Why Your AC Isn't Cooling This Summer
April 15, 20265 min read
Sacramento heat is no joke. Here are the most common reasons your AC stops cooling — and what you can safely check before calling a tech.
When it's 105°F outside in Sacramento and your AC starts blowing warm air, it's not just uncomfortable — it's a real health risk. Before you panic, there are a few things worth checking yourself.
1. Check your thermostat It sounds obvious, but I get calls every summer where the thermostat got bumped to "Heat" or "Fan Only." Make sure it's on Cool, set below room temperature, and that the batteries aren't dead.
2. Look at your air filter A clogged filter is the #1 cause of AC problems I see in Sacramento homes. Dust, pet dander, and our valley pollen plug filters fast. If yours looks gray or you can't see light through it, replace it. A $15 filter can save a $500 service call.
3. Check the outdoor unit Walk out to your condenser. Is it running? Is it caked in dust, leaves, or cottonwood fluff? Shut the system off at the thermostat and gently rinse the outside coils with a garden hose (no pressure washer).
4. Look for ice on the lines If you see ice on the copper lines or the indoor coil, shut the system off and let it thaw for a few hours. Running an iced-up AC will burn out the compressor — and that's a repair you don't want.
When to call If you've checked the basics and it's still not cooling, it's time to call. Common culprits are low refrigerant (which means a leak — refrigerant doesn't just disappear), a failed capacitor, or a contactor. These are quick fixes when caught early and expensive when ignored.
Need help in the Sacramento area? Call or text me at (916) 585-6277.