Why is my AC running but not cooling?
Summer is here, which means it’s time to crank up the AC. But even when the unit is set to full blast, it might not be cooling your home as efficiently as you’d like. Here are five common reasons why your AC might not be working as well as it should.
What Causes an AC to Not Cool?
An AC unit may not be cooling properly if it is not operating at its rated capacity, if the air filters are dirty, or if there is a blockage in the unit’s cooling system. Other causes of an AC not cooling may include a faulty compressor, worn out fan blades, or a broken A/C unit. In order to diagnose and correct any issues with your AC unit, consult a professional.
How to Fix an AC that Doesn’t Cool
If your air conditioning is not cooling your home as it should, there are a few things you can do to help get it up and running again. In most cases, an AC unit that is not cooling will need to be diagnosed first. Once the issue is identified, the necessary repairs or adjustments can be made. Here are some tips on how to fix an AC unit that isn’t cool:
1. Make sure all of your air conditioner’s filters are clean and installed properly. Dirty filters will reduce the efficiency of your AC unit and can cause it to run constantly in order to cool the house.
2. Check the freon levels in your AC unit. If they are low, Freon can sometimes become contaminated which can also lead to decreased cooling performance. Freon can be purchased at most hardware stores or pharmacies.
3. Turn off all switches inside of the AC unit that aren’t needed for cooling (like lights). Unnecessary electrical activity will only add to your AC unit’s wear and tear and may eventually cause it to fail altogether.
4. Clean any dirt or dust from around your vents and condenser coils with a vacuum cleaner before trying to start your AC again; this will help increase the efficiency of your AC unit and improve cooling performance right away.
5. Make sure your AC unit is properly installed in your home and that all ductwork is in good condition. Improper installation can cause air to not flow freely through the AC unit, leading to decreased cooling performance.
6. Check to see if your AC unit is overcooling your home; overcooling can occur when the AC unit is working too hard to cool the house and ends up actually warming it up instead. To check for overcooling, open all of your windows in your home and watch the temperature inside. If it becomes too warm, there may be a problem with your AC unit.
7. Consult a HVAC professional if you are not able to fix your AC unit on your own or if any of these tips do not work. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action to restore proper cooling performance in your home.
What to Do if Your AC is Running but not Cooling
If your air conditioning is running but not cooling, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.
Check the filter: If the filter is dirty or if it’s not properly installed, debris can block the airflow and cause your AC to malfunction. Clean or replace the filter as necessary.
Check the thermostat: If the thermostat is set too low or if it doesn’t have power, the compressor won’t be able to cool your home down. Adjust the thermostat as needed and make sure there is power coming into the thermostat.
Check for leaks: Another common reason why an AC unit might not be cooling is because of leaks in the system. Check all around your AC unit for any spots where water is seeping inside, and fix them if necessary.
If none of these solutions work, it might be time to call a professional. A specialist can check the system for any underlying problems and recommend a course of action.
Conclusion
There can be a number of reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling or even running. It’s important to remember that not all AC problems are the same and you should never try to fix an AC problem yourself if you aren’t sure how. If you think your AC might need repair, contact a professional for help.