Why does my AC run all day but never reach the setting?

Dirty coils, a weak refrigerant charge, leaky ducts in the attic or a system that's too small for the house are the usual reasons. On the hottest afternoons an older system may simply be at its limit.

Should I keep resetting a tripped breaker?

No. One reset is reasonable. If it trips again, something is drawing too much current, and repeated resets can damage the compressor.

AC Repair in Fort Myers, FL

A dead air conditioner in Fort Myers turns a house into a greenhouse within hours. Here's what you can safely check, and what to leave for the contractor.

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Thermostat first

Check that it's on cool, set a few degrees below the room and that the screen isn't blank. Fresh batteries fix more no-cool calls than you'd think. Give the system five minutes to respond after any change.

Breaker and outdoor switch

Look for a tripped breaker for the condenser or air handler, and check the pull-out disconnect on the wall by the outdoor unit. A breaker that trips again straight away points to an electrical fault; leave it off.

Airflow problems

A packed filter or closed return grille starves the indoor coil of air. The coil can ice over, and the house warms up even though the system never stops running.

Water in the wrong place

Fort Myers air is so wet that a blocked drain line is one of the most common faults. Many systems have a float switch that shuts the AC off when the pan fills, which looks like a dead unit.

Outdoor unit clues

A humming unit with a still fan, a clicking sound or a burning smell usually means a failed capacitor, contactor or motor. These are routine repairs but need a technician.

After lightning

Summer storms bring lightning and surges that can knock out control boards. If the AC stopped during a storm, reset the breaker once; if it won't run, book the repair.

What to tell the contractor

The age of the system, what it's doing, when it started and anything you've already checked. Send a request and an AC contractor will get in touch.

Keep the area clear

Plants, fences and stored items crowded against the outdoor unit make it work harder in the heat. Two feet of clearance on every side and open space above help.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my AC run all day but never reach the setting?: Dirty coils, a weak refrigerant charge, leaky ducts in the attic or a system that's too small for the house are the usual reasons. On the hottest afternoons an older system may simply be at its limit.
Should I keep resetting a tripped breaker?: No. One reset is reasonable. If it trips again, something is drawing too much current, and repeated resets can damage the compressor.

Other air conditioning services

Need ac repair in Fort Myers?

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

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