You’ve set the thermostat to 72. The system’s humming along. But your house still feels like it’s stuck in the 80s.
If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not the only one. This happens a lot in Texas, especially when that first heat wave rolls in or during a long, brutal stretch of summer.
Your AC is on. But instead of cool air, it’s just moving warm air around.
Before you call for help, here are a few things you can check.
- Check the Air Filter
This is the most common issue—and the easiest to fix.
When the filter’s clogged, it chokes off airflow. Your system can’t pull in enough air to cool it down. So it blows, but the air feels warm. In some cases, the coils freeze up because the system’s starved for air.
Ask yourself:
- Has it been more than two months since you changed the filter?
- Does it look gray or packed with dust?
- Is the airflow weaker than usual?
Try swapping it out. If that was the issue, your home should start feeling cooler within a few hours.
- Look for Ice on the Coil
A frozen coil sounds strange, but it happens—especially if airflow is blocked or refrigerant is low.
When that coil freezes, your AC can’t do its job. It stops pulling heat out of the air.
Watch for:
- Lukewarm air blowing from vents
- Water or frost around the indoor unit
- The outdoor unit running non-stop
Turn the system off. Let it thaw for a few hours. Run the fan only (no cooling) to help it dry out. If it ices up again, you’ll need to bring in a tech.
You Might Have a Refrigerant Leak
Low refrigerant means your system can’t cool properly. It’ll run and run, but the air stays warm.
Unlike gas in a car, refrigerant doesn’t just run out—it leaks. And once it does, the system can’t recover on its own.
If the air feels lukewarm and your system never shuts off, especially during 95°+ days, a leak could be the reason.
This one’s not DIY. You’ll need a pro to find and repair the problem.
- Check the Outdoor Unit
That big metal box outside your house? It needs space and airflow to work right. It pulls heat out of your home and releases it outside. If it’s surrounded by plants, leaves, or debris, it can’t do that job well.
Take a look:
- Is there at least two feet of open space around it?
- Are the fins dirty or clogged?
- Do you feel hot air blowing out the top?
If it looks gunked up, turn off the power at the breaker. Use a garden hose to gently rinse it from the inside out. Avoid using a pressure washer—it can damage the fins.
- Double-Check the Thermostat
Sometimes the AC isn’t the issue. The thermostat might be sending the wrong signals.
If it’s too close to a window, a lamp, or another heat source, it might think the room is hotter than it is. Or maybe it’s just outdated.
Try this:
- Change the batteries, if it has them
- Make sure it’s set to “Cool” and “Auto”
- Check if cool air is coming from the return vent
If things still feel off, it may be time for a replacement or to move it to a better spot.
When It’s Time to Call Someone
If you’ve checked the filter, thawed the coil, rinsed the outside unit, and the thermostat’s set right—but it’s still not cooling—don’t wait.
Pushing a struggling system can make the problem worse. You could be dealing with a faulty compressor, bad capacitor, or another electrical issue.
At that point, it’s best to bring in an HVAC tech. They’ll figure it out fast and help you avoid bigger repairs down the road.
Final Thought
When it’s hot in Texas, you’ll know the second your AC stops pulling its weight. Sometimes the fix is easy. But when it’s not, don’t wait around. A quick check or call could save you from sweating it out—and save you money in the long run.
