Your AC is running but the house won't cool down. In Austin, this is a genuine emergency from May through September. Before you call a technician and wait 4-6 hours for a service window, run through this checklist. A surprising number of "my AC isn't working" calls turn out to be something the homeowner can fix in under 10 minutes.
Check These First (Before Calling Anyone)
The thermostat. Check that it's set to COOL (not HEAT or FAN), that the temperature is set below the current room temperature, and that the batteries aren't dead. A thermostat with dead batteries will often show a blank screen or behave erratically. If it's a smart thermostat, check the app to see if it lost its connection to your system.
The air filter. A clogged filter is the single most common cause of reduced cooling in Austin homes. When the filter is blocked, airflow across the evaporator coil drops, the coil gets too cold, and it freezes over. A frozen coil can't transfer heat, so the air coming out of your vents feels warm or barely cool. Pull the filter out and hold it up to a light. If you can't see light through it, replace it. This takes two minutes and costs $10-$20.
The circuit breaker. HVAC systems have two breakers: one for the air handler (usually labeled AHU or Air Handler) and one for the condenser (usually labeled AC or Condenser). If either has tripped, the system won't work properly. Reset it once. If it trips again immediately, stop and call a technician, because a breaker that keeps tripping indicates a real electrical problem.
The outdoor unit. Go outside and look at the condenser unit. Is it running? You should hear the fan and feel air blowing out the top. If it's not running at all, check the disconnect box on the wall next to the unit. There's a pull-out block inside that can sometimes get bumped loose. If the unit is running but the fan isn't spinning, that's a capacitor issue and you'll need a technician.
Ice on the unit or refrigerant lines. If you see ice on the copper lines running from your outdoor unit into the house, or on the indoor air handler, your system has a frozen coil. Turn the system off (switch to FAN ONLY mode) and let it thaw for 2-3 hours before turning it back on. If it freezes again, the underlying cause is either a dirty filter (replace it), low refrigerant (needs a technician), or restricted airflow from closed vents or blocked registers.
What the Symptoms Tell You
Different symptoms point to different problems. This isn't a substitute for a professional diagnosis, but it helps you have a more informed conversation with a technician and avoid being oversold.
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
|---|---|---|
| System runs, no cool air at all | Frozen coil, refrigerant leak | Thaw first; then call if it repeats |
| Warm air from vents, outdoor unit not running | Capacitor failure, breaker | Check breaker; otherwise call |
| System short-cycles (turns on/off rapidly) | Oversized unit, dirty coil, refrigerant issue | Call a technician |
| House cools slowly, never reaches setpoint | Undersized unit, duct leaks, dirty coil | Call for inspection |
| Unusual noises (banging, squealing, rattling) | Loose parts, failing motor, debris | Call a technician |
| Ice on lines or unit | Dirty filter, low refrigerant, blocked airflow | Replace filter; call if it repeats |
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When to Call a Technician
Call a technician if the system isn't cooling after you've checked the filter, thermostat, and breakers. Call immediately if you hear banging or grinding noises, if the breaker keeps tripping, if you smell burning, or if there's water pooling around the indoor unit.
When you call, be ready to describe what the system is doing (not just "it's not cooling"), whether the outdoor unit is running, and whether you've noticed any ice, unusual sounds, or recent changes. This helps the technician come prepared with the right parts and gives you a better chance of a same-day fix.
What Repairs Typically Cost in Austin
Knowing rough price ranges before you call helps you recognize a fair quote when you see one.
| Common Repair | Typical Austin Price Range |
|---|---|
| Capacitor replacement | $150-$350 |
| Refrigerant recharge (R-410A) | $200-$500 depending on amount needed |
| Contactor replacement | $150-$300 |
| Blower motor replacement | $400-$800 |
| Evaporator coil cleaning | $200-$400 |
| Condensate drain cleaning | $75-$150 |
If a technician quotes you significantly above these ranges, ask them to itemize parts and labor separately. Parts prices are easy to verify online.
For a broader look at repair costs and when replacement makes more sense, see our repair vs. replace guide [blocked]. If you're getting multiple quotes, our guide to finding a good Austin HVAC company [blocked] covers what to look for and what to avoid.
