Your Air Handler Is Frozen
Look behind the air filter at your units evaporator coils. If they are frozen, the air will heat up. The ice blocks the warmth inside your home from reaching the refrigerant in the coils, which means your air isnt cooling, and your AC isnt able to dehumidify the air.
DIY vs. Pro: The first thing to try is something you can try on your own: turn off the cooling system for 24 hours. This allows the ice to defrost and the coils to return to normal. If the problem continues then its a larger issue.
Now its time to call the professionals who can clean your evaporator coils. They use chemicals designed to remove the dirt and grime from the coils. They take special care not to bend the fins or coils.
Cooling Issue #: Low Refrigerant
Your AC system actually cools your homes air by removing the heat from that air. It does this by absorbing that heat via a substance called refrigerant. If your AC system is low on refrigerant, its unable to absorb as much heat as it needs to, resulting in higher temperatures in your home.
If your system is low on refrigerant, there is likely a leak in the refrigerant line that a professional will need to repair or replace. To fix this, youll need to contact a professional. If you live in Phoenix, we can help you. Contact us!
The Air Conditioner Is The Wrong Size For Your Home
This is one of the more expensive problems to have.
Air conditioners keep getting more and more efficient, which means the one you had 10 years ago is not the same as the one youll get today. Without using new information to make the right choice, homeowners wind up with a new air conditioner that is too big or too small.
When this happens, your air conditioner will not work correctly. Instead, one of two things will happen:
Unless youre willing to replace the air conditioner you just bought, this is a problem that will persist.
If its time to install a new air conditioner, we urge you to consult with our Calgary professional AC installation team. Theyll do a thorough inspection, and make sure you get the right size.
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Why Is My Home Hot When The Air Conditioning Is On
Heat Gains from Windows
When sunlight shines through a window and makes a room feel warmer, it is experiencing a heat gain. This tends to happen in homes with older windows. While the warmth feels nice in the winter, it can turn a room into a sauna in the summer, even with the A/C running.
A quick fix is to draw the blinds during at least the hottest part of the day and use heavy blackout curtains. Some homeowners also install low-emissivity film on their windows that have reflective particles that block UV rays and reduce heat gains.
If having the curtains open is a must, upgrading to high-efficiency units, like double or triple pane windows, will significantly reduce heat gains during the summer and keep your home warmer during the winter by preventing heat losses.
Leaking Ductwork
When there are tears in ductwork, cool air will escape into the unoccupied areas of your house, like the walls or roof. Portland air conditioning contractors inspect ducts using a camera or visible nontoxic smoke. If there are leaks, a technician will often repair it right away.
Thermostat Problems
Verify that your thermostat does not need new batteries. Then ensure that it is set to the cooling position or function. While in the cooling settings, verify that the setpoint temperature is cooler than the temperature outside. In general, 68°F is a comfortable temperature.
Insufficient Insulation
Insufficient Refrigerant
Debris Surrounding the A/C Unit
Air Filter Replacement
Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly
When you notice your home getting a little hotter than normal, first check the thermostat settings. Be sure it is set to cool. If the thermostat is set to cool, check the temperature setting to be sure someone hasnt changed it. If it is off, set to heat, or set for constant fan , switch it back to cooling operation. After the system kicks on, wait a few minutes, then check for cold air blowing from the registers. If its cold, problem solved! If not, move on to the next troubleshooting tip checking the air filter.
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Why Is The Ac Not Blowing Cold Air
From very simple issues like a thermostat set incorrectly or a dirty filter…to a more complex situation that requires replacing components…there are a wide variety of reasons why you may find your air conditioner running, but not lowering the temperature in the house. Well outline some items you should check before calling a professional here. For a little more detail, visit our troubleshoot an air conditioner page.
The Filters Are Clogged
Perhaps the most common cause of AC issues is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen and dust can clog your filters.
When filters get clogged, they begin to restrict the flow of air through your AC. The result is that the AC doesnt cool your indoor air effectively. Clogged filters can also interfere with the functioning of your systems indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser unit.
The best way to avoid issues with clogged filters is to clean them regularly and change them when required. We recommend changing them every three months. For those with pets, it may be necessary to change filters more often.
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Is It Normal For My Air Conditioner To Be Running But My House Isnt Getting Cool
Your air conditioner is cooling, but not cooling enough and not keeping your house at the desired temperature. You may be happy to know that most of the time this is not going to be a serious problem. Here are some tips you can do yourself to help keep your house cool!
There are actually multiple explanations as to what could be going on. The first thing that comes to mind is to take a really good inventory about whats actually going on.If you have a problem with your air conditioner not cooling the way it should, dont touch anything. Dont adjust the thermostat make it high, make it low, turn it off, turn it back on. This could cause other things to go wrong.
First, take an inventory of whats going on. Go to the thermostat. Is it set on cooling? What temp is it set at? Whats the room temp? Whats working and not working? Is there air coming out of the registers? Is the outside unit blowing air? What is the temperature coming out of the air register? Is it cool, room temp or warm? This is the hot air being moved from inside the house to outside, so this is usually warm air.
If this all seems to be working, the unit may need maintenance. Often, coils that get dirty out in the yard that can no longer displace heat as they should. There may be filters that arent allowing air to circulate properly that can affect the output of the air conditioner.
Bad Or Failing Ac Capacitor
If your outdoor fan is running, but the compressor is not, the problem may be with your AC capacitor.
AC capacitors work like batteries. Theyre used to power the motor in the compressor and blower fan. So if theres a problem with your capacitor, the compressor wont be able to function properly.
Hear a clicking sound coming from your AC unit? Its a common sign your AC capacitor is beginning to fail. When your capacitor fails, the motor attached to it will hum instead of turn on. If this happens, turn off your AC system immediately as the motor could burn out and need to be replaced.
Replacing a capacitor on your own can be dangerous, so its best to call an HVAC technician for this fix.
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Ac Not Cooling Your Home 13 Common Reasons Why
About 87% of the population of the US have Air Conditioners in their homes. And that is the reason people spend a lot of money on their efficient home air conditioning.
But, is your air conditioner not cooling your home anymore? Dont sweat it, this could actually be a quick fix. Keep reading to learn more about the most common HVAC issues and how to solve them. Or, jump straight to the section youd like to learn more about.
Problem : Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter reduces airflow into your AC, causing several problems:
- AC struggles to circulate enough cool air to get your home to the desired temperature .
- Evaporator coil literally freezes, turning into a block of ice that blocks air, meaning that your home gets very little cooled air at all.
Solution: Check the air filter and change it if it looks like the filter on the right
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Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling My House Below 80 Degrees
So, you set your AC thermostat below 80 degrees but noticed that your air conditioners having trouble reaching your set temperature. In fact, it seems your AC has trouble hitting any temperature below 80 degrees.
And youre getting a little hot and bothered .
So, whats the issue? Well, certain problems can prevent an air conditioner from properly cooling down your home including:
- A dirty air filter
But heres the tricky part: theres always the possibility that nothings actually wrong with your AC maybe youre just pushing the limitations of your system.
So how do you know which is your situation? Well, you can start by checking the outdoor temperature when you notice your AC struggling. See below for a more in-depth explanation.
Need a tech to figure out the problem ASAP? Just contact us and well send one right over.
Do I Need A Professional To Fix My Ac Issues
It is always a good idea to try and get your AC working on your own before calling a professional. If the issue can be resolved as quickly as changing the filter or replacing your thermostat batteries, you can avoid the expense of a service call by performing these tasks yourself.
However, sometimes there are more complicated issues and will require the assistance of an HVAC technician. A service visit from one of Ambient Edges highly trained technicians can help diagnose the specific reason why your AC is not cooling your home sufficiently.
We can perform most necessary repairs on the spot to restore your cool air quickly. Or, if your system is too small or worn out to keep up, we will discuss the pros and cons of replacing your AC with a more efficient model.
Got HVAC or AC Problems? Call or Schedule Service Online!
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Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling The House 11 Common Ac Problems Homeowners Face
Over three-quarters of all homes in the US have air conditioners. That makes ACs some of the most popular equipment around the country.
Theres a good reason why homeowners spend a significant amount of money on efficient air conditioning. The sweltering heat of the summer can be unbearable. A reliable AC keeps your indoors comfortable.
But have you ever turned your AC on and suddenly wondered, Why is my air conditioner not cooling the house? It can happen without warning, and sometimes it isnt easy to pinpoint why.
Understanding some of the most common AC problems can keep you better prepared when they eventually strike. In this comprehensive guide, we outline 11 likely culprits for your air conditioner not cooling.
Examine The Air Filter
While it may sound like a surprise, a dirty air filter can significantly impact your cooling system. That said, its best to consistently check to see if these are dirty, then replace them if needed. While your air filters job is to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, they cant work properly if theyre filled with debris. As an air filter helps to keep these particles out of your home, they also aid in preventing this debris from infiltrating your systems components.
If you have central AC not blowing cold air, take a look at your air filter. But before checking it, make sure your system is powered off. From there, remove the filter and take a look. If everything checks out and the filter looks clean, proceed to the next troubleshooting tip.
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Air Conditioner Maintenance Is A Must
The best way to fix these problems? Avoid them altogether with annual air conditioner maintenance.
Not only will this make sure you have cool air all year round, but it will actually improve both your air conditioners energy efficiency and lifespan.
That means more savings for you! Cue your happy dance.
You could get even more benefits if you become a Knight Preferred Member. Youll get $200 worth of free maintenance, a discount on repairs, and member-only specials you wont want to miss.
So dont wait for when your air conditioner isnt cooling your house: schedule an appointment with Knight today!
My Ac Is Running But Not Cooling The House
Do you have an air conditioner in your home? For millions of people in the United States, they depend on these cooling systems to help push through the summer months. As the temperature continues to climb as summer moves forward, homeowners are preparing to fight the elements.
While people are focused on buying new AC units, tuning up their systems, and participating in air conditioning maintenance, others are dealing with AC repairs and system issues. As there are a wide variety of air conditioning problems out there, anair conditioner not coolingis one of the most problematic. If youre experiencing an air conditioner running but not lowering temperature, you may be confused and frustrated. Luckily, there are a few ways to troubleshoot the issue.
Keep reading to learn some simple steps for trying to fix this annoying problem.
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The Evaporator Coil Is Dirty And Freezes
The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant that cools your home. The coil absorbs heat from inside your home, pushing cool air to the blower and transforming the refrigerant to a gaseous state. If your evaporator coil is too dirty, this can prevent the amount of heat it can absorb, causing the cold evaporator to freeze over and disrupt the cooling process.
A frozen evaporator coil can also freeze due to a refrigerant leak. When refrigerant levels drop, so does the temperature which can freeze the entire evaporator coil.
The Thermostat Has Been Set Inaccurately
Check the thermostat settings first if your house is getting a little hotter than normal. Make sure the temperature is set to cool. Check the temperature setting to make sure it hasnt been adjusted whether the thermostat is set to cool.
Turn it back to cooling mode if its turned off, set to heat, or set for the continuous fan . Wait a few minutes after the machine has turned on before checking for cool air blowing from the registers.
If its cold, theres no need to worry! If not, proceed to the next step in the troubleshooting process: inspecting the air filter.
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The Most Common A/c Problems And How To Fix Them
Whether its dirty filters, improper installation, or an incorrectly sized unit, there are a number of reasons your central air conditioner may stop cooling your house or stop working altogether. Here are some of the more common issues youre likely to run into with your air conditioner, along with tips on how to get them resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What To Check If Your Ac Isnt Running At All
#1. CHECK TO MAKE SURE THE AIR HANDLER AND COMPRESSOR ARE ON AND PLUGGED IN
There are two separate pieces of your AC system, the condenser, which cools the air and is usually outside, and the air handler, which moves the air around your house and is usually inside. First, make sure that any power switches on or around the units are switched on. Then check your breaker box to make sure that neither has thrown a breaker and that both circuits are receiving power.
#2. ENSURE THAT YOUR THERMOSTAT IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY
If you have your thermostat set to auto, its possible the thermostat is misreading the temperature and thus not turning the system on when it should. Try switching the fan from auto to on.
Does the fan come on then?
If not, try replacing the batteries of the thermostat. Even if the screen and indicators are still working, there are still cases when low power draw from the batteries can cause the thermostat to function improperly.
If it still doesn’t work, double-check all wiring connections on the backplate of the thermostat. This may require an advanced level of troubleshooting. Begin by removing the faceplate for the thermostat you access all wiring connections.
Did you upgrade your thermostat to a WiFi-enabled/Smart thermostat? These types of thermostats require a common wire as a source of power? Was there a C wire in place prior to upgrading your thermostat? If not, you will need to run an additional wire.
IT DIDNT WORK, NOW WHAT?
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