My AC is Running, But it’s Not Cooling My House

Why is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

What You’ll Learn
As you read this article about what it means when your A/C is running but not cooling the home, you’ll learn:

• There are several potential reasons this could happen, so making the right diagnosis is key.
• You may be able to resolve some of these issues yourself, but others require professional attention, and time is of the essence.

Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling House

“My A/C isn’t cooling my house.” It’s a call we get all the time, and it demands immediate action. High heat is no joke, especially in Phoenix. On a sweltering summer day, it seems like you just can’t get cool enough until you find yourself asking “Is it just me, or is it really hot in here?”

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve kept going back to your thermostat and turning it down, but the air isn’t getting any cooler, your best bet is to contact a professional, as your HVAC unit may be in need of service. But there are a few things you can check to potentially troubleshoot the issue.

1 – Check Your Thermostat

Sometimes a family member will have turned up the temperature or turned off the unit entirely without notifying anyone else. Before you really start to sweat, make sure the thermostat is set at the appropriate level.

Also, double check the batteries in the thermostat (if applicable). A thermostat receiving inadequate power affects the efficiency of the unit. If your unit is wired and does not operate on batteries, again, ensure the power to the unit from the breaker can sometimes resolve the issue.

2 – Dirty Air Filter

The first thing to check if temperatures in your home continue to increase is the air filter in your A/C unit. If the air filter is dirty, it can cause strain to the internal operating mechanisms of the unit, forcing the unit to work harder. Simply swap out the dirty air filter with a clean filter and see if that resolves the issue.

3 – Condenser Unit is Blocked

You’ll know a condenser coil is dirty when you are experiencing a reduction in AC efficiency. Perhaps your home is cooling much slower than usual, or it feels humid. In severe cases, the unit will produce hot air. Dirty coils overwork the compressor and with dirt accumulation, the temperature will increase in the home.

A build-up of dirt threatens the life of the unit and knocks years off the machine’s longevity. A professional needs to be contacted immediately to service the unit. Luckily, clean coils stay functional for longer with regular maintenance from a trusted professional. The technicians at Howard Air will check your system during annual inspections so you can remain comfortable with the cleanliness of your unit.

4 – Evaporator Coil is Frozen

The evaporator coil extracts heat from your home and is the beginning of the cooling process. Occasionally, too much moisture builds up on the coil, causing it to freeze. You can temporarily relieve the issue by giving time for the coils to thaw. First, shut off the power to the unit. Then can open the access door, which will allow the coils an opportunity to de-ice.

Unfortunately, this can take up to 24 hours. You can accelerate the process by carefully directing heat over the frozen coils with a hairdryer. Applying heat to a frozen evaporator coil is only a temporary fix to the more complex problem of moisture building up in the unit, which should be addressed by a professional, who would need to diagnose the root of the problem. Otherwise, it will become recurring issue.

5 – Refrigerant Leak

Another common issue is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the chemical that powers the cooling system of the AC unit. Naturally, you’ll need regular levels of the solution in your machine to keep it operating throughout the hot summer months, but occasionally you’ll experience issues that may indicate it’s time to have a professional from Howard Air change the fluids. Refrigerant is toxic, so it is best to always contact a professional before attempting to handle this specific issue.

6 – Undersized Air Conditioner

Sometimes, your current AC unit is not powerful enough to cool your entire home. There are a number of different factors that can influence the level of power, size, and type of unit that will be most appropriate for your home. Unfortunately, there is not a “one size fits all solution,” but one that is a combination of factors such as the square footage of your home, the level of insulation, the exterior climate, and so on. If your current unit is not cooling your home to an optimal or desirable level, it is time to contact the professionals at Howard Air who are experienced in advising homeowners on which air conditioning units will best fit their needs.

A/C Service in Phoenix, AZ

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why your AC might not blow cold air. Simple tips will sometimes solve the problem, but calling a professional will save you and your family hours of frustration.

Luckily, the professionals at Howard Air have been here to help customers in Phoenix since 1977! They have a team of qualified technicians who will be able to quickly assess and fix the issue with your unit.

To prevent any issues with your unit, contact Howard Air to schedule your routine maintenance. From an emergency to a tune-up, don’t sweat it, Howard Air is there!

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