Why is my AC running but blowing warm air?

If the fan is blowing but the air isn't cold, you likely have a Dirty Filter, a Bad Capacitor, or a Refrigerant Leak. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we recommend checking these two things before calling us: Check the Filter: A clogged filter chokes the system. If air can't move, the indoor coil freezes into a block of ice, blocking all cooling. Check the Outdoor Unit: Go outside. Is the fan spinning? If YES (but air is warm): You are likely low on refrigerant or the compressor has overheated. Look for ice on the copper pipes near the unit. If NO (but you hear humming): It is likely a bad Capacitor. This is a cheap part that acts as the "battery" to start the motor. The "20-Degree Rule" (DIY Test): Use a thermometer to measure the air going into your return vent and the air coming out of a supply vent. Good: There should be a 16°F to 20°F difference (e.g., 75° in, 55° out). Bad: If the difference is less than 15°F, your system is struggling and needs professional diagnosis.

Should I turn my AC off if it isn't cooling?

Yes, immediately. Continuing to run a struggling AC is the fastest way to turn a $200 repair into a $3,000 replacement. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we warn homeowners about the "Snowball Effect": The Frozen Coil Risk: If the system is low on refrigerant or has a dirty filter, the indoor coil will freeze into a block of ice. The Consequence (Liquid Slugging): If you keep the unit running, that ice blocks airflow. This causes cold liquid refrigerant to flood back into the compressor (called "Liquid Slugging"), which can instantly destroy the valves and kill the compressor. The Rule: If the thermostat temperature is rising while the AC is running, turn it off at the thermostat. This prevents the compressor from burning out while you wait for a technician.

Is it smarter to repair my broken AC or just replace it?

It comes down to math, specifically the "50% Rule." At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we recommend replacing the unit if the cost of the repair equals 50% or more of the price of a brand-new system. Beyond the math, there are two "Automatic Vetoes" where repair is almost never worth it: The "Freon" Factor (R-22): If your unit was built before 2010, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon). This chemical is banned and astronomically expensive. If an R-22 unit has a leak, it is officially "totaled." Compressor Grounding: The compressor is the engine of the AC. If it "grounds out" (electrical failure) on a unit older than 10 years, replacing it is like putting a new engine in a car with 300,000 miles. You are fixing one part, but the rest of the system is still near the end of its life The ROI Reality: A new 16 SEER2 system will likely lower your electricity bill by 30% compared to a 12-year-old unit. Often, the monthly energy savings alone cover a significant chunk of the payment for the new system.

AC Repair | Patriot Electric Heating & Cooling

Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling is your go-to source for expert AC repair services in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding communities. Our highly skilled and experienced technicians are equipped to diagnose and fix a wide range of AC issues, ensuring your home or business returns to comfortable temperatures quickly and efficiently.

With a commitment to honest pricing and exceptional customer service, Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling has built a reputation for being a reliable partner for all your HVAC needs. We offer 24/7 emergency service because we understand that AC breakdowns don't adhere to a schedule.

It's easy to ignore subtle changes in your AC's performance, but addressing issues promptly can prevent minor problems from escalating into costly breakdowns. Here are common signs that indicate it's time to call Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling for AC repair:

Warm Air Blowing from Vents: This is one of the most obvious signs. If your AC is running but the air coming from your vents isn't cool, or is even warm, it could indicate a low refrigerant level, a malfunctioning compressor, a clogged air filter, or issues with your thermostat.
Weak Airflow: If the airflow from your vents seems significantly weaker than usual, or if some rooms are getting less air than others, it could be due to a clogged air filter, blocked or leaky ductwork, or a problem with your blower motor. Inconsistent airflow means your system is working harder than it should, leading to inefficiency and potential damage.
Unusual Noises: Your AC unit should operate relatively quietly. If you start hearing strange sounds like grinding, squealing, banging, rattling, hissing, or bubbling, it's a clear indicator of an internal problem. These noises can point to issues such as loose parts, a failing motor, a refrigerant leak, or problems with the fan or compressor. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more severe and expensive damage.
Strange Odors: Any foul or unusual smell coming from your AC vents is a cause for concern.
Musty or Moldy Smell: This often indicates mold or mildew growth within your ductwork or the AC unit itself, usually due to moisture buildup.
Burning Smell: A burning or smoky odor could signal an electrical issue, such as overheating wires or a failing motor. If you smell a burning odor, turn off your AC immediately and call a professional.
Sweet or Chemical Smell: This can be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
Increased Energy Bills: If your utility bills suddenly spike without a corresponding increase in usage, your AC unit is likely working harder to maintain the desired temperature. This inefficiency can be caused by dirty coils, a refrigerant leak, an aging compressor, or other mechanical issues that require repair.
Frequent Cycling (Short Cycling): Your AC unit typically cycles on and off a few times an hour. If it's turning on and off very frequently, running for only short periods, it's "short cycling." This can be caused by a faulty thermostat, an oversized unit, or low refrigerant, and it puts excessive strain on your system's components, leading to premature wear and tear.
Water Leaks Around the Unit: While some condensation is normal, excessive water pooling around your indoor or outdoor AC unit is a sign of trouble. This can be caused by a clogged condensate drain line, a frozen evaporator coil (which occurs due to poor airflow or low refrigerant), or a damaged condensate pump. Water leaks can lead to significant property damage and mold growth.
Ice Formation on Coils or Lines: If you notice ice buildup on your outdoor unit's coils or on the refrigerant lines, it usually indicates a problem with airflow (like a dirty air filter) or low refrigerant levels. Ice buildup can severely hinder your AC's ability to cool and can damage the compressor.
Thermostat Malfunctions: If your AC isn't responding to your thermostat settings, or if the thermostat screen is blank, the issue might be with the thermostat itself (dead batteries, faulty wiring) or a more significant problem within the AC unit that's preventing it from receiving signals.

When you call Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling for AC repair, you can expect:

Prompt Response: We prioritize your comfort and aim to respond quickly, especially for emergency situations.
Thorough Diagnosis: Our certified technicians will meticulously inspect your AC system, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
Transparent Explanation: We'll clearly explain the issue, the necessary repairs, and provide an upfront, flat-rate price quote before any work begins.
Expert Repair: Our technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks, ready to perform most repairs on the spot, ensuring minimal downtime for your cooling system.
Quality Workmanship: We use high-quality parts and adhere to industry best practices to ensure durable and effective repairs.
Post-Repair Testing: We rigorously test your system after the repair to confirm it's operating optimally and efficiently.

Don't let a malfunctioning AC unit disrupt your comfort. If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to contact Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling. Our team is ready to provide the fast, reliable AC repair services you need in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (903) 978-1007 or visit our website to schedule your service!

My wife and I live in an older home (built in 1971) which comes with older home problems… Our home air conditioner went out late yesterday afternoon & I called Patriot to schedule a repair visit for today. Seth arrived as scheduled and quickly diagnosed the problems with the exterior unit. I appreciated him taking a few minutes to explain the electrical problems to be repaired & going the extra mile to verify proper operation of the compressor along with the inside unit. Seth told me & then showed me what was wrong. In less than 2 hours, we had air conditioning again. I would describe Seth as cordial, professional and very competent!

Why is my AC running but blowing warm air?
If the fan is blowing but the air isn't cold, you likely have a Dirty Filter, a Bad Capacitor, or a Refrigerant Leak. At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we recommend checking these two things before calling us:

Check the Filter: A clogged filter chokes the system. If air can't move, the indoor coil freezes into a block of ice, blocking all cooling.
Check the Outdoor Unit: Go outside. Is the fan spinning?

If YES (but air is warm): You are likely low on refrigerant or the compressor has overheated. Look for ice on the copper pipes near the unit.
If NO (but you hear humming): It is likely a bad Capacitor. This is a cheap part that acts as the "battery" to start the motor.
The "20-Degree Rule" (DIY Test): Use a thermometer to measure the air going into your return vent and the air coming out of a supply vent.
Good: There should be a 16°F to 20°F difference (e.g., 75° in, 55° out).
Bad: If the difference is less than 15°F, your system is struggling and needs professional diagnosis.
Should I turn my AC off if it isn't cooling?
Yes, immediately. Continuing to run a struggling AC is the fastest way to turn a $200 repair into a $3,000 replacement.

At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we warn homeowners about the "Snowball Effect":

The Frozen Coil Risk: If the system is low on refrigerant or has a dirty filter, the indoor coil will freeze into a block of ice.
The Consequence (Liquid Slugging): If you keep the unit running, that ice blocks airflow. This causes cold liquid refrigerant to flood back into the compressor (called "Liquid Slugging"), which can instantly destroy the valves and kill the compressor.
The Rule: If the thermostat temperature is rising while the AC is running, turn it off at the thermostat. This prevents the compressor from burning out while you wait for a technician.
Is it smarter to repair my broken AC or just replace it?
It comes down to math, specifically the "50% Rule." At Patriot Electric Heating and Cooling, we recommend replacing the unit if the cost of the repair equals 50% or more of the price of a brand-new system.
Beyond the math, there are two "Automatic Vetoes" where repair is almost never worth it:

The "Freon" Factor (R-22): If your unit was built before 2010, it likely uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon). This chemical is banned and astronomically expensive. If an R-22 unit has a leak, it is officially "totaled."
Compressor Grounding: The compressor is the engine of the AC. If it "grounds out" (electrical failure) on a unit older than 10 years, replacing it is like putting a new engine in a car with 300,000 miles. You are fixing one part, but the rest of the system is still near the end of its life
The ROI Reality: A new 16 SEER2 system will likely lower your electricity bill by 30% compared to a 12-year-old unit. Often, the monthly energy savings alone cover a significant chunk of the payment for the new system.

Reach Out Today

AC Repair

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FAQ

Why is my AC running but blowing warm air?

Should I turn my AC off if it isn't cooling?

Is it smarter to repair my broken AC or just replace it?

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