My AC is Running Fine But Why isn't it Cooling?

The temperature is rising and you want to do everything possible to remain comfortable. You turn towards your trusted air conditioner for some cold reprieve, only to find warm, limp air blowing. Your Northern California house never seems to cool, no matter how long the AC runs.

There are several reasons why an air conditioner may not be cooling your space. This is when the air conditioner seems to running fine. Few of these problems can be managed on your own. Based on this, there are certain issues that should only be solved by an experienced HVAC contractor.

Minor AC Problems that May Affect Cooling

Incorrect Thermostat Setting

There is a possibility that someone in your home changed the thermostat setting. A large number of homeowners call AC repair professionals only to find that the thermostat is set to warm air instead of cool. You should check if the fan is set to “auto” or “on.” “On” setting means that the AC blower will continue running even when there is no cool air. This setting is appropriate when you want a constant supply of air blowing from the vents. You should change the AC setting to “auto” if this is not something you desire.

Air Filter is Dirty

The next step should be to inspect the HVAC filter. Airflow can get restricted when the air filters are dirty. This may prevent your home from cooling down regardless of how long you keep the unit on. Dirty air filter may be the culprit if the airflow from the AC vents feels weak. Your air conditioner may overheat in this situation. It’s wise that you replace the dirty air filter as soon as possible. You can ask an HVAC technician for help.

Outdoor Unit is Dirty or Blocked

The outdoor unit installed outside the home is responsible for expelling heat to the exterior. The air condition will struggle to cool a home if foliage overcrowds it or debris clogs the unit. The best way to get around this is to gently hose the unit to remove any cobwebs, dust, grass clippings, and leaves. You should neatly trim back plants to give your air conditioner breathing space as well.

Serious AC Problems that May Affect Cooling

Low Refrigerant Charge

Refrigerant is the key component in an air conditioner. Your system may not have enough refrigerant for absorbing heat from the air if it develops a leak. These are a few signs of low refrigerant charge:

• Hissing or bubbling sounds
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coil
• AC works fine at night, but can’t keep up on hot days

You should schedule an air conditioning repair with a dedicated HVAC service provider if you notice of these signs.

Broken or Faulty Parts

An air conditioner may appear to run fine when certain components break. This is until you take a closer look. Check the big condenser outdoors to see if the fan is spinning or not. The motor may not be working. Compressor is located in the outdoor unit as well. This is an expensive component and you may need to replace the entire system if the compressor breaks down. You should not attempt to diagnose these issues on your own. Call an accomplished HVAC contractor.