There’s nothing quite as frustrating as feeling the hot summer air outside and having your air conditioner running, only to find that your home is still uncomfortably warm. If your AC is running but not cooling, it can be puzzling and stressful, especially during a heatwave. Fortunately, there are several common causes for this issue, many of which can be addressed without the need for a professional technician. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling, and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
One of the most common reasons your AC might not be cooling effectively is a dirty or clogged air filter. The air filter is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and debris to keep the air inside your home clean. Over time, these particles accumulate in the filter, restricting airflow and causing the system to struggle in cooling your home.
How It Affects Cooling: When the airflow is restricted, the air conditioner has to work harder to cool the air. This can result in reduced efficiency, and the AC may not be able to achieve the desired temperature in your home.
Solution: Check your air filter regularly (every 1-3 months) and replace it if it looks dirty or clogged. A clean filter will allow for proper airflow, helping your system cool more effectively.
2. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air inside your AC unit. If your system is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to absorb and expel heat as efficiently. This is often the result of a leak in the refrigerant lines, which is a serious issue that requires professional attention.
How It Affects Cooling: Without enough refrigerant, the air conditioner will still run, but it won’t cool the air properly. You might notice that the system blows air, but it doesn’t feel cool or the cooling becomes intermittent.
Solution: If you suspect that the refrigerant level is low, it’s important to call a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to check for leaks, recharge the refrigerant, and repair any issues. Never attempt to refill refrigerant yourself, as this could cause further damage to your unit and is illegal in some areas without proper certification.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils inside your air conditioner are responsible for absorbing heat from the air. If these coils freeze over, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the air properly, and you may even notice that the system blows warm air or struggles to cool the room.
How It Affects Cooling: When the evaporator coils freeze, it prevents the system from absorbing heat and transferring it outside, which drastically reduces cooling efficiency.
Solution: Frozen coils are typically caused by low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or a malfunctioning blower fan. If you notice ice on the coils, turn off your AC and let the ice melt. Once the ice has melted, check the air filter and replace it if necessary. If the problem persists, it’s time to call a technician to inspect the refrigerant levels and the system’s overall condition.
4. Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat is the control center for your air conditioning system. If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not be reading the temperature accurately, causing the AC to run constantly or not turn on when needed.
How It Affects Cooling: A faulty thermostat may prevent your air conditioner from cooling the home because it doesn’t recognize when the temperature is too high. It could also lead to the AC running continuously without achieving the desired temperature.
Solution: Check if your thermostat is set correctly and that it’s not in “fan” mode, which will circulate air but not cool it. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, try recalibrating it. If that doesn’t solve the issue, consider replacing the thermostat or calling a professional to inspect it.
5. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils, located outside your home, play an essential role in releasing the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If these coils become dirty or clogged with debris, it can prevent the system from releasing heat efficiently, leading to reduced cooling performance.
How It Affects Cooling: When the condenser coils are dirty, the AC system can’t expel heat effectively, which can cause the unit to overheat and struggle to cool the air inside your home.
Solution: Inspect the outdoor unit for dirt, leaves, or other debris. Use a garden hose to gently clean the condenser coils, taking care not to damage the delicate fins. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the coils at least once a year, will keep your system running smoothly.
6. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the air conditioning system, responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the coils. If the compressor fails, the AC won’t be able to cool your home, even though the unit may still appear to be running.
How It Affects Cooling: Without a functioning compressor, the refrigerant can’t be properly circulated, which means your air conditioner won’t be able to cool the air at all. A faulty compressor is one of the more serious problems that can cause an AC to run without cooling.
Solution: If you suspect that the compressor is the issue, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician. Compressor problems are typically not something that can be easily fixed by homeowners, and a technician will be able to diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
7. Leaky Ducts
Your air conditioning system relies on a network of ducts to circulate cool air throughout your home. If the ducts are leaking, cool air might be escaping before it reaches the intended rooms, which can make it seem like the AC is running but not cooling effectively.
How It Affects Cooling: Leaky ducts reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner because cool air escapes before it reaches its destination. You may notice uneven cooling in different areas of your home.
Solution: Have your ducts inspected for leaks and seal any gaps that are found. A professional can use specialized tools to detect leaks and repair them, improving the overall efficiency of your AC system.
8. Inadequate Insulation
Insulation helps keep the cool air inside your home and the hot air outside. If your home is poorly insulated, the warm air will enter, and the cool air will escape, making it harder for your AC to maintain a comfortable temperature. To ensure optimal performance, it’s essential to pair good insulation with regular aircon servicing Katong to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively.
How It Affects Cooling: Inadequate insulation means your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home, and it may not be able to achieve the desired temperature.
Solution: If you suspect that poor insulation is the issue, consider improving your home’s insulation by adding or upgrading insulation in the attic, walls, or around windows and doors. This will help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature and reduce the workload on your AC.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner is running but not cooling, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage and reduce your energy bills. Many of the issues we’ve covered, such as dirty filters, low refrigerant levels, and frozen coils, are relatively simple to diagnose and fix. However, more serious problems like a faulty compressor or leaky ducts may require professional help.
Regular maintenance, including changing the air filter, cleaning the condenser coils, and scheduling annual inspections, can go a long way in preventing cooling issues. If you’ve checked all the basics and still find that your AC isn’t cooling properly, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted HVAC technician to ensure your system is running efficiently and keeping your home comfortable all year round.
