It’s 110°F outside in Deer Valley, Arizona, and your air conditioner is running—but your house still feels like an oven. Sound familiar? An underperforming AC is not just uncomfortable—it can skyrocket your energy bill and cause long-term damage to your HVAC system.
Before you panic, there are a few things you can check yourself. Let’s walk through the most common reasons your AC isn’t cooling and what Deer Valley homeowners should do about it.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Start with the basics: is your thermostat set to “cool”? It sounds obvious, but accidental settings changes (especially after power outages or child interference) happen often.
- Make sure it’s set at least 5 degrees lower than the current room temp.
- Check if the thermostat screen is working—if not, replace the batteries.
➡️ Upgrade to a smart thermostat to prevent this issue in the future.
2. Is the Air Filter Dirty?
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons ACs lose efficiency, especially in dusty environments like Deer Valley.
- If your filter is gray or covered in dust, replace it.
- Replace filters every 1–2 months during summer and monsoon season.
A dirty filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your AC to circulate cool air and stressing your system.
🔵 Source: Trane – Common AC Issues
3. Check the Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, your AC isn’t cooling because only the indoor unit is running—not the outdoor condenser. This can happen if:
- The breaker tripped during a power surge or lightning storm.
- The outdoor unit overheated and shut itself off.
Reset the breaker if needed, and listen for the outdoor unit starting back up. If it doesn’t, it’s time to call a professional.
4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Deer Valley’s heat, wind, and dust storms can clog your outdoor condenser coils.
- Check for debris, leaves, or weeds around the condenser unit.
- Ensure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
- Gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (not a pressure washer).
Dirty coils reduce heat transfer and make it harder for the system to remove hot air from your home.
5. Check for Frozen Evaporator Coils
If your AC is running but air coming out is warm or weak, check the indoor unit for ice buildup. Frozen coils are a sign of:
- Low refrigerant
- Poor airflow
- Dirty filters or coils
Turn off your AC and switch the fan to “on” to help thaw it. Do not run the system until the ice is gone.
➡️ If this keeps happening, schedule a service call with Einstein Pros Deer Valley—you may have a refrigerant leak or airflow problem.
6. Leaky or Blocked Air Ducts
Leaking ducts are a common issue in older Deer Valley homes or recent remodels. Up to 30% of cooled air can be lost through cracks, holes, or disconnected ductwork.
- Walk your attic and look for disconnected ducts.
- Feel for air blowing from duct seams.
- Consider a professional duct inspection if airflow seems inconsistent.
7. Refrigerant Is Low or Leaking
If your AC used to cool fine but doesn’t anymore, your refrigerant could be leaking. Unlike fuel, refrigerant doesn’t get “used up”—so if it’s low, there’s a problem.
Only licensed HVAC professionals can handle refrigerant issues safely and legally.
➡️ Contact Einstein Pros in Deer Valley for diagnostics and repair.
8. Your AC System Might Be Undersized
Homes in Deer Valley need properly sized systems to handle extreme heat. If your system is too small, it will run constantly and still not cool effectively.
Ask about a load calculation assessment to determine the right system for your square footage, insulation, and windows.
Bonus: Check Your Windows & Insulation
Sometimes it’s not your AC—it’s your home’s insulation or leaky windows. In older homes or during monsoon season, heat can flood in faster than your AC can compensate.
- Use blackout curtains during peak heat hours.
- Add caulking or weather stripping around windows.
- Consider improving attic insulation.
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve checked all the above and your home still isn’t cool, don’t risk damaging your system. It’s time to call in a certified technician.
💡 Einstein Pros in Deer Valley offers fast, reliable HVAC troubleshooting and repair for AC systems struggling in the Arizona heat.
➡️ Schedule a cooling system inspection now
Final Thoughts
In Deer Valley, your AC isn’t a luxury—it’s survival. When your system stops keeping up, a quick response can prevent costly breakdowns and unbearable heat. Whether it’s a clogged filter, dirty coils, or something more serious, catching problems early is the key to staying comfortable and saving money.