Why is my AC running but not cooling?
A dirty filter, a failed capacitor, a refrigerant leak or a frozen coil are common causes. A provider can test each.
Say you get home on a humid evening and the house feels heavy. The thermostat says the AC is on, but the air from the vents is barely cool. Summers here can stay humid for weeks, so a struggling AC is hard to ignore.
Southscott Heating & Air connects homeowners in the Davenport area with independent HVAC providers who diagnose and repair central air conditioners and heat pumps. This page covers the first checks, the warning signs, common repairs and typical costs. One request reaches a provider, and you get a written estimate before work starts.
The First Ten Minutes
- Set the thermostat to cool, a few degrees below the room. Replace dead batteries.
- Check the AC breaker. Reset it once if it tripped.
- Make sure the outdoor shutoff box is on.
- Pull the filter. Replace it if it is gray and packed.
- Clear grass, leaves and storm debris from the outdoor unit.
Still warm? Turn the AC off. Running it hard can turn a small failure into a bigger one.
Take Two Photos
One of the outdoor unit and its model label. One of the thermostat display. Those help the provider show up with the right parts and help you later with records.
Warning Signs
- Warm or weak air
- Outdoor unit humming with the fan still
- Ice on the copper lines
- Water near the indoor unit or in the basement by the furnace
- Short cycling
- New rattles or squeals
- A bill that jumped
A Few Scenarios
After a Thunderstorm
The power flickered and now the AC will not start. Surges can damage capacitors and control boards. Check the breaker, then request a provider.
Ice on the Lines
You see frost on the copper pipe outside. That usually means low airflow or low refrigerant. Turn the system off and let it thaw.
Water by the Furnace
The AC coil usually sits on top of the furnace in the basement. A clogged drain line can drip down the side. Turn the AC off and request help.
What the Provider Does
The provider checks power, the thermostat and the filter, then tests the capacitor, contactor, motors and refrigerant pressures. They look at the coil and drain. Once they find the cause, they explain it and give you a written estimate.
Common Repairs
- Capacitor or contactor replacement
- Fan motor repair
- Drain line clearing
- Refrigerant leak repair
- Coil cleaning and hail fin repair
Repair or Replace
If the system is younger and the part is small, repair. If it is old, uses an older refrigerant or needs a compressor, ask for both prices.
What's Included
Quick Connection
One request reaches an independent provider who serves your area.
Full Diagnosis
Electrical parts, refrigerant and drainage are tested.
Written Estimate
The price is on paper before work.
Storm Checks
Surge and hail damage are looked for after storms.
Typical AC Repair Costs
These are typical U.S. ranges. Your price depends on the part, the system and access. Ask for a written estimate.
| Repair | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $75 to $200 | Sometimes applied to the repair |
| Capacitor | $120 to $400 | Common after storms |
| Contactor | $150 to $450 | Wears with use |
| Fan motor | $300 to $900 | Indoor or outdoor |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $250 to $1,500 | Leak location matters |
| Compressor | $1,200 to $3,000 | Price replacement too |
How It Works
Send a Request
Describe the problem and add a photo if you can.
Provider Contact
An independent provider reaches out.
Diagnosis
The provider finds the cause.
Decide
Review the written estimate.
Why Call Southscott Heating & Air
Less Searching
One request instead of a round of calls.
Local Providers
Independent providers who serve the region.
Written Price
The estimate comes before work.
No Obligation
Decide on your own time.
Other Services
Need ac repair help in Davenport?
Describe what your furnace or AC is doing. We pass your request to an independent local provider so you can skip the calling around.
No obligationQuestions
AC Repair Help FAQ
Can I add refrigerant myself?
No. It requires certification, and low refrigerant means a leak that needs repair.
Should I keep the AC off until the visit?
If it is blowing warm air, freezing up or making new noises, yes. Running it can make the damage worse.
Contact
Reach a local provider
Describe what your furnace or AC is doing. We pass your request to an independent local provider so you can skip the calling around.
No obligation