Miami, FL › AC Not Cooling
AC not cooling in Miami
If the fan blows but the air is warm, work through a few checks before you call. Some of them take two minutes.
- Ask for the state license number and check it yourself
- Get the diagnosis and the price in writing before work starts
- Replacement jobs need a permit in Miami-Dade
- Se habla español
Tell us what your AC is doing
Takes about 60 seconds. No obligation.
An AC that runs but does not cool usually has one of a short list of problems: airflow is blocked, the coil is frozen, the outdoor unit is not running, or the refrigerant level is low.
Airflow problems are the cheapest to check. The others need a technician with gauges.
What to check first
- Thermostat set to Cool, with the temperature below the room temperature
- Air filter: replace it if it is grey or clogged
- Indoor vents open and not blocked by furniture
- Outdoor unit: is the fan spinning, and is the area around it clear?
- Ice on the indoor coil or the large refrigerant line. If you see it, turn the system off
- Breaker for the outdoor unit and the air handler
When it is time to call
If the filter is clean, the thermostat is right and the outdoor unit is not running or the lines are iced, the cause is inside the system and needs a licensed contractor.
A frozen coil is usually a symptom, not the root cause. It comes from low airflow or low refrigerant. Thawing it fixes the air for a day or two and the ice comes back if the cause is not fixed.
Ask the contractor to tell you the cause, not just the repair, and to put the price in writing. Contractors in Miami often cover Kendall, Coral Gables and Doral too, so ask which areas they serve and how soon someone can come.
Common questions
AC Not Cooling questions
Why does my AC blow warm air?
Common causes are a failed outdoor fan or capacitor, a frozen coil, a dirty filter restricting airflow, or low refrigerant from a leak. The outdoor unit not running is the first thing to look for.
Why is there ice on my AC?
Ice means the coil got too cold, usually from restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off, let it thaw fully, replace the filter, and call a contractor if it freezes again.
Should I add refrigerant myself?
No. Handling refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification, and a low charge means there is a leak that needs to be found.
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