AC Not Working in Louisiana? Here’s What to Check Before Calling the Pros

When your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling—especially during a sweltering summer in Shreveport or Bossier City—it’s easy to assume the worst.

But before you call a technician, there are a few simple things you can check yourself. In many cases, a quick DIY fix can save you time, money, and the headache of being stuck in a hot house.

Here’s a step-by-step guide, put together with the help of our Bossier City and Shreveport HVAC experts, to troubleshooting your system before booking a professional AC repair.

1. Start with the Thermostat

Why it matters: Your AC might be fine—it could just be a thermostat issue.

What to check:

• Is it set to Cool, not just Fan?
• Is the temperature set lower than the current room temp?
• Did the batteries die?
• Has there been a power outage that reset the settings?

Quick fix: Try replacing the batteries or resetting the system. If your thermostat is programmable, double-check your schedule settings.

If that doesn’t solve the issue, your thermostat might need recalibration—or replacement. A professional AC service in Shreveport can take a closer look.

2. Check the Breaker Panel

Why it matters: AC systems can trip breakers—especially when they’re working overtime.

What to do:

• Locate your electrical panel (often in the garage or utility room)
• Look for any tripped breakers, especially those labeled HVAC, Furnace, or A/C

Quick fix: Flip the breaker fully off and then back on. If it trips again, stop there. This may indicate a more serious electrical issue—one that should be diagnosed by an expert.

Need help? SBC’s HVAC service technicians are trained to handle both HVAC and electrical components safely.

3. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter

Why it matters: A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder—or shut down completely.

What to do:

• Locate your air filter (typically near the return air vent or inside the air handler)
• Hold it up to the light—if you can’t see through it, it’s time for a replacement

Quick fix: Change your filter every 30–90 days, depending on household dust, pets, and local pollen levels. If it’s been a while, this simple step could restore airflow and cooling in minutes.

Regular filter changes are part of standard AC tune ups in Shreveport, LA.

4. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Why it matters: Your outdoor condenser unit needs room to breathe. Leaves, twigs, and grass clippings can block airflow and cause overheating.

What to do:

• Inspect the area around your condenser
• Look for overgrown plants, nests, or built-up dirt

Quick fix: Clear at least two feet of space around the unit. Gently rinse the exterior coils with a hose (no pressure washers!). Just don’t open the unit unless you’re qualified.

This is something SBC checks as part of routine air conditioning maintenance.

5. Make Sure Vents Are Open & Unblocked

Why it matters: Closed or blocked vents can cause temperature imbalances and make it seem like your AC isn’t working.

What to do:

• Walk through your home and inspect every vent
• Make sure no rugs, curtains, or furniture are blocking airflow

Quick fix: Open all vents fully—even in rooms you don’t use often. Use a vacuum attachment to clear dust buildup. This improves air circulation and keeps your system balanced.

6. Move Heat-Producing Items Away from the Thermostat

Why it matters: Electronics like lamps, TVs, or computers near the thermostat can trick it into sensing more heat than there actually is.

Quick fix: Move any heat-generating appliances away from your thermostat. Let it measure the room accurately so your AC knows when to cycle on and off.

7. Ice on the Unit? Turn the AC Off

Why it matters: Frozen evaporator coils can stop your AC from working entirely—and running it in that state can damage the system.

What to do:

• Check for visible frost or ice on the indoor unit or refrigerant lines
• If you see any, turn off the AC but leave the fan running to speed up defrosting

Quick fix: This could be due to low refrigerant, dirty coils, or restricted airflow. In any case, you’ll need a tech for proper diagnosis. Don’t keep running the unit.

When It’s Time to Call the Pros

If you’ve walked through these steps and your AC still won’t kick on—or cools poorly—it’s time to bring in a technician.

At SBC Cooling + Heating, we help homeowners across Shreveport and Bossier City with fast, affordable, and expert AC repairs. Our trained techs can handle:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Frozen coils
• Electrical component failure
• Broken blower motors
• Faulty thermostats
• And more!

Still sweating it out? Let us help. If you’ve ruled out the basics and your AC still isn’t working, our team is just a click away.

Book your appointment with SBC Cooling + Heating today—we’ll get your home back to cool and comfortable in no time. Schedule service now!

Call (318) 465-0853