Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

In this post, W.E. Beavers Jr. Heating & Cooling  discusses the possible reasons your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly.

Underpowered AC unit. There are many types of AC units, and they come in different sizes and have varying cooling power. Normally, air conditioners can cool rooms to a certain degree, but there are times when they can’t properly cool your space due to factors that you may not easily recognize.

Typically, before you purchase an AC unit, your local HVAC repair and installation expert will voice their concern if the unit you’re considering isn’t ideal for the room or area in which it will be installed. Knowing this beforehand will save you time and allow you to choose a more suitable cooling unit.

If the room you’re going to cool is too large for the AC unit, it will find it difficult to cool the entire space, as it won’t have the necessary capacity. Always keep in mind that the cooling capacity of the AC unit must be proportionate to the size of the area it’s going to cool.

Another reason your AC unit isn’t cooling properly could be that it’s simply too hot in the room or outside. It’s worth checking if your home has inadequate insulation or poor energy efficiency. Furthermore, it’s also possible that your local climate is simply too hot for your air conditioner to handle. Either way, your AC unit will strain itself trying to get your home to the desired indoor temperature. To ensure you have the correct size and type of air conditioner for your home, consult your trusted HVAC repair and installation specialist prior to AC installation or replacement.

Refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks are one of the most common causes of insufficient cooling. Your AC’s refrigerant is essential to cooling, as it’s responsible for sapping heat and allowing cool air to blow into the different rooms in your home. Many signs indicate a refrigerant leak, such as hissing noises coming from your unit, an odd synthetic smell and ice buildup on certain parts of your system. Replenishing your AC’s refrigerant is best done by experts, but make sure to address the source of the problem too. If you see any signs of refrigerant leaks, call an HVAC specialist immediately.

Dirty air filters. When your air filters get too dirty, this can cause all kinds of problems. One of the most significant issues is that it will hinder airflow, preventing warm and cold air from properly passing through them. This will strain your air conditioner because it will have to work harder to reach the set temperature. This issue can also lead to problems with the thermostat and cause your evaporator coil to freeze. But unlike other AC cooling issues, professional cooling services may not be necessary to clean dirty air filters–you can simply take them out and clean or replace them yourself. Make sure to also wipe down the area where they attach. Then, test the unit and see if its cooling power has improved. If not, then you should call an HVAC expert.

Dirty outdoor unit. Cleaning your outdoor unit is also important. In a split-type system, the condenser is the unit placed outside. It’s responsible for turning warm air into cool air, which is then blown into your indoor space. If the condenser is filled with dirt and debris, your unit might not achieve consistent heat transfer, so it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. That said, be diligent with the upkeep of your outdoor unit. Clean it regularly and keep the area surrounding it clear. Obstructions can also affect the performance of your outdoor HVAC unit.

Motor issues. AC units have fans inside them that blow the cooled air into the room. If the fan isn’t working or there are problems with its performance, you’re going to have cooling problems. Tinkering with the fan isn’t recommended, so it’s best to enlist professional cooling service providers to solve this problem.

Damaged compressor. An air conditioner’s compressor is responsible for moving refrigerant between the condenser and the evaporator. Think of it as the heart of the AC unit responsible for pumping blood — or in this case, refrigerant — around the two major organs, the evaporator and the condenser. If the compressor can’t properly move refrigerant around the system, you’ll experience cooling issues. Damaged compressors are best fixed with the help of professional HVAC repair experts.

Improper thermostat settings. You might be having cooling issues due to your thermostat being set incorrectly. To ensure your AC unit effectively cools your room, it must be set to cooling mode on your thermostat. Always check your thermostat the moment you turn your air conditioner on, as someone might have changed it or it may have been set back to fan mode or heating mode. Another way to eliminate this problem is to install a smart thermostat, which adjusts temperature settings automatically.

Fuses and breakers. Your AC unit’s fuses and breakers are in place to keep it from overheating. When a unit’s motor breaks down, experts will usually check the status of the fuses and breakers first. Your AC unit won’t function properly if the fuse has shorted or the breaker has switched itself off to protect the system from electrical problems. Don’t try to tamper with these devices yourself — let the pros handle it.

Clogged drain line. Your air conditioner has a drain line intended to catch condensation produced by the system. It’s normal for AC units to condense water; that’s why the drain line is there. However, if the drain line gets clogged with dirt and debris, this will cause the water to back up into the system, causing damage. Inspect your drain line regularly for clogs.

W.E. Beavers Jr. Heating & Cooling is an expert at providing high-quality cooling and heating services. We’re an HVAC company that’s dedicated to providing each client stellar results at a fair price. You can count on us for all your HVAC needs. Schedule a consultation today by filling out our contact form or calling us at   (703) 897-5505.