Why is my air conditioner not cooling the house? It’s the middle of summer, and the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to stop working. Unfortunately, AC problems are too common, particularly when units are overworked trying to keep homes cool during heat waves. If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your house as it should be, there are a few potential reasons. Keep reading to learn more.
Reasons for AC Not Cooling The House
Dirty air filter
One of the most common reasons air conditioners don’t work correctly is that the air filter is dirty. The air filter’s job is to trap particles in the air, such as dust and pollen, so they don’t enter the AC unit. However, over time, the air filter can become clogged with these particles, restricting airflow and making it difficult for the AC unit to do its job. To fix this problem, replace the air filter with a new one.
Frozen evaporator coils
Another possible reason your AC unit isn’t cooling is that the evaporator coils are frozen. It usually occurs if there’s not enough airflow over the coils. It prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat, so your AC unit can’t do its job correctly. To fix this problem, you’ll need to thaw the coils using a hair dryer or turn off the AC unit for some time.
Dirty condenser coils
The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant so that it can be pumped back into the house. However, if these coils become dirty, they won’t be able to release heat efficiently, which can cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to and ultimately decrease its cooling power. To fix this problem, clean the coils with a brush or hose them down with water.
The thermostat is set to “on” instead of “auto.”
If your thermostat is set to “on,” the fan will constantly run, even if the compressor isn’t running. It can circulate dust and make your home feel warmer than it is. To fix this, set your thermostat to “auto” so that the fan only runs when the compressor is running.
Refrigerant leak
If there’s a refrigerant leak, the refrigerant levels will drop below what’s needed for proper operation. It can cause all sorts of problems, including freezing the evaporator coils, improper cooling of the air, and damage to the compressor. A qualified technician should fix refrigerant leaks as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your air conditioner.
What to Do?
Check the thermostat settings.
The first thing you should do if your air conditioner is not cooling your house is to check the thermostat settings. Ensure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current temperature in your house. If the thermostat is set correctly and the air conditioner isn’t working, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Check for obstructions
Next, you’ll want to check for any obstructions that might prevent your air conditioner from working correctly. Start by checking the outdoor unit to ensure nothing is blocking the airflow. Then, look at the indoor unit and make sure nothing is blocking the vents. If you find any obstructions, remove them and see if that fixes the problem.
Check for ice buildup.
Another common reason air conditioners stop working is ice buildup on the coils. It can happen if the unit lacks airflow or has a problem with the refrigerant level. To fix this problem, you’ll need to turn off the air conditioner and let it thaw for a few hours. Once it’s thawed, turn it back on and see if it’s working correctly.
Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your air conditioner isn’t cooling your house, it’s time to call a professional. A certified HVAC technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem so that you can enjoy cool, comfortable indoor temperatures all summer long.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling your home effectively, there are a few things you can check before calling a professional. The problem is most likely simple, like a dirty air filter or frozen evaporator coil. But if you’re still having trouble after checking these things, it’s time to call reinforcements!
