Reasons an Air Conditioner Won’t Cool
Humidity levels may be to blame when a homeowner feels their home is not being cooled, even though the thermostat indicates the temperature has dropped.
If the AC is not cooling a home adequately, it may be due to several reasons ranging from an easy fix to a problem that will need to be addressed by an AC technician.
Read below to learn about some common causes for an air conditioner not cooling effectively.
The AC will not turn on
An AC not turning on at all could be a simple problem. There are two items to check.
Thermostat. Check that the thermostat is set on cool and below the current room temperature.
Circuit breaker. If the settings are correct, check the circuit breaker for a blown circuit or fuse. If the circuit has tripped, reset the breaker. If it’s not tripped, there may be a blown fuse to replace.
If the AC still won’t run, call a licensed HVAC technician.
The air blowing from the vents is weak
If the airflow from the vents is weak, it may be due to a dirty air filter.
To determine if this is indeed the cause, check that the vents are opened completely. If they are, then it is time to check the AC filter. A dirty air filter may block airflow, and it’s time to clean or replace it.
If replacing the air filter does not help the situation, there may be a block in the ductwork. Contact a licensed HVAC technician to inspect the ductwork to ensure there is no disconnection or crimping in the ducts.
AC cycles on and off quickly without cooling effectively
There may be many reasons for an AC short-cycling and failing to cool a home.
An obstructed thermostat, refrigerant leak, or iced coils may be the culprit. There are a few steps a homeowner can take before contacting a reliable, licensed HVAC technician.
Checking that the exterior unit is clear should be the first step. If there is excessive dirt or plants blocking the unit, the area needs to be cleaned up. It may be preventing airflow.
Inspect the air filter to ensure it does not have excessive build-up. A dirty air filter inhibits the airflow through the system and should be cleaned or replaced.
If none of these steps point to an obvious problem, it is time for an HVAC technician to inspect the system to determine the problem.
The system is too large for the space
Humidity levels may be to blame when a homeowner feels their home is not being cooled, even though the thermostat indicates the temperature has dropped. A poorly working AC will fail to remove excess moisture from the home’s air, which makes the air feel warmer. This moisture may be from windows that aren’t closed completely or an HVAC system that is too big for the house.
Although a larger HVAC system may seem to cool better than a smaller one, the air is being cooled so fast that the system can’t remove the moisture. It may need to be replaced for a more appropriately sized system.
The AC runs constantly but doesn’t cool effectively
It is usual for an AC system to cycle on and off, as it is part of the process; however, if the AC’s compressor cycle is on continuously and the home is not cool, then it may be a sign that the compressor needs testing
When in doubt about why a home’s HVAC system fails to keep the residents comfortable, contacting an HVAC technician is the best option.
Evenflow Home and Commercial Services of San Antonio offers impeccable house cleaning services, professional plumbing, electrician services, HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. Our technicians offer 24-hour emergency electrical and HVAC service for San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and more. Call us at (210)941-3503.
