AC NOT COOLING? 5 REASONS YOU’RE NOT GETTING COLD AIR
Have you recently turned on your air conditioner, then got…nothing? A weak trickle of cold air or no cold air are understandable causes for alarm, but there’s no need to panic.
Your AC not cooling is usually caused by a minor problem that you can easily fix. However, there are a few serious cases that will need a technician’s help. At Unique Services, we’re keen on helping people stay cool with expert service and helpful advice. Keep reading to learn what’s stopping your system from working and whether or not you need us to fix the issue.
Suspect you need emergency HVAC repair? We offer emergency services to fix all your no-cooling situations.
WHY IS MY AC RUNNING, BUT IT’S STILL NOT COOLING?
An AC that’s running, but not cooling, is confusing. What’s happening beneath the surface?
A system that’s technically operating but not blowing cool air may be a setting issue or mechanical problem. Its internal components are all working, but no cool air (or warm air) means your system still can’t remove heat effectively.
These causes could be low refrigerant, dirty condenser coils, or even a very dirty filter.
5 COMMON REASONS WHY YOUR AC IS NOT COOLING
Why is your AC not cooling? Below are the most common reasons and their best solutions.
1. DIRTY OR CLOGGED AIR FILTER
When your AC isn’t working like it’s supposed to, the filter is one of the first places you should check. You can easily swap in a new one yourself, then turn the system on again to see if that fixes the issue.
The reason why a dirty filter can stop your system from cooling is how it interrupts airflow. Dust, dirt, pollen, and dander can all clog a filter’s small openings, making it harder for cold air to move out.
Additionally, this interrupted airflow can make your system overheat, increasing the chances of shutting off as a safety precaution.
2. INCORRECT THERMOSTAT SETTINGS
If your AC is not cooling after changing the filter, it’s time to check your thermostat settings to make sure they’re not accidentally set to the wrong temperature. Depending on your model, your system may have a setting dubbed ‘cool’ or ‘auto’.
Does the setting look correct? See if you can manually lower the temperature instead. You may have a temperature set too high, resulting in warm air (or seemingly no air at all).
Still nothing? Check the batteries. Your thermostat might not be functioning at all, which means your system can’t tell when to cool or not. You may need a new thermostat installation (and if your model is very old, a new system entirely).
3. LOW REFRIGERANT OR REFRIGERANT LEAK
Filters and thermostats are usually why your air conditioner isn’t working right, but you might have a deeper problem. This process of elimination usually points to a refrigerant issue, the chemical responsible for changing warm air into cool.
Low refrigerant usually refers to a leak. Unfortunately, checking refrigerant levels isn’t a DIY fix. A technician will need to bring advanced equipment, such as pressure gauges, to inspect the system from the inside.
4. DIRTY CONDENSER OR EVAPORATOR COILS
Without clean condenser and evaporator coils, your air conditioning system can’t properly dissipate heat. As a result, it can sometimes blow out warm air or feel like nothing’s coming out at all.
These coils gradually build up dirt and dust, both of which gradually diminish their performance until you’re left with an AC that doesn’t cool. You can rinse these off yourself outside with a low setting on a garden hose or a large spray bottle. Don’t use anything with a heavy spray, as that can damage your unit.
5. ELECTRICAL OR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS
If you have a clean filter and condenser coils, yet still don’t see problems with your thermostat or refrigerant, then the issue is likely mechanical. You may have equipment such as a dying compressor or faulty wiring causing your AC to fail.
This is an issue that will need a professional eye. Attempting to fix your AC’s mechanical or electrical issues will not only put you at risk for a voided warranty, you could hurt yourself.
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of this problem. Even if your AC usually works fine, regularly scheduled visits catch these little issues before they get worse.
QUICK TROUBLESHOOTING LIST TO TEST AND RESET YOUR AC
Need a quick checklist for when your AC isn’t cooling? Follow these steps to gradually whittle down the problem with your cooling system.
Check your thermostat settings to make sure they’re set to ‘auto’ or ‘cool’.
Replace your filter (you should swap it out every few months).
Double-check that your vents aren’t blocked or dirty.
Sweep off any debris on your outside unit.
Review the breaker panel to make sure your AC is receiving power.
Listen to your system for strange noises like rattling, whining, or banging.
Smell the air in front of your system to check for burning, chemical, or rotten egg odors (all are serious, so turn off the system and get immediate professional help).
If you want to reset your AC, you can turn the thermostat off, then switch off the breaker for one minute. Turn on the breaker again, then turn on the system and see if you get cool air. If not, it’s time to get a technician for a full inspection.
SHOULD I TURN OFF MY AC IF IT’S NOT COOLING?
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it’s not working. Leaving it on will not only waste energy, you may make the underlying issue worse.
The only time you should turn it on is if you want to try resetting the system. Before you do that, make sure you rule out any deeper issues first. If you smell foul odors, hear strange noises, or suspect physical damage, leave your system off to stay safe.
If you want to get a professional to look at your air conditioning issues, give us a call to have one of our experts drop by.
WHEN TO CALL FOR PROFESSIONAL AC REPAIR
When your AC isn’t cooling, a professional can get to the root of the problem and finally provide a solution. If you’ve tried our checklist and aren’t seeing any improvement, review the following warning signs.
If you see even one of these signs, it’s time to reach out for HVAC repair:
You’re getting warm air or no air after your troubleshooting
You noticed ice appearing on the coils or refrigerant lines
Your system keeps short cycling
The breaker keeps tripping
Your compressor or fan won’t work
You suspect a refrigerant leak
THE COST OF AC REPAIR
The reasons why your AC isn’t cooling will determine how much a repair visit costs. Professional technicians take into account the core issue, your system’s age, the parts they need, and general labor (which may include travel costs).
Unique Services offers personalized quotes and transparent pricing to help you budget your AC repair visit. We’ve been offering residential HVAC services and commercial HVAC services since 1975, fixing minor issues and installing new systems alike.
GET RELIABLE AC REPAIR FROM UNIQUE SERVICES
Rain or shine, you can find Unique Services serving homeowners and business owners in Sarasota and the surrounding areas. From cooling services to heating services, we make sure your home is always ready for the weather.
We aim to turn even the most frustrating air conditioner issues into a positive experience with fantastic service and great deals. Before you reach out to us, check out our special offers to see our latest discounts and coupons. Whether you need a quick tune-up or multiple repairs, all of our work comes with Exceptional Service Guaranteed.
Is your AC not cooling? Schedule service online with our short form to get an expert technician on the case.