If your air conditioner is running but your house still feels warm, it’s a sign something isn’t working right. At Apple AC & Heat Services in Rockwall, TX, we hear this concern from homeowners all the time—“My AC is on, but it’s not cooling.” It’s frustrating, especially during the hottest months of the year. The good news is, most causes behind this problem are fixable once properly diagnosed.
Here’s what could be happening with your system, what you can do to troubleshoot, and when to call in the professionals.
Start with the Thermostat
Before jumping to conclusions, check your thermostat settings:
- Is it set to “Cool”?
- Is the fan set to “Auto,” not just “On”?
- Is the temperature set below your current room temperature?
Dead batteries, incorrect programming, or faulty sensors can prevent your system from triggering a cooling cycle. If your AC is blowing air but not cold air, and your thermostat isn’t responding or reading the temperature incorrectly, it may need recalibration or replacement.
Dirty Air Filters Can Choke Cooling
A clogged or dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of poor AC performance. When filters get too full, they restrict airflow, making it harder for your system to pull in warm air and push out cooled air.
This often results in:
- Weak airflow from vents
- Longer cooling cycles
- A system that runs constantly but struggles to drop the temperature
We recommend changing your filter every 30–90 days, depending on your home’s usage, pets, and allergies. If you haven’t changed yours recently, this could be the quick fix you need.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If your system is running but not cooling, frozen coils may be to blame. When airflow is restricted (often due to dirty filters or blocked vents), the coils can drop below freezing, trapping cold air inside the unit instead of pushing it into your home.
Signs of frozen coils:
- Ice buildup on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines
- Reduced or no airflow from vents
- AC seems to run but nothing cools down
Turn the system off and allow it to thaw before restarting. If the problem continues, call our team—we’ll check for deeper issues like low refrigerant or airflow obstructions.
Low or Leaking Refrigerant
Your AC needs refrigerant to absorb heat and cool your home. If the refrigerant is low—often due to a leak—your system might still run, but it won’t be able to cool the air effectively.
Symptoms of a refrigerant issue:
- AC runs continuously with little or no cooling
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from the unit
- Ice buildup on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil
Low refrigerant isn’t just a cooling problem—it can damage your compressor if not fixed quickly. This repair requires a licensed HVAC professional to locate and seal the leak, then recharge the system.
Problems with the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser unit—the one outside—plays a key role in releasing heat from your home. If this unit is blocked by leaves, debris, or even fence panels, it can’t function properly.
Here’s what to check:
- Is the fan running?
- Is there visible dirt, damage, or obstructions?
- Are coils clogged with dust or grass?
Turn off the power and gently rinse the coils with a hose to remove buildup. If the fan isn’t spinning or the unit is buzzing loudly, you might have a failed capacitor or compressor that needs repair.
Ductwork or Airflow Issues
Even if your AC system is producing cool air, it may not reach your living spaces if there’s a problem in the ductwork. Leaky, disconnected, or poorly insulated ducts can lose cool air before it gets where it needs to go.
In older homes or systems, ducts may also be blocked by insulation, pests, or dust buildup. Uneven cooling, hot spots in certain rooms, or a lack of airflow from specific vents are all signs your ductwork needs inspection.
When to Call Apple AC & Heat Services
If you’ve checked your thermostat, replaced your filter, and inspected the outdoor unit—and your system is still running but not cooling—it’s time to call in the experts. At Apple AC & Heat Services, we perform a full system diagnostic to find the exact reason your AC is underperforming.
Our experienced technicians handle everything from refrigerant issues and coil cleaning to fan motor replacements and duct evaluations. We arrive fully equipped and ready to restore your comfort quickly and affordably.
How to Prevent This Problem in the Future
The best way to avoid this issue is with seasonal AC maintenance. A spring tune-up from our Rockwall team includes:
- Coil cleaning
- Refrigerant checks
- Electrical testing
- Drain line clearing
- Filter inspection
- System performance evaluation
Regular maintenance not only prevents cooling issues—it extends the life of your system and reduces your energy costs year after year.
Stay Cool with Help from Rockwall’s AC Experts
When your AC is running but not cooling your home, don’t wait for a full breakdown. Apple AC & Heat Services in Rockwall, TX will find the root of the issue and fix it fast. We’re known for honest advice, expert repairs, and dependable service that puts your comfort first.
Call us today or book your AC diagnostic online. Let’s get your home cool, efficient, and comfortable again—starting now.
