Everyone has been there. Sweating through a restless night…or struggling through the searing heat of a July afternoon wondering “Why Is My AC Running But Not Cooling?”. It’s unpleasant when your air conditioner fails to cool, but it can happen. And it won’t be in the dead of winter when it happens. It will be the hottest day of the summer, and no matter how many times you turn down the thermostat, the air conditioner will not blow cool enough air. As a result, the annual air conditioner service is a smart idea for preventative maintenance.

The condenser unit (the AC unit or heat pump) outside your home is only one component of an air conditioning system. An indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), an evaporator coil, an air filter, a thermostat, and copper tubing (refrigerant lines) connect the indoor and outdoor units of a typical split-system air conditioner. So there are several possible answers to the question but don’t worry because our PTAC unit repair team is here to help you figure

 it out. Simply because your system isn’t cooling does not necessitate costly AC repairs or the replacement of the entire system.

Most homeowners are capable of performing basic troubleshooting and may be able to resolve the problem. However, there will be occasions when you will need to contact your local Bluco specialist for professional air conditioner service.

WHY IS THE AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING?

From very simple issues like an incorrectly adjusted thermostat or a filthy filter…to a more sophisticated situation requiring component replacement…there are a lot of reasons why your air conditioner may be operating but not lowering the temperature in the house. Here, we’ll go over several things you should look at before calling a professional. Visit our troubleshoot an air conditioner page for additional information.

THE THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN SET INACCURATELY.

When you notice your home becoming a little hotter than usual, check the thermostat settings first. Check that it is set to cool. If the thermostat is set to cool, double-check the temperature setting to ensure it hasn’t been changed. If it is turned off, set to heat, or set to the constant fan (often just labeled “on”), turn it back on. Wait a few minutes after the system comes on before checking for chilly air coming from the registers. Problem solved if it’s chilly! If not, proceed to the following troubleshooting step: inspect the air filter.

SMELLY AIR FILTER

An air filter in or near the indoor air handler unit may be part of your air conditioning system. As dirt, dust, and other airborne particles enter the air handler unit, the filter traps them. It keeps the system’s components cleaner and more efficient, and it can help keep the air in your home cleaner as well. A clogged air filter can restrict circulation and decrease cooling in your home. In more severe circumstances, it can cause the system to entirely shut down.

If your thermostat is working properly but you still don’t have cool air, look for your system’s air filter, switch it off, remove the filter, and inspect. If, after ensuring that you have a clean air filter, your central air conditioner still does not chill your home, you will need to look a little further to find the source of the problem.

THE CONDENSER UNIT IS OBSTRUCTED

As indicated, your central AC system has an exterior condenser. The condenser’s exterior has a large coil that wraps around it. The coil is comprised of tightly packed metal “fins.” A blocked or congested condenser coil may be why your air conditioner isn’t cooling. When running properly, the condenser fan draws air into the condenser coil to extract heat from your home. Flying dirt, grass, and other debris can block the coil’s fins. A dirty coil can reduce energy efficiency, reduce cool air from registers, or cause a system shutdown or compressor damage. Remove debris, vacuum the coil with a brush attachment, or hose it down. Call a pro if your system isn’t cooling.

BROKEN HEAT PUMP

Your outside unit could be a heat pump in some circumstances. A heat pump resembles an air conditioner, but it contains additional components that allow it to both cool and heat your home. It operates similarly to an air conditioner system’s condenser unit in cooling mode and is vulnerable to the same concerns – unclean, clogged coil, frozen coil, refrigerant leaks, compressor malfunctions, and so on. Check the thermostat settings, the air filter, and the condenser unit for previously identified concerns if your heat pump system isn’t cooling. If everything appears to be in order but you’re still sweltering inside, contact your local HVAC dealer.

THE EVAPORATOR COIL HAS FROZEN

Your central air conditioning system’s indoor component will comprise an evaporator coil. If your indoor unit is a furnace, the evaporator coil is located outside the furnace in its own cabinet. If the indoor unit is a fan coil (as in a heat pump system), the evaporator coil is housed within the fan coil cabinet. Warm interior air goes through the evaporator coil, which removes heat energy and humidity from the air. Cooler, more comfortable air is then returned to your house. The following are symptoms of a frozen evaporator coil:

• Frost on the copper refrigerant tube exiting the coil cabinet
• Insufficient cooling
• Increased utility bills
• Excessive condensate drainage in the vicinity of your indoor unit
• Frost can form on exterior refrigerant tubing or the outdoor unit in extreme situations.
• Because accessing the evaporator coil is difficult, dealing with problems caused by a frozen evaporator coil is best left to an HVAC professional.

LEAK OF REFRIGERANT

A refrigerant is a substance that is necessary for cooling. It flows through the system’s indoor and outdoor coils, changing from liquid to gas and expelling heat and humidity outside. Depending on its severity, a refrigerant leak might cause your AC system to stop blowing cold air, run for longer periods without cooling your home, or cause a broken compressor and system shutdown.

Another task for your local Bluco Tech is to check and resolve concerns with refrigerant levels in your system.

UNSUITABLE AIR CONDITIONER

Air conditioners are “scaled” based on the quantity of cooling they can offer in BTUh (British Thermal Units per hour). Under normal conditions, an undersized air conditioner may not cause any problems. As the weather rises, your air conditioner may struggle to keep you cool.

The rating information on the cabinet panel can help you determine the size of your AC unit, but it’s difficult to determine if it’s “suitable” for your home. When sizing a system for your home, consider space, construction, insulation, climate, and more.

If your system is modest, a ductless unit may help cool “hot spots” An appropriately sized system may be preferred. Size issues should be handled by a competent HVAC technician who can measure your property’s cooling capability.

BLUCO EXPERTS

If you’ve asked yourself “ Can I Fix My AC Unit Myself?” and haven’t found your answer but have come to this decision and have explored all of the previously mentioned solutions, it’s time to contact a commercial HVAC near me. 

It’s crucial not only for your comfort but also for the health of your air conditioning system. Using your air conditioner when it’s not cooling correctly could lead to component failure or system replacement. Contact a Bluco expert immediately at (929)447-2077 if your thermostat is not reaching the temperature you’ve set.