AC Running But Not Cooling Your Florida Home? (7 Common Causes)

It’s one of the worst feelings for a Florida resident: you hear the air conditioner kick on, but the air inside your home is getting warmer, not cooler. Your AC is running, racking up your electric bill, but it’s not doing its one job.

This is a high-stress situation, especially in the middle of an Orlando summer. Don’t panic. In many cases, the fix is simple. In others, you’ll need a pro. We’ll walk you through the most common causes, from easy DIY checks to signs you need an emergency repair.

2 Quick Things to Check Yourself (The 5-Minute Fixes)

Before calling for service, check these two things. You might save yourself a service fee!

  1. Check Your Thermostat Settings It sounds basic, but it happens all the time. Make sure your thermostat is set to “COOL” (not “HEAT” or “FAN”). Then, check the temperature. If it’s set to 78°F and it’s already 75°F in the house, the AC won’t kick on. Set it at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature and see if cold air starts blowing.
  2. Check Your Air Filter A clogged, dirty air filter is the #1 enemy of your AC. It suffocates the system, restricting airflow. When air can’t flow properly, your system can’t remove the heat, and the coils can even freeze over (even on a 100°F day!). If your filter is visibly grey or covered in dust, replace it.

7 Common Causes Your AC is Running But Not Cooling

If the filter and thermostat weren’t the problem, your AC likely has a more serious issue. Here are the 7 most common culprits we see in the Orlando area.

1. Dirty Condenser Coils

  • What it is: The outside unit (the condenser) is your AC’s “hot air exhaust.” It pulls heat from inside your home and dumps it outside. Its coils (the metal fins) get clogged with Florida dirt, pollen, and grass clippings.
  • The Problem: A dirty condenser can’t release heat efficiently. Your AC will run and run, trying to cool your home, but it’s like wearing a winter coat in the summer.

2. Low Refrigerant (Freon)

  • What it is: Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC; it’s the compound that actually absorbs the heat from your home’s air.
  • The Problem: Your AC is a sealed system. If you are low on refrigerant, it means you have a leak. A leak doesn’t just reduce cooling; it can severely damage your compressor—the most expensive part of your AC.

3. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

  • What it is: Your AC pulls humidity from the air (a big job in Florida!). This moisture drains out through a PVC pipe, called the condensate line.
  • The Problem: Algae and mold can clog this line. Many modern ACs have a safety switch that will shut off the cooling (or the whole system) if it detects a clog, to prevent the drain pan from overflowing and flooding your home.

4. Failing Compressor

  • What it is: The compressor is the “heart” of your AC system, located in the outside unit. It circulates the refrigerant.
  • The Problem: If the compressor fails, the fan might still spin, but the heat-exchange cycle is broken. No cooling can happen. This is a major repair and is often caused by other issues (like low refrigerant) being ignored.

5. Leaky or Collapsed Ductwork

  • What it is: The air ducts are the highways that carry cold air from your AC to every room.
  • The Problem: If you have a tear or a collapsed section in your attic, your AC is busy cooling your attic space (or the inside of your walls) instead of your living room. You’ll notice weak airflow and high bills.

6. Bad Capacitor

  • What it is: Capacitors are like small batteries that give the motors (for the fan and compressor) the “jolt” they need to start and run.
  • The Problem: Florida’s extreme heat and power surges wear out capacitors. The fan motor might start, but the compressor motor won’t. This makes it sound like the AC is working, but without the compressor, there’s no cold air.

7. System is Old or Undersized

  • What it is: The average AC in Florida has a tough life and lasts 10-12 years.
  • The Problem: An older system may simply lack the power to keep up with extreme heat. It will run 24/7, unable to reach your set temperature. This is a clear sign it’s time to consider a replacement (and our 0% financing!).

When to Call for Emergency AC Repair

It’s hot. You’re frustrated. But when is it a true emergency? Call a professional 24/7 if you notice:

  • Loud grinding, screeching, or banging noises.
  • A strong burning smell coming from your vents.
  • Ice or frost on your refrigerant lines or outdoor unit.
  • The system is “short-cycling” (turning on and off every few minutes).

These are signs of critical failure. Turn the system OFF at the thermostat to prevent further damage and call for help.

Don’t Sweat It—Call the Pros at Degree71

A non-cooling AC in Florida is more than an inconvenience; it’s an emergency. The Degree71 team is on call 24/7 to get your home cool and comfortable again.

Our certified technicians can quickly diagnose the real problem, whether it’s a simple capacitor or a major leak. We provide upfront, honest pricing before any work begins.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Call Degree71 now for fast, reliable emergency AC repair in Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, and beyond.

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