You would expect your air conditioner to provide cool air if it’s running. If you’re not getting relief from the summer heat, but you hear the motor, fan, and air blowing from vents, it’s quite frustrating to wonder where the cool, comfortable air is. There are numerous reasons this can happen. Some have simple solutions. Others require a professional to come and provide AC repair.
We’ll now look at 10 reasons why your AC is running but not cooling and what can be done about it.
1. The Thermostat Was Set Improperly
If your AC seems to be running normally but there’s no cool air, the thermostat is the first place to look. There might not be anything wrong at all. Just check some small details. Is the thermostat in “Cool” mode? If not, perhaps you forgot to reset it or someone accidentally changed the setting.
Also, check if the thermostat is in “Fan” mode or switched to “Off” ” If so, switch it to “Heat” before switching it back to “Cool” and wait. It can take a few minutes for the system to kick in and start cooling your home.
2. The Thermostat Has Gone Bad
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your HVAC system to go haywire. If it misreads the temperature, it can turn your AC on and off at the wrong times. This is a possibility if the thermostat is located in a drafty area, in direct sunlight, or near a heat-producing appliance. Relocating it is a possible solution to these issues.
The batteries may need to be replaced, especially if the display isn’t lighting up or the thermostat isn’t responding to changes in settings. Some thermostats have an indicator to prompt you to change the batteries. If a battery problem isn’t the reason, check the thermostat for dirt and clean it gently with a soft cloth or compressed air. You can also check for loose connections, which you can tighten, or frayed wiring, which an HVAC professional should replace.
3. The Air Filter Is Dirty
The filter traps dust and dirt as air passes through. The more frequently your AC unit runs, the faster it can clog. If the filter is clogged, it can restrict or prevent air from passing through, leaving the system with little or nothing to cool.
The air filter should be checked every month. Depending on your home and the manufacturer’s suggestions, it should be changed or cleaned every one to three months (to optimize cooling performance and prevent AC repair). Replace it more frequently if you have pets or someone in your home has allergies.
4. The Evaporator Coil Froze Up
Various problems can cause ice to form on the evaporator coil. Therefore, it’s important to call an HVAC professional if your AC isn’t cooling or there’s excess condensate drainage. They’ll check for issues such as leaky coils or a malfunctioning fan. Frozen coils disrupt airflow and prevent heat from transferring between the air and refrigerant. If they’re not fixed or replaced, the problem can lead to more extensive damage or a total system failure.
5. An Evaporator or Condenser Coil Is Damaged
The evaporator coil enables your AC to cool the air in your home. The condenser coil removes heat from refrigerant that circulates between the indoor and outdoor components. Any damage to these coils will prevent your AC system from delivering cool air, even if it’s still running. In some cases, an AC coil can be repaired, but HVAC technicians often recommend replacing a damaged one.
6. The Condenser Unit Is Clogged
The condenser unit contains the outdoor coil and fins that help extract heat. Dirt and debris can block parts of the outdoor unit and get inside it. A clogged or dirty coil may not prevent the system from turning on, but stop it from cooling your home. If your AC is blowing warm air, check the condenser and clean it before the system shuts down. You can do this using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a garden hose on light pressure.
7. Refrigerant Is Leaking
A refrigerant leak can leave your AC without enough coolant to function properly. In addition to keeping the system running but not cooling, the leak can cause the compressor to overheat and fail, exposing you to toxic chemicals. Any refrigerant leak should be considered dangerous. Call an HVAC technician for AC repair, whether to address a damaged coil, faulty connection, or general wear and tear that caused the leak.
8. The AC Unit Is Oversized or Undersized
Whether the air conditioner is oversized or undersized, it may not provide cooling. An oversized unit can short cycle, so it doesn’t run long enough to cool your house. If it’s undersized, the system simply can’t deliver enough cool air, especially on warmer days. Consult with a professional HVAC installer whenever replacing your system. They will consider many factors in selecting the right-sized unit.
9. Air Is Leaking from the Ductwork
Even if your AC is running and generating cool air, leaky ductwork won’t move this air to where it’s needed. Holes, cracks, and loose connections can let air escape instead. As a result, warm air may blow from vents while your AC is on. Ductwork leaks often occur in remote places, such as the attic, so it’s important to have the system checked and repaired by a professional.
10. Your AC Has a Mechanical Problem
A damaged fan blade, shorted-out fan motor, or loose belt are just a few mechanical issues that can prevent your AC from delivering cool air. Your air conditioning system has many moving parts, so it’s important to have it inspected annually or call a professional when you notice something is wrong. A contractor can correct the issue before it causes more damage.
Call Over the Moon to Schedule AC Repair
Located in Brookfield, WI, we provide professional AC repair in and around Waukesha County. An air conditioner running but not cooling your home can have different problems, ranging from a dirty filter to a faulty thermostat to a frozen coil or refrigerant leak. Our licensed technicians are trained to quickly diagnose and fix any AC problem. To schedule an AC repair, use our Web Scheduler or call (262) 510-0956.