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AC Not Cooling
in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Your AC not cooling is the most common call we get in Fort Lauderdale from June through September. The heat index here regularly hits 105 degrees, and a system that's low on refrigerant or has a dirty evaporator coil simply can't keep up. Ignore it and your indoor temperature climbs fast, your system runs nonstop, and your electric bill jumps before the unit finally dies.
Quick Answer
When your AC runs but the air stays warm, it usually means low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or a failing compressor. Fort Lauderdale summers push systems hard, especially units running 10 or more hours a day. A tech needs to check refrigerant levels, clean the coil, and test the compressor. Don't wait more than a day or two in July heat. Call (754) 354-3070 to schedule an inspection.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Air blowing from vents feels warm or just barely cool
- House temperature keeps rising even with the thermostat set low
- The outdoor unit runs constantly without shutting off
- Ice forms on the copper lines or on the indoor unit
- Humidity inside feels higher than usual, air feels sticky
- Electric bill is noticeably higher than the same month last year
Root Causes
What Causes AC Not Cooling?
Low Refrigerant From Leak
Refrigerant is the fluid that pulls heat out of your air. When it leaks out, the system loses its ability to cool. In Fort Lauderdale, the salt air near the Intracoastal and the coast corrodes copper refrigerant lines faster than inland areas, causing pinhole leaks over time.
The Fix
Leak Detection and Refrigerant Recharge
A tech finds the leak using a detector or UV dye, repairs the line or fitting, then recharges the system to the correct level. Just adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is a waste of money. It'll leak out again.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil inside your air handler absorbs heat from the air. When it gets caked with dust and mold, it can't absorb heat anymore. Fort Lauderdale's humidity feeds mold growth fast, and coils in homes built before 2000 often have older filter systems that let more debris through.
The Fix
Evaporator Coil Cleaning
A tech removes the access panel and cleans the coil with a foaming coil cleaner, then flushes it out. This usually takes an hour or two and restores cooling capacity right away.
Failing Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the outdoor unit. It pressurizes the refrigerant so it can move heat outside. Systems that have been running 12 or more hours a day for several Fort Lauderdale summers wear out compressors faster than cooler climates do.
The Fix
Compressor Replacement or System Replacement
If the compressor is under warranty, it gets swapped out. On older units, replacing just the compressor often costs nearly as much as a new system, so a tech should walk you through both options honestly.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Low Refrigerant From Leak | Dirty Evaporator Coil | Failing Compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice on the copper lines or indoor unit | |||
| Warm air blowing from vents, outdoor unit running | |||
| Outdoor unit hums but trips the breaker | |||
| Weak airflow along with warm air | |||
| Hissing or bubbling sound near the outdoor unit |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Fort Lauderdale
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
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