Your air conditioner may not be cooling the house for a variety of reasons, ranging from an incorrectly set thermostat to ductwork leaks. Read on to find out what to check before calling a professional.
Incorrect Thermostat Setting
Ensure that the temperature setting hasn’t been changed if the thermostat is set to cool. When it’s off, set to heat, or set for “steady fan” (often just labeled “on”). Check for chilly air coming from the registers a few minutes after the system is turned on.
Dirty Air Filter
By checking your air filter, you can take a closer look to determine why your central air conditioner isn’t cooling. You may find an air filter near your indoor air handler unit on your air conditioner. Make sure your air filters are clean since a clogged air filter can cause your home to overheat. If your filter needs to be changed sooner, you can switch it out sooner. Most manufacturers recommend that you clean or replace your filter every 60 to 90 days.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your central air conditioning system includes an evaporator coil. A furnace has an evaporator coil outside of it, inside a cabinet. A frozen evaporator coil is evident when you see frost forming on the copper tubing from the coil cabinet or excessive drainage near your indoor unit. An HVAC professional should be able to fix frozen evaporator coils since accessing them is difficult.
Refrigerant Leak
As the refrigerant passes through the system’s indoor and outdoor coils, it changes from liquid to gaseous form, absorbing heat and humidity from indoor air and releasing them outdoors. Refrigerant leaks can cause your AC system to stop blowing cold air or run for extended periods without cooling adequately. It can also damage the compressor, resulting in a complete system shutdown.
Leaky Ducts
If your ducts have broken down due to age or have been damaged by animals like squirrels, you may be losing cool air. As a result, cool air exits the ducts before reaching the rooms, creating the illusion that the air conditioner is running but not chilling the room. You may want to hire an HVAC professional for this task.
Call a Professional If Needed
Knowing how your air conditioner works will help you diagnose problems faster and more efficiently. One of our technicians can address damage, leaks, and wear and tear in your HVAC system before the summer and winter months. If you feel like you’re having issues, contact us today.
