If your house air conditioner is not cooling, the most common causes in Texas are a tripped breaker, a clogged air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, or a failed capacitor. First, check your thermostat settings and the air filter. If the outdoor unit is running but the air isn’t cold, turn the system off immediately to prevent compressor damage and call a licensed technician to check for refrigerant leaks or electrical failures.

There is nothing quite like the panic of a house air conditioner not cooling when it’s 100 degrees in Katy or Richmond. In 2026, with energy rates rising and new refrigerant standards in place, a system that isn’t cooling properly isn’t just a comfort issue—it’s a financial one. Whether you are in Sugar Land, Pearland, or Tyler, this guide will help you diagnose the problem before you spend a dime on HVAC system repair cost.

Emergency Troubleshooting Checklist

Common Texas Homeowner Questions

How do I reset my central AC that is not blowing cold air?

To reset your system, turn it off at the thermostat and then flip the dedicated AC breaker in your electrical panel to “OFF” for 30 seconds before flipping it back to “ON.” Wait 5–10 minutes before turning the thermostat back to “Cool.” If the house air conditioner not cooling issue persists after a reset, you likely have a failed component like a capacitor or fan motor.

Should you turn off AC if it’s not cooling?

Yes. If your system is running but the air isn’t cold, you should turn it off at the thermostat immediately. Continuing to run a malfunctioning unit can cause the evaporator coil to freeze solid or, worse, cause the compressor to overheat and fail. A failed compressor is the most expensive part of an HVAC system.

2026 Repair Cost Table: Why Isn’t It Cold?

Symptom	Likely Culprit	Est. Repair Cost (Texas)
The air blows weak and warm	Dual Run Capacitor	$225–$480
Icy buildup on copper pipes	Low Refrigerant/Leak	Cost to repair a leaking AC unit
Air blows weak and warm	Clogged Filter/Blower Motor	$0 (DIY) – $1,200
Total silence from the outdoor unit	Contactor or Circuit Board	$300–$850

Local Service Areas: We Know the Texas Heat

From the humidity of Brookshire and Missouri City to the suburban stretches of Stafford and Rosenberg, we understand why a house air conditioner not cooling is a localized emergency. High humidity in our region often leads to higher HVAC maintenance cost due to algae growth in drain lines. Whether you need heating service in the winter or emergency cooling in Tyler, our team is ready.

Still have questions? Check out our Community Q&A to see what other homeowners are experiencing this summer, or browse our maintenance service plans to prevent the next breakdown.

For more technical DIY steps, refer to the Energy.gov Guide on Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioner Problems.