Problem : Low Refrigerant Charge/refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the liquid that absorbs the heat from your air. When you dont have enough, your AC cant absorb enough heat to cool the air. A low refrigerant level means one thing: you have a refrigerant leak.
Signs you have a refrigerant leak include:
If you see these signs, turn off your air conditioner and call an AC pro ASAP. Running the AC in this state can cause slugging in the compressor and damage it beyond repair.
Speaking of compressors…
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.
Check Your Ac Air Vents
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Blocked Vents Are Reducing Air Flow
Blocked supply vents are another reason your AC unit isnt putting out enough cold air. Check your vents to make sure there isnt dirt or dust build-up that could be preventing airflow. Toys, furniture, or closed dampers may also be the problem. Rearrange furniture away from registers and check for obstructions that may have fallen into your ducts by accident.
My Ac Cant Keep Up House Not Cooling
If youve been thinking my AC cant keep up, isnt keeping my house cool, or noticed that lately your AC runs constantly: This article will give you a good idea of whats going on & what to do about it.
My AC wont cool below 80 degrees .
My air conditioner doesnt keep up with the heat in the summer.
I think my ac needs Freon, its not keeping up.
My AC takes hours to cool the house down a few degrees.
These are all things our Customer Service Reps at Magic Touch Mechanical hear over the phone and see on our contact us forms every summer when the extreme heat arrives in Phoenix, AZ.
There are many reasons a central air conditioner might not keep up with the heat in the summer in Arizona. After all, Phoenix and nearby cities reach some of the highest summer temperatures in the country.
There may be a problem with your AC that requires diagnosis and repair from a licensed HVAC Contractor. However, it may surprise you to learn that the problem may or may not be your air conditioners fault. Heres some reasons why your AC unit just isnt keeping up with the summer heat.
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Replace The Ac Contactor
An AC contactor is a $25 mechanical relay that uses low-voltage power from the thermostat to switch 220-volt high-amperage current to the compressor and condenser fan. AC contactors can wear out and are at the top of the list of common air conditioning service failures. Even if your AC contactor is working, it pays to replace it every five years or so. Unscrew the old AC contactor before removing the wires. Then move the wires to the new unit.
- Yank a connector off the old contactor and move it to the same location on the new part.
- Tighten the connectors where needed.
- Secure the new contactor in the condensing unit.
Third: Clear Any Obstructions To Airflow
The consequences of poor air flow are devastating. A dirty air filter prevents airflow, which in turn prevents heat from being transferred out of your home. Not to mention, dirty air filters create extremely bad indoor air quality conditions. So if your AC is not cooling, try changing the filter. Learn how to change your air filter here.
Also, make sure to remove all objects blocking vents and ensure all vents are open. Closed or blocked vents contribute to poor airflow, especially with a dirty air filter.
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Check For Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your system. This is the substance which absorbs excess indoor heat and releases it outside. The only job of your refrigerant is to run this constant cycle. However, even your refrigerant needs occasional maintenance. If it is not maintained on a regular basis, the unit will begin developing small leaks. Leaks may also simply be a result of old age. If left unmanaged, refrigerant leaks can severely inhibit the ability of your HVAC to function.
So what do you do when your HVAC is running, but not cooling after you have run through all of your do-it-yourself options? If your air conditioning is still not meeting your needs, scheduling a technician to check your refrigerant levels is highly recommended.
The Coils Are Frozen Or Dirty
While your ACs filters do a great job when it comes to keeping the evaporator coil clean, the coil can also experience problems over time.
Coils tend to get dirty over time because they stay humid and its easy for mildew and mold to build up. This can adversely affect their functioning. Coils can also freeze over and stop working, particularly when theres not enough refrigerant in the system.
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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.
Do It Yourself Options When Ac Unit Not Cooling
Here and common easy DIY solutions when your AC isnt blowing cold air:
Thermostat on the Wrong Setting
- Common Reasons: This may have the easiest solution to your AC not blowing cold air. If your thermostat is set to Fan, it may be constantly running, but the air conditioner is not cooling to the preferred set temperature.
- Popular Solutions: Set the thermostat to Auto and double check the set temperature. The fan will kick on as well as cool the air and keep the temperature in your house down to the degree you prefer.
Dirty Air Filter
- Common Reasons: Have you cleaned or replaced your air filter lately? A dirty air filter could limit the amount of cold air that can filter through and cool your house. Alternatively, it could cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which can also limit the amount of cold air able to filter through and cool your house.
- Popular Solutions: An easy fix and a good preventative measure going forward is to check your air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed.
Dirty Condenser
Blocked Vents Or Air Ducts
Broken AC Fan Motor in the Condenser Unit
Learn More:How Often to Change a Furnace Filter
Refrigerant Leak
Bad AC Compressor
Improper Installation / Leaky Air Ducts
Dirty Evaporator Coils
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Reasons Why Your Ac Is Not Cooling The House
The sweltering summer heat can be unbearable, and most homeowners rely on air conditioners to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. If you dont prepare your unit well for summer, it might stop circulating cool air when you need it most. An AC requires a perfect balance of airflow temperature and pressure, and if any of these components get out of balance, the unit will not work optimally. Here are some common problems that can prevent your air conditioning unit from cooling your house adequately.
There Is A Refrigerant Leak
The air handler, the interior part of your air conditioner, is home to the evaporator coil that is responsible for cooling your home. Warm air from inside is absorbed through the evaporator coil and transforms into a gaseous state. The result of this heat absorption is cool, dry air that is then pushed throughout the house through the units blower and air ducts.
To keep the process continuous, the compressor puts the gas refrigerant under intense pressure, releasing the excess heat outside and transforming the gaseous refrigerant back into a cool liquid with the help of the condenser. The evaporator coil can then create more cool air by starting the process over again.
When theres a leak in the refrigerant line, some of the fluid is lost during its cyclical transformation process, resulting in an inadequate amount of cool air being produced.
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Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling
If you are dealing with an air conditioner that is not blowing cold air but running, then this article will be helpful for you. And if you ask yourself, why is my ac not blowing cold air? A few things can prevent your air conditioner from blowing cold air. These include:
- Dead capacitor
- Dirty or blocked return duct
- Blocked condenser coil
- Undersized air conditioner
- Open doors and windows
So in this AC troubleshooting guide, Ill discuss these 13 reasons why an AC will be running but not blowing cold air, along with some quick suggestions on how you may be able to fix it yourself before having to call on the experts.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling The House: 8 Possible Reasons
- Pete Ortiz
The only thing worse than not having an air conditioning system in your home is having one that isnt working correctly. When the weather outside gets hot, the last thing you want is a system that quitsor worse, starts blowing warm or hot air.
Below you will find eight possible reasons your air conditioner may not be cooling your home. Some have easy, DIY solutions, but some may require booking an appointment with an HVAC technician.
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Why Is My Ac Not Cooling The House
Everybody has experienced the frustration of an underperforming air conditioner. No matter how low you put the thermostat, the air conditioning unit just doesnt seem to be getting the job done. It may happen gradually or all of a sudden, but when an air conditioner begins to underperform, its never convenient. Whether your air conditioning just doesnt seem to be blowing cold air, or its not turning on all together, there are a number of potential reasons as to why your AC is not cooling your house properly. In this post from the Bryant AC & Electric blog, well discuss some potential reasons as to why your AC could be failing to cool your home.
The Unit Is Low On Refrigerant
Think of refrigerant as the lifeblood of your AC unit. Without the proper amount, the cooling process wont function at all. The unit needs the right amount of refrigerant to produce cool air. Refrigerant is what circulates through the evaporator coils and cools the ambient air. That cool air is then pushed back out into the home to help cool your house down. There are two main reasons for low refrigerant levels: A leak or lifetime usage.
DIY vs. Pro: When it comes to refrigerant levels, whether due to a leak or usage, you always want to call in an HVAC technician. Not only will a reputable service technician have the right tools with which to measure your refrigerant level, but they are also the only ones that can properly and safely dispose of your older, used refrigerant.
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Hvac Troubleshooting: Why Your Ac Unit Is Not Cooling
When you have a running compressor, but your air conditioning unit is not producing cool air, there are potentially a number of things that could be causing this problem. The first areas that should be checked and cleared can be completed easily and quickly. These are fixes which should be accessible to any home owner. Other do-it-yourself options are also available to home owners with more advanced handy home maintenance skills. If these options are expended, it may be time to bring in a professional HVAC technician to further diagnose what to do when your air conditioner is running but not cooling.
Issues With Your Thermostat
If your house is not cooling properly, it may be your thermostat. The thermostat includes a sensor that tells the system what the ambient room temperature is. This temperature reading is what stops and starts the cooling cycle. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, your cooling system would not know how to function properly.
DIY vs. Pro: The root cause of the thermostat issue will determine if you can make this fix yourself, or need to call in the pros. If the display is blank on the thermostat, try changing the batteries. If that doesnt do it, then it points to a larger issue with the electrical wiring. Now, its time to call in HVAC technicians for repair. It may be time for a new electrical board or a new thermostat.
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What To Do When The Ac Isnt Cooling Your House
If youve been running the AC in your house all day and its not cooling your home down, not only are you wasting energy and money, but its probably pretty miserable inside.
There are a host of reasons why your AC might not be cooling things down properly. In this blog post, we break down what could be causing your AC to malfunction, and then explain whether it is a DIY fix or one that requires calling in the pros.
How To Replace A Capacitator
- Take a photo of the wires before disconnecting anything .
- Discharge the stored energy in the old capacitor.
- Use needle-nose pliers to pluck one wire at a time from the old capacitor and snap it onto the corresponding tab of the new capacitor. The female crimp connectors should snap tightly onto the capacitor tabs.
- Wiggle each connector to see if it’s tight. If it’s not, remove the connector and bend the rounded edges of it so it makes a tighter fit on the tab.
- When you’ve swapped all the wires, secure the new capacitor.
WARNING: Discharge the capacitor before disconnecting wires or removing it from its bracket.
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Air Conditioner Not Cooling Still
If you have done what you can, but you still need helping fixing an air conditioner not cooling, then we invite you to contact Pro-Tech for your air conditioning service. We have served Central Florida since 1961 and we service all makes and models of equipment.
If you want to ensure that your AC continues to run efficiently for years to come, we also invite you to sign up for our preventative maintenance program.
Contact us today to get immediate help fixing your air conditioner.
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.
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Know When To Call A Professional Hvac Contractor
If youve worked your way through the above troubleshooting efforts and preventative maintenance measures but still find your air conditioner is working but not cooling your house, it may be time to call in the reinforcements.
The best course of action we can recommend is to assess the situation of the AC not cooling the house, determine whether the problem at hand is one you can apply a DIY solution to or one you should call for some backup. Then get to work or start dialing. Your house will be a much happier home when the air blows cool from your vents!
Why Is My Ac Not Cooling How To Fix
If you’ve been running your AC all day and night and still feel like you’re living in an oven, this post is for you! You have an AC not cooling, it’s hot ,and you’re not getting the cool air you need. Suddenly, you’re stuck in a sweltering house with no relief in sight! So what can you do if your AC isn’t cooling? Read on to find out the most common causes of why your central AC might not be cooling and how to fix them in this blog post. Stay chill folks!
Cool Your Home Now With An HVAC Pro
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