Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
Common causes are a clogged filter, a dirty outdoor unit, a failed capacitor or low refrigerant. Check the filter and clear the condenser first. If air stays warm, a provider should test the system.
Check, then call. Protect the house.
AC Repair in Kenner, LA
Request an estimate for AC repair
A dead or weak air conditioner is more than a comfort problem. In the Kenner area, hot, humid summers push every system hard, and attics bake the whole house. A small fault left alone can turn into a big repair. It can also cause moisture and mold problems that hurt your home's value.
Fingerscosts Heating & Air is a referral service. We do not do the work. We connect you with independent HVAC providers in our network who diagnose and fix cooling problems. This page shows what you can safely check yourself, what a repair visit looks like, and what to ask before you say yes. Check first, then call, and know where DIY ends.
AC Stopped Cooling? Start Here
Grab a flashlight and spend ten minutes on these checks. They cost nothing but a little effort, and they sometimes solve the problem.
Check the thermostat
Set it to cool and drop the target five degrees below the room temperature. Dead screen? Swap the batteries. Make sure it is not set to "fan only" or a hold schedule.
Look at the breaker panel
Find the breakers marked for the air handler and the outdoor unit. If one has tripped, flip it fully off, then on, one time. If it trips again, stop. That points to an electrical fault, not a nuisance.
Swap the filter
Slide the old filter out and hold it to the light. If you cannot see through it, replace it. A clogged filter chokes airflow and can make the coil ice up.
Clear the outdoor unit
Pull leaves, grass clippings and weeds away from the condenser. Leave about two feet of space on every side. Gently rinse the fins with a garden hose. Never use a pressure washer.
Know Where DIY Ends
Some jobs belong to a licensed pro. Do not open the electrical panel on the unit. Do not handle refrigerant. Do not chip ice off the coil with a tool. If you see ice, switch the system to "off" and the fan to "on" so it can thaw.
If the checks did not help, Request a callback to check provider availability. Many providers can respond quickly when the heat is serious.
Signs Your AC Needs a Repair
You do not need to wait for a full breakdown. Watch for these:
- Air from the vents feels warm or only a little cool
- The system runs all afternoon but the house stays sticky
- Grinding, squealing or clicking from the outdoor unit
- Water pooling near the indoor unit
- A musty smell when the AC kicks on
- Power bills creeping up with no change in habits
Catching these early is cheaper than waiting for a hot-weekend failure. It also keeps moisture out of your walls and ceilings.
What Happens During an AC Repair Visit
The diagnosis
The provider asks what you have noticed, then tests the system. Expect checks of airflow, voltage, the capacitor, refrigerant levels, the coil and the drain line.
The written quote
Before any repair starts, ask for the problem, the fix and the price in writing. A good provider explains it in plain words and shows you the worn part when possible.
Common AC Repairs
Capacitors and contactors
These small electrical parts help the motors start. When one fails, the outdoor fan may hum but not spin. It is a common repair and usually a modest one.
Refrigerant leaks
An AC does not "use up" refrigerant. If levels are low, there is a leak. Topping it off without finding the leak only buys you a few weeks.
Clogged drain lines
Humid weather makes a lot of condensation. If the drain line backs up, water can stain ceilings or damage the floor under the air handler. A provider can clear and flush it.
Fan motors and frozen coils
A worn fan motor or a dirty coil cuts cooling fast. Fixing the cause matters more than thawing the ice again and again.
Repair or Replace?
Most repairs make sense. Think about replacement when the system is past 12 to 15 years old, needs repeated fixes, or uses an older refrigerant that is getting harder to find. A rough rule: if one repair costs half the price of a new system, ask for both numbers side by side.
A new, right-sized system can also help resale. Buyers and inspectors notice an aging unit.
Older Homes Need Extra Care
Older houses hide surprises. Ductwork may be patched, leaky or undersized. Attic and crawlspace runs can be tight and hot. Pier-and-beam homes may have ducts hanging close to damp ground, and older slab ranches often have ducts buried in the attic insulation.
Tell the provider about past repairs, additions and rooms that never cool well. That history helps them find the real cause, not just the symptom.
Questions to Ask the Provider
- Are you licensed and insured in Louisiana?
- Will you give me a written quote before work starts?
- Is there a diagnostic fee, and does it apply to the repair?
- What does the parts and labor warranty cover?
- How long will the repair take?
- Is this a short-term patch or a lasting fix?
If an answer feels vague, ask again. You are inviting someone into your home.
Protect the House for the Long Run
A clean filter, a clear outdoor unit and a yearly tune-up keep small problems small. Some policies may cover sudden damage, so check your policy, and providers can often help document damage for a claim. A careful repair now protects the house and its value later.
What's Included
Cooling Diagnosis
Providers test airflow, electrical parts, refrigerant and the coil to find why your system is not cooling.
Part Repairs
Capacitors, contactors, fan motors and other worn parts can be replaced on many systems.
Drain Line Service
Clogged condensate lines get cleared to protect ceilings, floors and the area around the air handler.
Written Quote Review
You get the problem, the fix and the price spelled out before any repair work begins.
Typical AC Repair Costs
Prices vary by home, system age and the part that failed. These are typical U.S. ranges, not quotes. Always ask the provider for a written quote before you approve any repair work.
| Repair item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $75 – $200 | Often applied toward the repair |
| Capacitor or contactor | $150 – $450 | Common and usually quick |
| Fan motor replacement | $400 – $900 | Depends on the unit type |
| Drain line clearing | $100 – $350 | More if the pan is damaged |
| Refrigerant leak repair | $250 – $1,600 | Varies with leak location |
| Compressor replacement | $1,200 – $2,800 | Compare against full replacement |
How It Works
Run Safe Checks
Check the thermostat, breaker, filter and outdoor unit. Skip anything involving electrical panels or refrigerant.
Call or Request Estimate
Request a callback to check availability, or send the request form with a few details.
Meet Your Provider
A local provider reviews your system, finds the cause and explains the fix.
Approve the Quote
Review the written quote, ask questions, then approve the repair when ready.
Why Call Fingerscosts Heating & Air
Local Matching
We connect you with independent providers in our network who work in your area and know the local climate.
Plain Guidance
You get safe checks first, so you know what to try and when to stop.
Protects Value
A careful repair keeps your system and your home in good shape for resale.
No Obligation
Request an estimate and decide on your own. There is no pressure to hire anyone.
Other Services
Need ac repair in Kenner?
Tell us what your system is doing. Request an estimate, or Request a callback to check provider availability in the Kenner area. No obligation to move forward.
No obligationQuestions
AC Repair FAQ
Is it safe to add refrigerant to my AC myself?
No. Handling refrigerant takes training and special tools, and low levels mean a leak. A provider should find and fix the leak so the problem does not return.
How do I know if my AC is worth repairing?
Look at age, repair history and the quote. A system under about 12 years old with one fixable fault is often worth repairing. Ask for repair and replacement prices side by side.
Contact
Tell us what happened
Tell us what your system is doing. Request an estimate, or Request a callback to check provider availability in the Kenner area. No obligation to move forward.
No obligation