Why isn't my AC cooling, and can a handyman fix it?
May 13, 2026 · contractor
AC runs but the house won't get cool. What are common causes and is this a handyman or HVAC-pro job?
1 answer
Best answer
Common causes: a dirty air filter, tripped breaker, frozen coil, or dirty condenser — all worth checking first (replace the filter, clear debris around the outdoor unit). If it's low refrigerant, a failed capacitor, or compressor issues, that's HVAC-pro territory (refrigerant is licensed work). A handyman can handle filters and airflow; call an HVAC tech for the sealed system.