There’s nothing worse than walking into your home on a sweltering Arkansas day—only to realize your AC is not cooling. Whether you’re in Fort Smith, Van Buren, or Alma, the intense heat can turn your home into a sauna fast. And in the middle of an Arkansas summer, that’s not just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous.
At Riverside Comfort Care, we understand that when your air conditioner goes down, you need help fast. We specialize in emergency AC repair services and proudly serve homes across the River Valley. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons for an AC system that won’t cool, what you can safely check before calling, and why Riverside is your go-to HVAC expert in the region.
Top Reasons for AC Not Cooling Your Home
There are several potential reasons your ac not cooling properly. Some are simple and easily resolved, while others may require professional repair. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes.
1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings or Malfunctioning Controls
Believe it or not, your thermostat might be the root of the issue. If it’s set to “fan” instead of “cool,” your system will blow air without lowering the temperature. Dead batteries or internal sensor issues can also interfere with cooling.
Before panicking, double-check that the thermostat is set to cool mode, the temperature is properly adjusted, and the batteries are working. If the screen is blank or flickering, a replacement may be needed.
2. Dirty Air Filters Blocking Cool Airflow
Clogged air filters are one of the top reasons homeowners experience poor airflow or uneven cooling. When filters are dirty, they restrict airflow, which can lead to frozen evaporator coils and poor system performance.
To avoid this, change your filters every 1–3 months—especially during high-use seasons like summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular maintenance, including filter changes, can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels Causing Weak Cooling
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system. If levels are low due to a leak or improper charging, your unit will struggle to cool your home. You may also notice hissing sounds, ice buildup on the refrigerant line, or higher humidity indoors.
Because refrigerant handling requires EPA certification, this is not something you should try to fix yourself. Instead, contact a licensed HVAC technician for proper diagnosis and repair. Energy Star’s guide to AC efficiency explains why refrigerant matters.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coil Preventing AC from Cooling
When airflow is blocked (often from dirty filters or blocked vents), moisture can freeze on the evaporator coil, halting the cooling process entirely. You might notice frost on the indoor unit, reduced airflow, or water dripping around the system.
While turning off the system and letting it thaw can provide a temporary fix, the real cause needs to be addressed. That’s why it’s important to call a pro if this happens more than once.
5. Outdoor Unit Issues That Stop AC from Cooling Efficiently
If your outdoor condenser unit is covered in leaves, dirt, or debris—or the fan isn’t spinning—it can’t expel heat effectively. This will prevent your system from cooling your home.
In some cases, the issue may be electrical, such as a failed capacitor or a bad contactor. These problems require professional tools and training to repair. To better understand how your AC system functions, visit the ASHRAE HVAC Fundamentals.
What to Check When Your AC Is Not Cooling
Before you pick up the phone, here are a few simple things you can inspect on your own:
Thermostat settings
Circuit breakers
Air filters
Outdoor unit clearance
If you’ve tried these steps and your ac not cooling issue continues, don’t wait. Many AC problems worsen quickly. At this point, contact a licensed technician for professional AC repair.
Why Fast Emergency AC Repair Matters When AC Isn’t Cooling
When your air conditioner fails during a heatwave, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s an emergency. The heat index in areas like Fort Smith and Alma can push indoor temps to dangerous levels quickly. According to Weather.com, average summer highs in Fort Smith regularly hit the upper 90s.
That’s why Riverside Comfort Care offers 24/7 emergency AC repair throughout Van Buren, Alma, and Fort Smith.
Trusted AC Cooling Services in Van Buren, Alma & Fort Smith
Whether you’re in the heart of Van Buren, just outside Alma, or anywhere across Fort Smith, Riverside Comfort Care is trusted for reliable, affordable, and fast HVAC solutions.
We also offer full AC installation services and seasonal AC maintenance plans to keep your system running at peak performance year-round.
How to Prevent Your AC from Not Cooling in the Future
Preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and ac not cooling complaints. At Riverside Comfort Care, we provide seasonal tune-ups that include:
Filter replacement
Coil cleaning
Electrical inspection
Refrigerant check
System performance test
Want to prep for colder months too? Read our blog on Furnace Installation Made Easy with Riverside Comfort Care.
Call Today if Your AC Is Not Cooling Your Arkansas Home
If your ac not cooling, don’t wait until it’s unbearable inside. Whether you’re in Van Buren, Alma, or Fort Smith, the expert technicians at Riverside Comfort Care are standing by.
Call us now at (479) 353-5266
Or contact us today to schedule your emergency service.
