Troubleshooting Guide: Why Your AC is On but Not Cooling

When the scorching heat of summer arrives, a malfunctioning air conditioning system can quickly turn your indoor space into an uncomfortable sauna. No one wants to endure hot and stuffy indoor conditions, especially when they’re counting on their AC to provide cool relief. That’s where our comprehensive troubleshooting guide comes to the rescue, uncovering the reasons behind your AC woes and providing essential HVAC repair tips to get your cooling system back on track.

On a hot day, the guy cools with his head in the refrigerator. Broken air conditioner

6 Reasons Why Your AC is On but Not Cooling

1. False Thermostat Settings

If your AC isn’t cooling your home properly, one possible reason could be incorrect thermostat settings. It might sound simple, but it’s a common mistake that many homeowners make without realizing it.

 

To start, check if your thermostat is in the right mode. In the summertime, it should be set to “cool,” and in the winter, it should be to “heat.” If it’s in the correct mode but still not cooling, try lowering the temperature a few degrees to see if that helps. If changing the settings doesn’t work, there could be other reasons why your AC isn’t cooling properly, and further investigation is needed to pinpoint the root cause and get your AC back to full cooling power.

2. The Air Filters Need Changing

Air filters play a vital role in keeping dust and debris out of your AC’s indoor unit. However, as time goes by, these filters can get clogged, which reduces the airflow to your AC. When the airflow is restricted, your AC will work harder but still won’t cool your home properly. To check if your filters are clogged, take them out and hold them up to the light. If you can see through them clearly, they are still good to use. If not, it’s time to clean or replace them to make sure your AC works efficiently.

3. The Evaporator Coil is Frozen

The evaporator coil inside your AC’s outdoor unit helps cool down the hot air from your room by taking away its heat and humidity. Then, the AC recirculates the cooled air back into your room, making it comfortable. However, sometimes the evaporator coils can freeze up, and when that happens, they can’t do their job properly. This means your AC is unable to cool your home effectively anymore. It’s essential to call a professional to address the frozen coils to get your AC working well again.

4. The Ductwork is Leaking

For central air conditioners, duct leaks can be a significant issue, wasting a substantial amount of cooled air. Around 20 to 30 percent of the air that should be cooling your home may end up escaping through these leaks. But don’t worry, there’s a solution to this problem – you can prevent this air loss by sealing and insulating the ducts properly. A licensed HVAC repair contractor specializing in air conditioners can ensure that your ducts are fully sealed to prevent air from leaking.

5. The Refrigerant is Leaking

The refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC, it is the liquid in your AC’s coils that cools your home. A refrigerant leak can severely hinder your AC’s ability to cool your home effectively. It not only leads to reduced cooling but also puts additional strain on the system, resulting in increased wear and tear and higher energy consumption. Spotting and fixing refrigerant leaks requires expertise, so leave this job to trained professionals to handle it safely and effectively.

6. The Unit is Blocked

The outdoor unit of your AC has an important job: in summer, it sends out the hot air from inside your home, and in winter, it pushes out the cool air. But sometimes, small branches and leaves can get in the way and block the unit. When this happens, the air can’t flow properly.

 

To fix this issue, look at the outdoor unit and see if there’s any blockage. Before proceeding further, make sure to turn off the AC, including the circuit breaker, for safety. Then, you can manually remove any debris that might be causing the blockage. Once cleared, your AC should work better and cool or heat your home more effectively.

Why Get HVAC Repair Services

Reduced Utility Bills

One of the early signs that your AC might have a problem is when your utility bills start to go up. Once properly repaired, you should see a decrease in your electricity bills because it will start running more efficiently again. Fixing any issues will not only save you money on your utility bills but also ensure your AC works properly to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Improved HVAC Unit Performance

If your AC is struggling to reach the right temperature, there could be various reasons behind it. The good news is that a skilled HVAC repair and maintenance specialist can figure out what’s wrong and fix it fast. Getting these issues resolved will make sure you and your family can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant home environment during hot days. If you’re experiencing cooling problems with your AC, it’s a good idea to call in an AC professional to look and get everything working smoothly again.

Savings on Costs Down the Line

It’s common for people to put off AC repairs until the whole system stops working. However, this can lead to bigger and more expensive problems. Even small issues can grow into significant troubles if left unaddressed. If you wait too long, the problem can get worse, and the repair costs will likely increase. 

Ask H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for More Information About HVAC Repair Services

If your HVAC system is giving you trouble, rely on H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for expert assistance. Our team can pinpoint the problem and provide professional HVAC repair services to get your system up and running efficiently. Don’t let the summer heat overwhelm you – contact us today to learn more about our services in the Delaware Valley. With years of experience and a commitment to exceptional customer service, we are dedicated to keeping your HVAC system in top-notch condition for year-round comfort. Trust us for all your HVAC needs and beat the heat with ease!

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