Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve been keeping Collin County families cool since 1958. As a family-owned business, we get it – when your AC stops working in Texas heat, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s an emergency. That’s why we pride ourselves on fast turnarounds, reliable service, and flat-rate pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
We understand the unique beating that Texas summers give your AC unit. The constant 100-degree days, the humidity, the dust storms – your system works harder here than almost anywhere else in the country. Getting your AC back to peak performance isn’t just about comfort (though we definitely want you comfortable!), it’s about protecting your investment and keeping those energy bills from going through the roof.
Whether you need a quick capacitor replacement or you’re dealing with an aging system that’s finally ready for retirement, our guaranteed workmanship means you can trust the job will be done right the first time.
Schedule your AC service in Plano and surrounding areas today, and let’s get you back to enjoying the cool comfort you deserve in your McKinney home!
