AC not cooling? Check these first

Some cooling problems have a simple cause. These checks are safe for anyone to do. If they do not bring the cool air back, call us.

An outdoor air conditioner with its top opened for service

If you see ice on the copper lines or the indoor unit

Set the thermostat to Off and the fan to On, and let the ice melt completely before you run the cooling again. Running an air conditioner while it is frozen can damage the compressor.

Quick checks

  1. Thermostat

    Make sure it is set to Cool, to a temperature below the room's, and the fan is on Auto. If the screen is blank, replace the batteries.

  2. Breakers

    The indoor unit and the outdoor unit usually have separate breakers. Switch a tripped one fully off and back on once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.

  3. Outdoor switch

    Next to the outdoor unit there is usually a disconnect box on the wall. Make sure it is switched on or the pull-out block is fully in place.

  4. Filter

    A clogged filter cuts airflow, which can make the air feel warm and can freeze the coil. If it looks dirty, replace it.

  5. Outdoor unit

    Is the fan on top spinning? Clear leaves, grass and anything stacked against it. It needs open space on every side to get rid of heat.

  6. Vents

    Open the supply vents and make sure furniture or rugs are not blocking the vents and return grilles.

Water around the indoor unit? Many systems shut off on purpose when the drain backs up. That needs a technician, so call us.

Still not cooling?

Leave your name and number and we will call you back. Keep the system off until we talk, so a small problem does not become a big one.

Prefer to talk? Call +1 (774) 231 8655

See what we fix on our air conditioner repair page. No heat instead? Try the no heat checks.

Ask us to call you back