AC not cooling anymore: causes and who to call

An air conditioner that stops cooling is, in most cases, down to a clogged filter, a wrong setting or a refrigerant leak. Checking the filters and the “cool” mode often fixes it in minutes; otherwise, a certified technician needs to step in, usually within 24 to 48 hours in Nice and the 06.

The essentials:

• Most breakdowns have a simple cause: clogged filter, wrong setting or a tripped breaker — check these yourself in 5 minutes.
• Frost on the copper pipe, continuously warm air, an oily film at the fittings: these signal a refrigerant leak, which must be handled by a professional.
• Budget €79–150 for a diagnosis, €150–400 for a simple repair, and up to €800 for a compressor.
• In Nice and the 06, a certified technician usually comes within 24–48 hours; expect a 30–50% surcharge on weekends and public holidays.

Why has my AC stopped cooling?

Several causes, from most to least common:

• Clogged filter: built-up dust blocks airflow and cuts cooling power. This is the most frequent cause, especially during peak summer use.
• Wrong setting: “fan only” mode switched on by mistake instead of “cool”, or a target temperature too close to the room temperature.
• Blocked outdoor unit: leaves, dust or a cover left on by mistake stop the condenser from releasing heat.
• Breaker or power supply: the indoor unit runs but the outdoor unit stays silent — often a dedicated breaker that has tripped.
• Low refrigerant: a small leak drops circuit pressure, so the unit blows continuously warm air.
• Failing compressor: on an older unit, a compressor fault is the costliest repair.

A well-maintained unit breaks down far less often. According to ADEME (the French energy agency), poor maintenance degrades performance and speeds up wear on components, particularly the compressor.

What can I check myself before calling a professional?

A few simple checks sometimes solve the problem right away:

• Is “cool” mode (snowflake icon) actually on, rather than fan-only mode?
• Is the target temperature set at least 3–4°C below the current room temperature?
• Have the filters been cleaned recently (ideally every two to four weeks during peak season)?
• Is the dedicated breaker for the AC, on the fuse box, still switched on?
• Is the outdoor unit clear of obstructions or a forgotten cover?

If everything checks out and the problem persists, the cause is likely more technical and needs a professional diagnosis.

My AC blows air but it’s not cold — is it a refrigerant leak?

This is the most common scenario after a simple setting issue. Watch for these signs:

• Frost or ice on the copper refrigerant line between the indoor and outdoor units.
• Continuously warm air, despite a low target temperature and “cool” mode correctly on.
• An oily or greasy film around the fittings, often near the valves.
• A hissing or bubbling sound, or a slightly chemical smell near the unit.
• A compressor that never switches off, a sign it’s compensating for low pressure in the circuit.

Don’t try to “recharge” the unit yourself: handling refrigerant is strictly regulated and reserved for professionals holding a valid F-Gas certification. A technician locates the leak, repairs it, vacuums the circuit, then recharges the exact amount of refrigerant.

How much does an AC repair cost in Nice and the 06?

Prices depend on the fault. Typical ranges seen on the market in 2026:

Call-out	Typical price	Note
Diagnosis only	€79 – 150	Often deducted from the quote if you go ahead with the same technician
Simple repair (filter, setting, minor part)	€150 – 400	Covers most common repairs
Leak search, repair + refrigerant recharge	Varies with the leak	Refrigerant billed by the kg, on top of labour
Electronic control board replacement	€250 – 500	Fitted
Compressor replacement	€450 – 800	Up to €1,500 on the heaviest setups
Weekend / public holiday call-out	+30 to 50%	Standard emergency surcharge

Indicative ranges only; an exact quote always follows an on-site diagnosis.

If your AC is still under warranty, contact the company that installed it first: the repair may be covered.

Who to call in an AC emergency in Nice and the 06

By law, only a professional holding a valid F-Gas certification may handle refrigerant, whatever the brand of the unit. In practice, three options:

• The company that installed your AC, especially if it’s still under warranty.
• A local certified technician, able to step in quickly even on a unit they didn’t install.
• In a summer emergency, look for a professional offering a 24–48 hour response time, standard on the French Riviera in peak season.

The Aircadia tip: don’t let an AC blowing lukewarm air “just get through the heatwave” — an untreated micro-leak tends to worsen and often ends up damaging the compressor, the most expensive part to replace.

FAQ — AC not cooling

My AC blows air but it’s not cold, is that serious? Not necessarily: if it’s a setting issue or a clogged filter, a few minutes can fix it. If the air stays warm after checking, it’s usually low refrigerant that needs a professional.

The breaker for my AC keeps tripping, what should I do? Don’t keep resetting it: this can point to an electrical fault (compressor, control board) that’s best diagnosed before forcing the unit back on.

How long can an AC breakdown last in summer in Nice? With a local professional, most faults are diagnosed and repaired within 24 to 48 hours. Timelines can stretch during peak heatwave demand.

Is the repair free if my AC is under warranty? Often yes for parts and labour, provided the required maintenance has actually been carried out — otherwise the manufacturer can refuse cover.

AC not cooling in Nice or the 06?

We respond quickly to diagnose and repair your air conditioning, with a clear repair service within 24–48 hours. To avoid a repeat breakdown, consider our annual maintenance contract too. We cover Nice and the whole 06. Request your free quote within 48 h.