Your AC’s not cooling. Maybe it’s blowing warm air. Maybe it’s not blowing anything at all. In Kansas summer heat? That’s not just inconvenient—it’s a full-on emergency.
At On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric, we fix this kind of problem every day for Wichita homeowners. The good news? Most of the time, it’s not a huge deal. You don’t always need a brand-new system—often, it’s just one small issue getting in the way.
Here are 7 common reasons your AC might not be cooling, and how to fix them.
1. Thermostat Might Be Set Wrong
What’s going on:
This sounds obvious, but it happens all the time. Someone accidentally changes the settings, and suddenly the fan’s running—but there’s no cold air.
What to do:
Make sure it’s set to Cool (not Heat).
Set the fan to Auto, not On.
Drop the temperature at least 5 degrees below room temperature to kick it on.
Pro tip: Got a smart thermostat? Double-check its schedule and update the software if needed.
2. Your Air Filter’s Dirty
What’s going on:
A clogged air filter blocks airflow. No airflow = no cooling. It also puts extra strain on your system, which can lead to shutdowns or frozen coils.
What to do:
Locate the filter (usually behind a vent or inside your air handler).
If it looks dirty or dusty, replace it.
In Kansas, change it every 1–3 months. If you have pets or allergies, go monthly.
3. Clogged Drain Line
What’s going on:
Your AC pulls moisture out of the air, and that water drains through a small white pipe. If that pipe clogs, the system can shut down to prevent water damage.
What to do:
Find the PVC drain line near your indoor unit.
Pour in a cup of vinegar to kill algae and gunk.
If it’s still clogged, you might need a shop vac—or just call us at 316-721-5055.
Pro tip: We can install a float switch to shut the system off before it floods your home.
4. Outdoor Unit’s Blocked or Dirty
What’s going on:
Your outdoor unit (condenser) needs to release heat. If it’s covered in leaves, grass, or dirt, it can’t do its job.
What to do:
Shut off power to the unit.
Rinse the fins gently with a hose.
Clear at least 2 feet of space around the unit.
Important: Don’t cover your AC with a tarp—it needs to breathe.
5. Low Refrigerant
What’s going on:
Refrigerant is what makes your air cold. If your system is low, you’ll get airflow—but it won’t be cool.
What to do:
This is a job for a licensed HVAC tech (like us). We’ll check for leaks, seal them, and recharge the system the right way.
FYI: If you need refrigerant every summer, there’s a leak that needs fixing.
6. Frozen Coil
What’s going on:
Your indoor coil can freeze up from low airflow, a dirty filter, or low refrigerant. When frozen, the AC can’t cool.
What to do:
Turn the system off and let it thaw (this can take hours).
Replace the filter while you wait.
Run just the fan (no cooling) to dry it out.
If it keeps freezing, call us at 316-721-5055.
Never chip at the ice—you could damage the coil.
7. Tripped Breaker
What’s going on:
Your AC has an indoor and outdoor unit. If the outdoor unit trips the breaker, the indoor fan might still run, but you’ll get no cooling.
What to do:
Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker labeled “AC” or “Condenser.”
Reset it once.
If it trips again, stop there and call a pro. Repeated tripping means something’s wrong.
Safety tip: Don’t mess with electrical work unless you’re 100% sure—it’s dangerous.
🎁 Bonus: It Might Just Need a Tune-Up
Sometimes it’s not one big problem, but a bunch of small ones adding up. A tune-up can get everything back in shape.
During an AC tune-up, we:
Check refrigerant levels
Clean coils
Flush the drain line
Test capacitors
Tighten loose connections
Verify thermostat accuracy
This helps your AC run smoother, cooler, and last longer while preventing expensive repairs.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve tried these fixes and your AC still isn’t cooling, it’s time to bring in the experts.
At On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric, we’ve been keeping Wichita families cool for years. We’re local, fast, and honest. We don’t upsell—you get exactly what you need, done right the first time.
Let’s Get Your AC Working Again
Kansas heat doesn’t wait, and neither should you. If your AC’s acting up, don’t sweat it—literally.
📞 Call On Time Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electric today at 316-721-5055 and we’ll get your AC blowing cold again.
We’re right here in Wichita, and yes, we answer the phone.
Call now, and let’s get you cool again—today.
