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AC Running but Not Cooling

Air conditioner runs but the house stays warm in Utah. Safe checks, what a technician looks at, and typical repair costs.

Safe things to check

• Make sure the thermostat is set to Cool and below the room temperature.
• Check the air filter. ENERGY STAR says to check the air filter every month, change it if it looks dirty, and change it at least every 3 months. A dirty filter slows airflow, makes the system work harder and can lead to early failure. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))
• Look at the outdoor unit from a distance: is the fan turning? Is it blocked by leaves, weeds or stored items? Clear plants and debris from around it. (Source: Angi)

Stop here

Do not open the outdoor unit, touch wiring, or add refrigerant. Federal rules require anyone who adds or removes refrigerant, or attaches gauges to an AC or heat pump, to hold EPA Section 608 certification, and refrigerant for home AC and heat pumps can only be sold to certified technicians. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

What a technician checks

Common causes a technician checks include a weak or failed capacitor, a stuck contactor, low refrigerant from a leak, dirty coils, and airflow problems. ENERGY STAR says dirty coils make the system run longer, and too much or too little refrigerant lowers efficiency and shortens equipment life. (Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA))

Typical cost

Angi reports AC capacitor replacement at about $200 to $400 (average about $250) and contactor replacement at about $190 to $250, up to about $320. A compressor replacement is far more: about $800 to $2,300, up to about $2,800. (Source: Angi; Angi) National figures; not a quote.

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