It's 94 degrees outside, the humidity is suffocating, and your AC just stopped blowing cold air. Before you panic, there are a few things you can check yourself that might solve the problem — and a few situations where you need to call a professional immediately.
Step 1: Check the Thermostat
This sounds basic, but it solves the problem more often than you'd think:
- Make sure the thermostat is set to COOL (not HEAT or OFF)
- Set the temperature at least 3 degrees below the current room temperature
- Make sure the fan is set to AUTO, not ON (the ON setting circulates air without cooling)
- If you have a battery-powered thermostat, replace the batteries
- If the display is blank, check the circuit breaker
A thermostat that's accidentally bumped to "heat" mode or has dead batteries is responsible for a surprising number of "my AC is broken" calls.
Step 2: Check the Air Filter
Pull out your air filter and look at it. If you can't see light through it, it's too dirty. A severely clogged filter restricts airflow so much that the evaporator coil can freeze, which shuts the system down entirely.
Replace the filter with a clean one and give the system 30 minutes to recover. If the evaporator was frozen, you may need to turn the system off for 2–4 hours to let the ice melt before restarting.
Step 3: Check the Circuit Breakers
Your HVAC system typically uses two breakers — one for the indoor air handler and one for the outdoor condenser. Check your electrical panel for any tripped breakers. If one has tripped, flip it fully off and then back on.
Important: if a breaker trips again immediately after you reset it, do NOT keep resetting it. This indicates an electrical fault and you need a professional to diagnose it. Repeatedly resetting a tripping breaker is a fire hazard.
Step 4: Check the Outdoor Unit
Walk outside and look at your condenser unit. Is it running? If the fan is spinning, the compressor should be humming. If it's completely silent, it's either not getting power (breaker) or has a failed component (capacitor, contactor, or compressor).
Look for: - Ice on the lines: turn the system off and call for service - The fan spinning but no cool air inside: could be a refrigerant issue or a compressor problem - A humming sound but the fan isn't spinning: the fan motor or its capacitor has likely failed - Debris blocking the unit: clear away any leaves, grass clippings, or objects within 2 feet of all sides
Step 5: Check the Condensate Drain
If your system was running and then suddenly shut off, the condensate drain may be clogged. Many systems have a float switch on the drain line — when the line backs up, the switch shuts down the system to prevent water damage.
Look for a PVC pipe near your indoor unit. If there's standing water in the drain pan or the pipe isn't dripping when the system runs, the line is blocked. You can try flushing it with distilled vinegar, but persistent clogs usually need professional clearing.
When to Call a Professional Immediately
Some situations require a technician, no DIY troubleshooting:
- Burning or electrical smell: turn the system off at the breaker and call immediately. This could indicate a wiring issue or failing motor.
- Breaker keeps tripping: don't keep resetting it. Call for an electrical diagnosis.
- Refrigerant leak (hissing sound + warm air): you need a leak repair and recharge.
- System is 15+ years old and failing: a technician can tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
- Someone in the home is vulnerable to heat (elderly, infants, people with health conditions): don't wait and troubleshoot. Call for emergency service.
Staying Cool While You Wait
Tampa heat is no joke. While waiting for a repair:
- Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows
- Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air
- Stay hydrated — drink more water than you think you need
- If the indoor temperature exceeds 90°F and you have vulnerable household members, go to a friend's house, a public library, or a cooling center
Call Us
If you've gone through these steps and your AC is still down, call (656) 888-2982. We dispatch emergency technicians 24/7, and our average arrival time in the Tampa area is 45 minutes. We'll diagnose the problem, give you a price before we start, and get your AC running as fast as possible.