Your air conditioner is supposed to cool your home. When it fails to do so, it can be incredibly frustrating. After all, you rely on your AC to keep your home comfortable during those hot summer months. There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as it should, you may want to enlist the help of a professional HVAC technician from DeZiel Heating & AC in order to get to the root of the problem. After all, a faulty AC can result in wasted energy and uncomfortable temperatures inside your home.
We’ll show you why your AC isn’t cooling and what can be done to take care of the problem. Thermostat Issues One of the first things to check if you notice that your air conditioner is running but not cooling is the thermostat. Your thermostat should be on and set to ‘cool.’ To be sure it’s functioning, set it a few degrees lower than the current temperature.
Do you feel the chill?
Problem solved. Sometimes, the thermostat might not be calibrated correctly, which can result in a lack of cool air. Plus, it’s possible that the wiring on the thermostat has gone bad and needs to be replaced. If you suspect this is the case, contact a professional. As a tip, ensure that your windows and doors are shut and your vents are open and unobstructed.
You Have a Frozen Evaporator Coil
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner will run but not cool is because the evaporator coils are frozen. When this happens, air can’t flow properly through the coils, which prevents the AC from doing its job. The problem may arise as a result of dirty air filters, a malfunctioning fan or a refrigerant leak. In order to fix this, you’ll need to call the experts. If there are leaky coils, your HVAC technician can replace them.
You Have a Clogged Air Filter
Another common problem that many homeowners experience is having a clogged filter. An overly dirty or clogged filter can reduce airflow and prevent the AC from functioning effectively. Even if your air filter is housed in your furnace’s blower, it can still affect the cooling process. You should inspect your air filter monthly.
Clean or change it at least once every three months by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have pets in your home or someone who suffers from allergies, change your filters more frequently. If the problem doesn’t go away, you may have a bigger issue that is beyond your expertise and needs to be addressed by a professional.
You May Have a Tripped Breaker
If your air conditioner isn’t running at all, this is for you. One of the first things you should do is check your home’s circuit breaker. A tripped breaker can be responsible for a lack of power to your AC unit, which is why it isn’t cooling your house. Go to your breaker panel and locate your AC breakers. They should be labeled. Flip the switches off and on and see if it fixes the problem. If it does, great! You’re all set. However, if it doesn’t, there may be another issue at hand.
Your AC is More Than 15 Years Old
There’s a reason why older air conditioners are no longer in production. They simply aren’t as efficient as newer models, which is why they shouldn’t be used past the 15-year mark. If your AC unit was installed several years ago and hasn’t been updated with new parts or replaced entirely, you may notice that it isn’t cooling your house effectively. It’s time to consider an upgrade with a new and improved AC system that will be able to keep you cool in the summer months without wasting energy.
Your Outdoor Unit is Dirty
It’s possible that your air conditioner is running but not cooling because it’s dirty. Your AC condenser is responsible for heat exchange and it is located outside at the mercy of the natural elements. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on the outdoor unit. It may even be blocking the airflow necessary for proper cooling.
Don’t try to repair your outdoor unit yourself – this should only be done by a professional HVAC technician from DeZiel Heating & AC. You can however avoid this problem by keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean and devoid of bushes and trees. You can also carefully clean the condenser fins and wash your condenser regularly with soap and water. In the off-season when your AC is not in use, cover the condenser securely. In the meantime, if you have dirt and dust in your home, you may have to purchase an air filtration system to protect your household.
You Have a Refrigerant Leak
If you have a refrigerant leak, your AC will run but not cool. In fact, it could even make your home feel warmer than usual. This is because the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from your indoor air and releasing it outdoors. A lack of refrigerant will cause these heat-transferring abilities to be lacking. Signs of a refrigerant leak include ice buildup, decreased cooling and hissing sounds from your unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact us for repairs immediately. This is not a do-it-yourself job as it requires special equipment and training to fix.
Your Equipment is Wrongly Sized or Installed
If your air conditioner is too small or too big for your home, it won’t cool effectively. This is one of the most common mistakes made when homeowners purchase their AC units. It’s important that you have the right equipment for your home, which is why we recommend having a professional HVAC technician size and install it properly. If your unit isn’t sized or installed appropriately, it could be the reason it isn’t cooling your house effectively.
You Have a Leaky Ductwork
Your AC may be cooling your home but your leaky ductwork may not be properly moving this cooled air where it needs to go. If you notice that your air conditioner is running but not cooling, you should seal up any leaky ductwork in your home. This is something we can help with – contact us for a consultation today!
You May Have a Mechanical Problem
A mechanical issue could be the reason your AC is running but not cooling. If parts like the fan or compressor are out of alignment, they won’t function properly and will keep your AC from doing its job effectively. Although annual AC maintenance can help reduce the risk of mechanical problems, it may not completely eliminate them. If you suspect that you have a mechanical problem with your air conditioner, contact us for repairs immediately. We can assess the issue and offer solutions to get your system running properly.
Let The Experts at DeZiel Heating & AC Handle Your Air Conditioning Problems
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly. Whatever the problem may be, our team of experts at DeZiel Heating & AC can help.
Call us now at (763) 200-5453 . We have the knowledge and experience to quickly diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution.
