4.8 Stars 739 reviews
✓ Serving Pompano Beach and all Broward County
✓ 3rd Generation, Family-owned
✓ Same-day Repairs & Installs
✓ 600+ 5 Star Reviews
Is your Pompano Beach air conditioner running constantly but your home still feels like a sauna? You’re not alone. Coastal Florida AC systems face unique challenges. Cooling problems are one of the most common calls we receive at Filterbuy HVAC Solutions.
When South Florida temperatures hit the 90s and your AC stops cooling properly, every minute without relief feels like an hour. Before you panic and assume you need a costly replacement, there are several steps you can take. This guide walks you through how to troubleshoot AC not cooling properly in Pompano Beach. We’ll help you identify common issues, attempt simple fixes, and know when to call a professional.
We’ll cover the most frequent cooling problems in Pompano Beach’s humid coastal climate. You’ll learn DIY checks you can perform safely. We’ll also explain when expert diagnosis is needed to protect your system and your home comfort.
From our family to yours, we’re dedicated to keeping you cool and comfortable.
Plus 100% Financing Available
And Services Calls are Free with Any Repair
Over 90% of Repairs are Done on the Spot
For Repairs and Replacements Too!
Before calling for service, perform these basic checks. They’re safe and require no special tools. Many cooling problems have simple solutions.
1. Verify your thermostat settings
Walk to your thermostat and confirm it’s set to “cool” mode. Make sure the temperature setting is at least 3-5 degrees below your current room temperature. Check if the display looks dim or blank. Replace batteries if needed. Also confirm your thermostat isn’t located near heat sources like lamps or in direct sunlight.
2. Inspect and replace your air filter
Locate your air filter (usually behind a return vent or in your air handler). Remove it and hold it up to light. If you can’t see through it, replace it immediately. In South Florida’s humid climate, check your filter monthly. Replace it every 30-60 days during summer months.
3. Check both circuit breakers
Your AC has two breakers: one for the indoor unit and one for the outdoor unit. Go to your electrical panel and verify both are in the “on” position. If a breaker has tripped, reset it once. If it trips again, stop and call a professional.
4. Clear your outdoor unit
Walk outside to your condenser unit. Remove any leaves, grass clippings, or debris within two feet of the unit. Cut back vegetation and plants. Make sure nothing blocks the airflow around all sides of the unit.
5. Listen and observe
Turn on your AC and listen. Do you hear unusual sounds like grinding, squealing, or clicking? Look at your indoor unit. Do you see ice forming on the copper lines or coils? These signs mean you need professional help.
When to stop troubleshooting
Stop immediately if you see ice buildup, smell burning odors, or hear loud mechanical noises. Don’t attempt repairs involving refrigerant, electrical components, or internal parts. These require licensed technicians and specialized tools.
In our 15+ years serving Pompano Beach, we’ve seen countless cases where a $15 air filter replacement solved what homeowners thought was a major AC failure. If these steps don’t restore cooling, you likely have refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, or electrical issues. These problems require professional diagnosis. Pompano Beach’s coastal environment accelerates wear on AC components. This makes regular maintenance even more important.
Can’t identify the problem? Get a free diagnostic from our certified Pompano Beach AC technicians at (754) 714-4666.
A dirty air filter is the single most common cause of AC cooling problems. It’s also the easiest to fix yourself. Your air filter captures dust, pollen, and debris before they enter your AC system. When the filter becomes clogged, air can’t flow properly through your system. Restricted airflow forces your blower motor to work harder. Your AC runs longer but cools less effectively.
A dirty filter alone can increase energy consumption by up to 15 percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In Pompano Beach’s year-round cooling season, that adds up quickly on your electric bill.
We recommend that you check your filter every 30 days during summer months. Replace it when it looks dirty or you can’t see light through it. Most Pompano Beach homes need new filters every 30-60 days during peak cooling season.
Homes with pets, residents with allergies, or properties near the beach may need even more frequent changes. Coastal air carries more salt particles and moisture that clog filters faster. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends regular ac maintenance as the best way to prevent major problems. [(1)]
Refrigerant leaks are among the most common AC repairs in Pompano Beach. The coastal environment creates perfect conditions for this problem. Our salt air is corrosive to copper refrigerant lines. Microscopic salt particles land on your outdoor coils and copper tubing. Combined with humidity and heat, they eat away at the metal over time. This creates pinhole leaks that slowly release refrigerant.
Studies confirm that coastal salt air accelerates this corrosion significantly. Coastal AC systems face higher risk of refrigerant leaks compared to inland areas.
Some companies offer to simply add refrigerant without finding the leak. This is a temporary band-aid. Your system will lose refrigerant again within weeks or months. You’ll pay repeatedly for the same problem.
Proper repair means finding the leak, fixing it, then recharging the system to the correct level. This might cost more upfront but saves you money long-term.
Federal law requires certification to handle refrigerants. DIY refrigerant work is illegal and dangerous. Newer refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are mildly flammable. Proper leak detection and repair are even more important with these gases.
Refrigerant exposure can cause frostbite, breathing problems, and other health issues. Leave this work to licensed professionals with proper equipment..
While refrigerant leaks prevent cooling gradually over weeks, frozen evaporator coils can stop your AC dead in its tracks. Here’s what to do.
When you have frozen coils, you have ice or frost forming on the copper refrigerant lines inside your home. You’ll see it on the indoor unit which are commonly found in a closet, attic, or garage. The ice may cover the entire coil assembly. In severe cases, ice builds up on the copper lines leading to your outdoor unit.
You might also notice water pooling around your indoor unit as ice melts. Your vents blow weak, warm air instead of cold.
How to safely handle frozen coils
Complete thawing usually takes 2-4 hours. You can speed this up by running just the fan. Check every hour to see if ice has melted completely. Don’t turn cooling back on until all ice is gone. Running your AC with frozen coils forces your compressor to work without proper refrigerant flow. This can cause permanent compressor damage. A compressor replacement costs $1,000-$2,500. Simply waiting a few hours to thaw prevents this expensive repair.
Once coils thaw, if the problem returns within 24 hours, you’re dealing with an underlying issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Your outdoor unit’s job is to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside air. When coils are dirty or airflow is blocked, this heat transfer fails. Your home stays warm. The condenser coils in your outdoor unit release the heat pulled from your home. Clean coils with clear airflow around them work efficiently. Dirty coils covered in debris act like a blanket, trapping heat inside the system
Pompano Beach coastal properties deal with unique outdoor unit challenges:
These conditions require more frequent outdoor unit maintenance than inland homes. There are safe DIY cleaning practices you can try at home for your outdoor unit.
However, if you see heavy buildup, black mold, or severely bent fins, professional cleaning is needed. We use specialized coil cleaners and fin combs. Our process removes buildup without damaging delicate aluminum fins.
Need a thorough outdoor unit cleaning? Schedule professional AC maintenance with coil cleaning included. Call (754) 714-4666 today.
The best troubleshooting strategy is avoiding problems altogether. Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive emergencies.
Pompano Beach systems need professional maintenance at least twice per year. Schedule one visit in spring (March-April) before peak cooling season. Schedule the second in fall (October-November) to prepare for winter operation.
This differs from inland Florida where annual maintenance might suffice. The coastal environment demands more frequent professional attention.
What’s included in professional AC maintenance
A comprehensive AC tune-up includes multiple inspection and service points:
Our comprehensive inspection provides a detailed picture of your system’s health. You receive a report card showing what’s working well and what needs attention soon.
The cost comparison: prevention versus emergency
| Service Type | Average Cost | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive maintenance visit | $150-$180 | Catches problems early |
| Emergency repair (after hours) | $500-$1,200 | Fixes failures after damage occurs |
| Compressor replacement | $1,500-$2,500 | Could have been prevented |
| Complete system replacement | $4,000-$10,000 | Often avoidable with maintenance |
Two $150 maintenance visits per year cost $300 annually. One emergency repair easily exceeds that amount. The math clearly favors prevention.
Regular maintenance significantly extends your AC’s lifespan in Pompano Beach’s demanding coastal climate. Systems without regular maintenance often fail prematurely. Proper care protects your major home investment and maximizes the value you get from your equipment.
During spring maintenance visits, we specifically check for early signs of salt air corrosion on Pompano Beach systems. Catching it early can add 3-5 years to your AC’s lifespan. We apply protective coatings when needed to slow the corrosion process.
Ready to protect your investment? Join our AC Care Club for priority service and member discounts. Call (754) 714-4666 or visit our website.
Why choose Filterbuy HVAC Solutions
Pompano Beach-specific advantages
Our location at 2521 NE 4th Ave means fast response times throughout Pompano Beach. We stock corrosion-resistant parts specifically for coastal systems. Our technicians see salt air damage daily and know exactly how to address it.
We serve all Pompano Beach neighborhoods including Cresthaven, Collier City, Palm-Aire, and areas near the beach. Fast emergency response available 24/7.
Emergency services are available 24/7 for AC failures during extreme heat, electrical hazards, water leaks, or complete system failure. Call immediately if your situation is urgent.
Scheduled services work for non-emergency repairs, maintenance appointments, or issues where you still have some cooling. These appointments often cost less and allow more flexibility in scheduling.
Filterbuy HVAC Solutions
2521 NE 4th Ave, Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Q: Why is my AC running but not cooling my Pompano Beach home?
A: Common reasons include dirty air filters restricting airflow, refrigerant leaks (especially common in coastal areas due to salt air corrosion), frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, or thermostat issues. Start by checking your filter and thermostat settings. If the problem persists after basic troubleshooting, contact Filterbuy HVAC Solutions at (754) 714-4666 for professional diagnosis.
Q: How often should I change my AC filter in Pompano Beach?
A: Due to South Florida’s high humidity and year-round AC operation, check your filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty, which is typically every 30-60 days during peak cooling season. Homes with pets, allergies, or located near the coast may need even more frequent changes. Regular filter replacement improves cooling efficiency and prevents more serious AC problems.
Q: Can I fix my AC not cooling myself or do I need a professional?
A: You can safely handle basic troubleshooting: checking thermostat settings, replacing air filters, clearing debris from the outdoor unit, and resetting circuit breakers. However, refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, frozen coils that don’t resolve after thawing, and compressor problems require licensed HVAC technicians. Attempting complex repairs yourself can void warranties and create safety hazards.
Q: Why do Pompano Beach AC systems fail more often than inland systems?
A: Pompano Beach’s coastal location exposes AC systems to salt air, which accelerates corrosion on copper coils, aluminum fins, and metal components. Combined with year-round operation in high humidity, this creates more frequent refrigerant leaks and component failures compared to inland areas. Regular maintenance and corrosion-resistant components help extend system life.
Q: How much does AC repair cost in Pompano Beach?
A: Basic repairs (thermostat replacement, capacitor) typically cost $150-$300. Refrigerant leak repairs range from $400-$1,500 depending on location and severity. Compressor replacement can cost $1,000-$2,500. Filterbuy HVAC Solutions provides free diagnostics with repair and transparent, upfront pricing before any work begins. Call (754) 714-4666 for a quote.
Q: What’s included in Filterbuy’s AC maintenance service?
A: Filterbuy’s comprehensive AC tune-up includes a 21-point inspection, refrigerant level check, electrical component testing, coil cleaning, condensate drain flush, air filter replacement, and a detailed report card with photos and diagnostic readings. Maintenance plans include two visits per year, priority service, and member discounts. Call (754) 714-4666 to schedule.
Q: Should I turn off my AC if it’s not cooling properly?
A: Yes, if your AC is blowing warm air or you see ice on the coils, turn it off immediately. Continuing to run a malfunctioning AC can damage the compressor and lead to more expensive repairs. You can switch to “fan only” mode to help thaw frozen coils, then call Filterbuy at (754) 714-4666 for emergency service.
Q: How quickly can Filterbuy respond to AC emergencies in Pompano Beach?
A: Filterbuy HVAC Solutions offers 24/7 emergency AC repair in Pompano Beach with fast response times. Our Pompano Beach location at 2521 NE 4th Ave stocks common parts for same-day repairs. Call (754) 714-4666 for immediate assistance—we understand that AC failures can’t wait in South Florida’s heat.
Q: Does salt air really damage AC systems faster?
A: Yes, studies on coastal HVAC systems show that salt spray exposure degrades heat exchangers and accelerates corrosion. The combination of salt particles and moisture creates an electrochemical reaction that corrodes copper and aluminum components. This is why Pompano Beach systems require more frequent maintenance than inland systems.
Q: What are the warning signs I need AC repair immediately?
A: Contact an HVAC professional immediately if you experience: warm air blowing when AC is on, ice forming on indoor or outdoor coils, strange sounds (grinding, squealing, clicking), frequent cycling on and off, water leaks near your indoor unit, burning smell, or dramatically higher electric bills. These indicate problems that worsen without professional attention.
(1) https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioner-maintenance
Enter your information and we will contact you promptly.
