Why isn't my air conditioner cooling
even when it's on?
Category: Air Conditioning
When your AC doesn't perform as it should, it's frustrating, time-consuming, and very hot. There are several reasons your air conditioning may not be adequately cooling your indoor air. We're going to walk you through each one - and how best to fix it.
1. Your Thermostat Isn't Working For You
Is your air conditioner not working properly? The first place you should look at is your thermostat settings.
Make sure your thermostat is not just set to 'ON,' but also to 'COOL.' Set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than the indicated temperature to see if it's working. You want to be able to feel the chill! If this solves the problem, program the temperature you want.
If you hear the air conditioner running but don't feel any cool air coming through the vents after a few minutes, there could be a problem with your thermostat or its electrical wiring. It's advisable to leave such task to an expert.
2. A Circuit Breaker Has Been Tripped
Your air conditioner is powered by electricity. If air conditioner doesn't have power, you won't be able to enjoy cool air in your home throughout the summer.
It's time to go to your breaker panel's location and check it out. Your air conditioner's breakers should be clearly labeled. Check to see if turning them off and on again makes a difference.
3. Your Air Filter is Clogged
The air filter is next on the list.
The fact that your air filter is housed in the blower of your furnace does not mean it isn't utilized by your air conditioner. The air handler in your furnace is responsible for pushing cooled air through the filter, ductwork, and into your home.
As a result, if your air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it will act like a cork in a bottle, allowing little to no air to pass through.
We recommend checking your filter once a month and replacing it every three months – more frequently if you have hairy pets, allergies, or a large family. You can have a reusable filter that has to be cleaned at regular intervals.
Air filters are available at local hardware and home improvement stores. Ensure that you replace your filthy filter with one of the same size.
4. Dirt and Debris Have Covered Your Outdoor Unit
Do you detect a pattern here? A central air conditioner does not like dirt.
If there's too much dirt and debris in your air conditioner condenser, it might not be able to do its job properly. Your condenser is located outside your home, and left exposed to the elements when you're not using it - especially if it's on a patio.
There are certain things you can do to assist with this situation. Clean up the landscaping around your condenser, for example, to prevent branches, bushes, and other vegetation from contributing to the debris buildup. On both sides of your condenser, we recommend leaving 46 centimeters of space vacant.
In the off-season, you may want to consider an air filtration system to keep your air clean. You should also wash your condenser regularly with water and soap. Gently wipe away dirt from the condenser fins, being very careful that they don't break.
5. We're Having a Mechanical Issue
If your AC is not working properly, it could be because of a mechanical problem. A broken fan motor or compressor could be the reason your AC isn't cooling properly.
If you suspect a mechanical issue, please contact us as soon as possible.
6. Your Air Conditioner's Refrigerant Is Leaking
To cool the air, air conditioners employ refrigerants that circulate continually. In most cases, the refrigerant level remains constant, and your air conditioner works well.
The refrigerant level drops when you have a leak, and the amount of cool air you get drops as well.
If you have an air conditioner with a refrigerant leak, call us right away. Refrigerant leaks can be identified by ice buildup, hissing noises, or a decrease in cooling efficiency. This is a problem that should only be handled by experienced professionals.
7. The Air Conditioning System Was Not Installed Correctly
Unfortunately, we see this with both air conditioners and furnaces on a regular basis.
An improperly installed air conditioner just won't provide the cool air you need. Your Central air conditioning system has more pieces that could have been installed incorrectly. We can provide you with a second opinion, and do what we can to fix any potential problems.
8. The Ductwork in Your Home Is Leaking
Cool air will escape through any fractures or holes in your ductwork. It'll never get to you, and you'll think your air conditioner isn't working.
It is, in fact, where and how you want it to be. Because the chilly air isn't reaching you, your air conditioner is running longer than necessary. That is both a waste of money and a source of great frustration.
We can evaluate your ductwork, diagnose the problem, and suggest next measures.
9. It's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Even the best air conditioner in the world can become ineffective after a while.
After 15 years, you should begin to pay special attention to how your air conditioner operates. It's time to replace your air conditioner if you're spending hundreds of dollars a year to keep it running, or if it's not properly cooling your home at all.
We offer over-the-phone price estimate, discussing with you the latest models and making recommendations tailored to your home and needs.
10.Your Air Conditioner Is Freezing
If you checked your system’s air filter and found a dirty air filter waiting for you, it’s possible that the lack of airflow caused your refrigerant to over-cool and freeze any condensation and leave you with a frozen evaporator coil. Dirt may also be clogging the drainage pipe or causing the evaporator coil to freeze over due to a refrigerant leak in the refrigerant line.
A frozen Air Conditioning unit is a problem that needs a professional to fix. If your refrigerant lines are intact, it may be due to an issue with the fan- meaning condensation will build up on the evaporator coil and disturb the cooling process.
Let The Experts Help You
A tune-up each year will not only minimize the risk of breakdowns but will increase the lifespan of your AC and save you money on your energy bills. When your outdoor unit is not cooling your home, the best thing to do is call in the experts - we'll respond quickly, arrive on time, and get your cool air back.