Do you face the issue of your AC running but not cooling? This generally happens during the hot summer months. Air conditioning units are more than just condensers sitting outside of our houses. They have many moving parts that connect the indoor unit and outdoor units. Proper maintenance and regular checks are important for the proper functioning of your air conditioner. But many of us have a common question, “Why is my AC running but not cooling?” even after regular inspection. Some of the answers are mentioned below.
You must check the following common issues if your AC is not cooling your room.
If your home feels warmer than usual, first check your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to cool. Also, check the temperature setting to see if someone changed it. If the thermostat is off, set it to heat or set it to a constant fan and switch it back to cool. Once the system turns on, wait a few minutes and see if cold air is coming from the vents. If it is, the problem is fixed! If not, try the next step: checking the air filter.
It is recommended for homeowners whose air conditioners are not working. Your AC needs electricity to work; without it, it can’t cool your home. Go to your breaker panel and check the breakers for your air conditioner, which should be clearly labeled. Turn them off and back on to see if this fixes the problem.
Your AC system has an air filter near the indoor unit that catches dirt and dust from entering. This keeps the system clean and running efficiently and improves your home’s air quality. A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce cooling. In some cases, it might even cause the system to shut down. In such cases, remove the air filter, check, and clean it well. You must find the issue if your AC isn’t cooling your home even after having a clean air filter.
The condenser is generally outside the home, so it attracts dirt and debris. If the condenser is too accumulated, it can’t perform well. Clean all the debris-causing elements near the condenser. To avoid the condenser being covered by dust, wash it regularly with water and soap and wipe it off carefully. During the offseason, cover it tightly.
Sometimes, your outdoor unit might be a heat pump, which looks like an AC unit but can cool and heat your home. It works like an AC in cooling mode and can have the same problems, like dirty coils, frozen coils, refrigerant leaks, or compressor issues. If your heat pump isn’t cooling, check the thermostat settings, air filter, and condenser unit as described before. Call your local HVAC technician if everything seems fine and it’s still not cooling.
Another issue that can cause your air conditioner to run but not cool is a frozen evaporator coil. If this happens, turn your air conditioner off and switch it to “fan” mode until the coil refreezes.
Duct leakage can cause poor air conditioner cooling. Your home’s ductwork may become old and leak. Check for leaks and make sure the duct is sealed properly. If you cannot do it yourself, contact an HVAC contractor for an air duct assessment.
Refrigerant is an important chemical for cooling. It moves through the indoor and outdoor coils, changing from liquid to gas, to absorb heat and humidity from indoor air and release it outside. A refrigerant leak can cause your AC to stop blowing cool air, make your system run longer without cooling your home, or even lead to a damaged compressor, which might cause your complete system to shut off.
This can be commonly seen in air conditioners and furnaces if an experienced professional does not fit them. An improperly installed air conditioner can cause inefficient cooling, increasing electricity bills.
Eventually, even the best air conditioners get too old. After about 15 years, you will notice how well your AC works. If you find yourself spending hundreds of dollars each year on repairs or if your AC isn’t cooling your home properly even after proper servicing, it’s time to get a new one.
The size of the air conditioner depends on how much cooling it can provide. An undersized air conditioner may not cause issues in moderate climatic conditions. But when the temperature rises, your AC runs longer and struggles to keep your room cool. Many people need to be aware of the suitable AC unit size for their living space.
Several factors, like local climate, type of construction, quality of construction, etc., must be considered to determine the right size for your room. It is better to consult an HVAC expert to know the right size for your room.
From Thermostat issues to refrigerant leaks and frozen coils, there are many reasons why your AC is running but not cooling. It is essential to act quickly if you notice any of the issues in your AC unit. If you are experiencing any issues with your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump, Let Smart Heating and Air Conditioning take care of your HVAC needs! Our expert team provides reliable and efficient heating and cooling services to keep your home comfortable year-round. Contact or call us today at 866-762-7850 for a free consultation and experience the difference in quality service now!
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