Why is my AC running but the house stays warm?

A dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant, leaky ducts or an undersized system are common causes. On the hottest afternoons an older unit may simply fall behind.

Can I pour bleach down my AC drain?

Ask your contractor first. Some recommend specific treatments, and the wrong product can damage parts or the pan.

AC Repair · Daytona Beach, FL

AC Repair in Daytona Beach, FL

When the AC stops on a sticky August afternoon in Volusia County, the house warms quickly and the humidity climbs. A few safe checks can save time before a contractor arrives.

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Settings come first

Make sure the thermostat is on Cool, set a few degrees under the room temperature, with the fan on Auto. A faint or blank screen usually means new batteries. Give the system several minutes after any change.

Two breakers and a disconnect

Most systems have a breaker for the outdoor condenser, one for the indoor air handler and a pull-out disconnect beside the outdoor unit. Reset a tripped breaker once; if it trips again, leave it off.

Diagram: the outdoor disconnect box is mounted on the wall beside the condenser and must be on.

Filter and airflow

A filter clogged with dust and pet hair chokes the indoor coil until it freezes. The fan keeps running, but the air coming out barely cools.

Diagram: the filter sits in the air handler or behind a return grille, arrow toward the unit.

Ice on the copper line

Frost on the larger copper line at the outdoor unit means switch cooling off and run the fan for a few hours. If it ices again after a filter change, a technician needs to look for a leak or airflow fault.

Float switch shutdowns

On humid days the coil sheds a lot of water. When the drain clogs, a float switch stops the AC to protect your ceiling or closet floor, which can look like a complete failure.

Diagram: water drains from the coil pan through a pipe; a float switch stops the AC if the pan fills.

Sounds to report

Humming with no fan, rapid clicking, rattling or a hot electrical smell from the outdoor unit usually means a capacitor, contactor or motor problem. Leave those parts to a technician.

After a thunderstorm

Lightning and power flickers from afternoon storms can damage control boards. If the AC stopped during a storm, check the breakers once, then book a repair if it won't run.

Condo systems

In condos, the air handler is usually in a closet and the condenser may be on a roof or shared pad. Check with the association about access before booking.

Before the visit

Note the system's age, what it's doing and what you've checked. Send a request and an air conditioning contractor will get in touch.

Technician servicing an outdoor air conditioner

Frequently asked questions

Why is my AC running but the house stays warm?: A dirty filter or coil, low refrigerant, leaky ducts or an undersized system are common causes. On the hottest afternoons an older unit may simply fall behind.
Can I pour bleach down my AC drain?: Ask your contractor first. Some recommend specific treatments, and the wrong product can damage parts or the pan.

Other air conditioning services

AC ReplacementRight-sized replacements for coastal homes.Heat PumpsCooling most of the year, heat on cool mornings.Condo Air ConditioningRepairs and replacements for beachside condos.Ductless Mini-SplitsCooling for Florida rooms, garages and additions.AC MaintenanceSpring checks before the wet season.Drain Lines & LeaksClogged drains, full pans and leaks.Ductwork & AirflowFixes for hot rooms and weak airflow.

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Repairs, replacements and new projects. Tell us what's happening and we'll pass it straight to an AC contractor, who will call you to talk it through and give you a quote.

AC repairs, replacements and new systems
Homes and beachside condos across Volusia County
Get a quote before any work starts

Need ac repair in Daytona Beach?

Send a request and an AC contractor will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.

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