AC Not Cooling
Your air conditioner is running, but the house just won't get comfortable. In a Houston summer that gap between the thermostat setting and the actual temperature gets miserable fast - and it usually points to one of a handful of fixable problems.
When an AC runs constantly but never quite cools, the most common culprit is airflow. A clogged air filter chokes off the return air the system needs to move, so the equipment works hard while barely lowering the temperature. Dirty evaporator or condenser coils do the same thing from the other direction - a coil caked in dust or Houston pollen can't release heat, so the system loses its ability to pull warmth out of your home.
The next thing we look at is refrigerant. Low refrigerant almost always means a leak somewhere in the system, not "low on a charge" the way a car needs gas. As the charge drops, the system loses cooling capacity, runs longer and longer, and can start to freeze up. A failing compressor - the heart of the outdoor unit - produces the same weak-cooling symptom, as can a worn capacitor that keeps the compressor or fan motor from starting properly.
Finally, the problem may not be the equipment at all. A thermostat that's miscalibrated, wired wrong, or set to the wrong mode can leave a healthy system underperforming, and undersized or leaky ductwork can bleed off cooled air into your attic before it ever reaches the rooms. Because the cause could be electrical, mechanical, or airflow-related, a proper diagnosis saves you from throwing parts at a guess.
Ignoring weak cooling tends to make it worse. A system starved for airflow or refrigerant runs longer, drives up your electric bill, and puts extra strain on the compressor - the single most expensive part to replace. Catching the root cause early usually keeps a small repair from turning into a major one.
What we check when your AC isn't cooling
- Air filter and return airflow for restriction
- Evaporator and condenser coils for dirt buildup
- Refrigerant level and pressures, plus a leak check
- Compressor and capacitor operation at the outdoor unit
- Thermostat calibration, mode, and wiring
- Ductwork for leaks or restrictions robbing cooled air
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Why is my AC running constantly but not cooling the house?
Usually it's an airflow or refrigerant issue - a clogged filter, dirty coils, or a slow refrigerant leak. The system keeps running because it can't reach the set temperature, which also drives up your energy use. A technician can measure temperatures and pressures to find the exact cause.
Can a dirty air filter really stop my AC from cooling?
Yes. A filter packed with dust restricts the air your system needs to move, which cuts cooling and can even cause the coil to ice over. Changing the filter is the first thing worth trying - if that doesn't fix it, the problem is deeper and worth a professional look.
Do I need more refrigerant?
If your system is low on refrigerant, it almost always means there's a leak, since a sealed AC doesn't consume refrigerant. Simply adding more without repairing the leak is a temporary fix. We find and repair the leak first, then recharge to the correct level.
How soon can you come out?
We offer same-day diagnosis across Greater Houston whenever possible - important when the heat is high. Call us to check today's availability.
Need service today?
Call now for fast, friendly service across Houston, TX.