Few things are more frustrating than an air conditioner that’s running constantly but failing to cool your home. You hear the system operating, feel air coming from the vents, yet indoor temperatures barely change — or continue rising.

This is one of the most common residential AC repair calls we receive at Williams Air Solutions, especially during peak summer months in Pinellas County. While it may seem like a major system failure, the cause is often something identifiable — and repairable — when addressed early.

Here’s what Florida homeowners should know when their AC is running but not cooling properly.

The most common and easily overlooked cause is restricted airflow.



When filters are clogged:

• Air can’t move across the evaporator coil
• Cooling efficiency drops sharply
• Systems may freeze up or short cycle

In Florida homes, filters clog faster due to constant AC use, humidity, and airborne particles.

What to check:
If your filter hasn’t been replaced in the last 30–60 days, start there.

Low refrigerant is another frequent cause — and it always indicates a problem.



When refrigerant is low:

• The system can’t absorb enough heat
• Air feels warm or slightly cool but ineffective
• Cooling capacity drops significantly

Refrigerant does not get “used up.” Low levels usually mean a leak that requires professional repair.

Heat transfer depends on clean coil surfaces.



Dirty coils:

• Trap heat instead of releasing it
• Force systems to run longer
• Reduce overall cooling performance

Florida’s humidity and outdoor debris make coil buildup especially common.

An AC that’s frozen may still run — but won’t cool effectively.



Freeze-ups are often caused by:

• Poor airflow
• Dirty coils
• Low refrigerant

If you notice ice on the indoor or outdoor unit, shut the system off and call for service immediately.

Sometimes the issue isn’t the AC itself — it’s the controls.



Problems may include:

• Incorrect thermostat settings
• Faulty temperature sensors
• Communication issues with smart thermostats

A system may run without responding properly to actual indoor temperatures.

Your outdoor unit must release heat for cooling to occur.

Common issues include:

• Debris blocking airflow
• Dirty condenser coils
• Fan motor problems



When heat can’t escape outdoors, cooling indoors stops.

In Florida homes — especially older ones — duct issues are common.

Leaky or damaged ductwork:

• Loses cooled air into attics or walls
• Causes uneven cooling
• Forces systems to run longer

Even a properly functioning AC can feel ineffective if cooled air never reaches living spaces.

Electrical components help start and regulate cooling cycles.



Failing capacitors or contactors may allow the system to run partially — without full cooling output. These issues often worsen quickly if ignored.

Older systems or improperly sized units may:

• Short cycle
• Struggle with humidity
• Lose efficiency over time



What once cooled your home adequately may no longer perform reliably during extreme Florida heat.

If your AC is running but not cooling:

1. Check and replace the air filter
2. Make sure vents are open and unobstructed
3. Inspect the outdoor unit for debris
4. Look for ice or water around the system
5. Call a licensed HVAC professional



Continuing to run an underperforming system can lead to bigger repairs — especially compressor damage.

A Largo homeowner noticed their AC running nonstop without cooling. A service visit revealed a dirty filter and partially clogged drain line causing restricted airflow. After cleaning and airflow adjustments, cooling was restored the same day — avoiding a much larger repair.

Florida systems run:

• Longer each day
• Under higher humidity
• With less seasonal downtime



That constant demand makes early warning signs easier to miss — and more expensive if ignored.

An AC that runs without cooling is signaling a performance issue — not something to wait out. Early diagnosis almost always costs less than emergency repair later.

At Williams Air Solutions, we specialize in residential AC repair for Florida homes, quickly identifying the real cause and restoring comfort safely.

If your AC is running but not cooling your home, call Williams Air Solutions at (727) 353-0090 for fast, professional residential AC repair in Pinellas County.