Why Your AC Isn’t Working (And What to Do Before Calling for Help)

If your home is feeling warmer than it should then your AC may not be doing its job. Maybe it’s blowing out warm air and not cooling or maybe it won’t even turn on. If you’re wondering why your AC unit isn’t working, here’s a quick guide to help you figure out what might be going on and when it’s time to stop troubleshooting and consider a permanent solution.

The AC’s Running, But It’s Still Hot Inside

One of the most common air conditioning complaints is “The AC is running, but my house won’t cool down.” This typically can be caused by a few different things:

• Airflow issues: usually from a clogged or forgotten air filter
  
• Low refrigerant: which means the system can’t properly remove heat
  
• Thermostat settings: sometimes it is as simple as switching the thermostat back to “cool”
  
• Age: if your system has been around for over a decade, it may just be worn out
  

If the system turns on but never seems to cool your home effectively, it may be time to move past short-term fixes.

The Air Is Warm – Not Cool

If your system is on but blowing warm air, this usually means there is a bigger issue:

• You could be low on refrigerant (or have a leak)
  
• Your outdoor unit might be dirty or blocked
  
• In some homes, duct leaks pull in hot air from the attic and cancel out your AC systems work
  

While some of these problems can be fixed, if they are part of a pattern, it could be a sign your system can’t keep up anymore. This is especially true in hotter cities, where your air conditioner works overtime most of the year.

The System Won’t Turn On At All

If your AC isn’t working at all, no air, no noise, nothing, here’s what to check:

• Your breaker may have tripped
  
• Thermostat batteries might be dead
  
• You might be dealing with something electrical that’s harder to spot
  

When an older system won’t power on, especially after months or years of issues, it’s often a sign that it has finally failed. At that point, putting more money into repairs might not be worth it.

Here’s What to Do First

Before assuming the worst, it’s worth checking the basics:

• Is the thermostat actually set to cool?
  
• Have you replaced your air filter recently?
  
• Did a breaker flip without you realizing it?
  

If you have already investigated these issues and your system is still not cooling, or if this isn’t the first time this has happened, you may want to consider next steps beyond repair.

When Repairs Aren’t the Right Move

At Mint Home we specialize in AC system replacements. So, if your system keeps acting up, and you’re dealing with rising bills, hot rooms, or constant frustration, we’re here to help you decide if it’s time to start fresh with a new AC system.
A new system can cool more efficiently, cost less to run, and last for years, without the back-and-forth of band-aid fixes. Also, at Mint Home we offer maintenance plans through our MintCare to make sure your new system is properly taken care of to serve you for years to come.

If you are ready for a new system, get an instant quote today by filling out a few quick details about your home!