Is your Goodman AC running but not cooling? Learn the most common causes and how to troubleshoot them before you spend money on a technician.
Introduction
If you’ve ever walked into your home expecting a cool escape from the heat only to be hit with warm, stale air from your Goodman air conditioner, you know the frustration. While Goodman HVAC systems are known for reliability, even the best AC units can run into issues.
Before you reach for the phone to call an HVAC technician, there are several common problems you can check and sometimes fix yourself. This guide will walk you through step-by-step troubleshooting of your Goodman AC system when it’s not cooling your home properly.
1. Is Your Thermostat Set Correctly?
It sounds basic, but this is the first thing to verify:
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Check the Mode: Make sure the thermostat is set to “Cool” and not “Heat” or “Fan.”
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Temperature Setting: Set it at least 5 degrees below the current room temperature.
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Check the Display: If your thermostat has a blank screen or is unresponsive, try replacing the batteries.
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Restart the Thermostat: Some programmable or smart thermostats can be reset with a button or by pulling the faceplate off.
A misconfigured thermostat is often the simplest fix, but also the most frequently overlooked.
2. Dirty Air Filter: The Most Common Culprit
A clogged or dirty air filter can dramatically reduce your AC’s ability to cool the home.
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Symptoms: Weak airflow, hot air from vents, frozen evaporator coil.
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Check Your Filter: Remove and inspect the filter. If it looks clogged with dust and debris, it needs replacing.
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Replace Regularly: Goodman recommends changing filters every 30 to 90 days depending on use and indoor air quality.
Restricted airflow can cause your indoor coil to freeze and lead to compressor damage if ignored.
3. Circuit Breaker or Disconnect Switch
If your AC isn’t running at all, check the electrical panel.
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Tripped Breaker: Reset the breaker that controls your outdoor condenser unit.
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Outdoor Disconnect Box: Located near your condenser. Make sure it hasn’t been pulled out or flipped to “off.”
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Safety First: Never reset a breaker multiple times. If it keeps tripping, there’s likely a deeper electrical issue.
Power supply issues are quick to check but can point to serious problems if persistent.
4. Outdoor Unit Obstruction or Debris
The outdoor condenser coil needs proper airflow to cool effectively.
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Visual Inspection: Look for leaves, grass, or other debris stuck to the coil.
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Clear the Area: Maintain at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance around the unit.
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Gently Clean the Coils: Use a garden hose (not a pressure washer) to rinse off dirt. Always turn off power first.
Blocked coils cause overheating and reduce system efficiency dramatically.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
If your AC runs but no cool air comes out, a frozen coil may be to blame.
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Symptoms: Ice buildup on indoor unit or refrigerant lines, reduced airflow.
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Causes: Dirty air filter, blocked vents, or low refrigerant.
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Fix: Turn off the system for several hours to allow ice to melt. Replace filter and check for airflow restrictions.
If the coil refreezes quickly, refrigerant issues may be involved (which require a licensed tech).
6. Low Refrigerant Levels or Leaks
Refrigerant is crucial for cooling your home. If it leaks out, the system can't do its job.
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Symptoms: Ice on copper lines, bubbling/hissing noise, longer cooling cycles.
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DIY Fix?: No. Only EPA-certified technicians can handle refrigerants like R-410A or R-32.
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What to Do: Call a pro for leak detection and recharging.
Leaks can lead to compressor failure if not addressed.
7. Capacitor or Contactor Failure
These small electrical components are critical for starting your compressor and fan motors.
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Capacitor Issues: Often cause a buzzing sound, or unit won’t start.
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Contactor Issues: May cause the unit to click but not engage.
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Check for Burn Marks: If you open the panel and see swelling or burnt parts, call a technician immediately.
These parts are relatively inexpensive to replace but require safe handling and proper diagnosis.
8. Blower Motor or Fan Problems
If the blower motor fails, air won’t move through the ducts even if the AC is running.
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Signs: No air blowing from vents, motor humming but not turning.
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Check the Fan Belt (Older Units): It may be loose or broken.
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DIY?: Limited. Motors and belts may require disassembly or electrical testing.
9. Look for Error Codes
Many newer Goodman units have diagnostic LEDs or fault codes.
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Access the Control Board: Usually behind the panel on the indoor unit.
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Look for Flashing LEDs: Count the blinks and refer to your unit’s manual.
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Common Codes: Flashing 3x = pressure issue, 4x = high limit fault, etc.
Error codes can give you a head start before calling a technician.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve worked through the steps above and the AC is still not cooling, it’s time to call an HVAC technician. Here's when professional help is essential:
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Refrigerant recharge or leak repair
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Electrical component failure
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Motor replacement
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Compressor problems
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Persistent error codes or breaker trips
Be sure to choose a licensed, bonded HVAC technician with Goodman system experience.
Prevent Future Cooling Issues
Avoid breakdowns during the peak of summer with regular AC maintenance:
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Change air filters every 1–3 months
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Keep outdoor unit clear of debris
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Have your system professionally inspected and tuned up once a year
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Clean coils and drain lines seasonally
Many Goodman warranties remain valid only with documented annual maintenance.
Conclusion
A Goodman AC not cooling your home can feel like an emergency, but many issues are simple to troubleshoot. From checking your thermostat and air filter to inspecting your outdoor unit and looking for error codes, these steps can save time and money.
Still no luck? Call in a pro — but now you’ll be informed and ready to speak their language. That peace of mind is worth its weight in cool air.
In the next topic we will know more about: How to Maximize Efficiency with Your Goodman System: Filters, Thermostats & Duct Hacks
