Reliable air conditioning is a vital part of home comfort during the hotter months of the year. Over time, an air conditioner can develop issues that prevent it from properly keeping your home cool. Some issues are minor and can be resolved with a quick fix. Other problems may require a professional HVAC technician to help. Let’s explore various possible causes of an AC not cooling and what to do about it.
Check Your Air Conditioner Settings
Sometimes, internal damage or similar issues can be why your air conditioner fails to cool your home. However, it could also be your thermostat settings. Double-check that the settings are correct. Ensure that your system is in cooling mode with the temperature set lower than the current temperature of your home. Additionally, ensure your airflow is high enough that cool air is sufficiently pushed into your space.
Replace or Clean Air Filters
A common cause of ACs not properly cooling your home is dirty or clogged air filters. Over time, these filters can accumulate all the following:
- Dirt
- Dust
- Allergens
- Other particulates
Some air conditioners have disposable air filters you have to replace. Others have air filters you must clean. Typically, air filters need replacement or cleaning every few months to ensure proper airflow and cooling capability. Areas prone to more dust and allergens may require more frequent air filter replacement or cleaning.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Your HVAC system has an evaporator coil that absorbs heat from interior air. Various problems can cause these evaporator coils to freeze. If they freeze, it can prevent your system from blowing cool air. Unless it is due to poor airflow from clogged filters, a frozen evaporator coil will likely need a professional technician to diagnose and fix the underlying issue.
Refrigerant Leak
Another cause of poor cooling capability can be a refrigerant leak. If a leak occurs, a technician needs to locate it and seal it. After sealing the leak, the technician will add refrigerant, bringing it to an optimal level.
Dirty Condenser Unit
Your air conditioner condenser unit is outside of your home. It expels the heat absorbed from your home’s interior. Over time, a condenser unit can become dirty or blocked, preventing optimal performance. You can clean the outside of the unit to ensure it has sufficient airflow. However, a professional technician should handle any issue inside the unit.
You can solve some AC cooling problems with basic troubleshooting, setting adjustments, and homeowner maintenance. However, many issues preventing your air conditioner from cooling your home require a professional HVAC technician. If you live in Eatonton, GA and want to fix your AC cooling issues, contact us at Superior Heating and Air today!