We all love the blissful relief that comes with stepping into a cool, air-conditioned room on a hot day. But sometimes, even with the settings turned up as high as they will go, our AC just can’t seem to keep up. You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself wondering why your AC isn’t cooling properly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the potential reasons for this and offer some tips on how to address them. So read on and find out what might be causing your AC to struggle and how you can make it work better for you.
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Ways to Check Whether AC is Cooling or Not?
The very first step to check AC is cooling or not is ro feel the air coming out of the vents. If the air feels warm or tepid, then it is likely that the AC unit is not cooling properly.
Another way to check the cooling of your AC unit is to measure the temperature of the air coming out of the vents with a thermometer. The temperature should be lower than the temperature of the room in order for the AC unit to be working properly.
If you notice that your AC unit isn’t cooling properly, then you should check the listed possible reasons and solutions.
Possible Reasons Why AC is Not Cooling & Solutions:
Air conditioners are a godsend during hot summer days. However, when they stop working properly, it can be a nightmare. If your air conditioner is running but not cooling the house, there are a few things you can check before calling a professional.
1. Thermostat is set incorrectly
One of the most common reasons if your AC is not cooling is that the thermostat is set incorrectly. The thermostat controls the temperature of the room by turning the AC unit on and off. If it is set too low, the AC unit will run continuously without ever reaching the desired temperature.
On the other hand, if the thermostat is set too high, the AC unit will turn off before the room has cooled down.
Solution: To fix this problem, simply adjust the thermostat to the correct setting. If you’re not sure what that is, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional AC technician.
2. The filters are dirty
When your AC is not cooling properly, another thing you should check is the filters. Over time, they can become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, which can block airflow and prevent the unit from working properly.
Solution: In some cases, you may be able to clean the filters yourself. However, if they are excessively dirty or damaged, you may need to replace them. Depending on the type of filter, this can be an easy and inexpensive fix. So, if your AC unit is not cooling as well as it should be, be sure to check the filters and clean or replace them as needed. Cleaning a window AC is different than cleaning a split AC, do have a look at the different methods to make sure your AC is functioning properly.
3. The condenser unit is blocked
If your condenser unit is blocked, your air conditioner will not be able to properly cool your home. The condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant, so if it is blocked, the heat will build up and prevent the refrigerant from cooling properly. In addition, a blocked condenser unit can cause the compressor to overheat and shut down.
Solution: If you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling properly, check the condenser unit to make sure it is not blocked. You may need to remove debris, dirt, leaves, or anything else that’s blocking the unit. In extreme cases, you may need to call a professional to clean or replace the unit.
4. The heat pump is damaged
A heat pump is an essential part of an AC system, and when it’s damaged, the AC will not be able to effectively cool your home. The heat pump is responsible for moving heat from the inside of your home to the outside, and when it’s not working properly, that process is disrupted. As a result, your home will likely be warmer than usual, and your AC unit will have to work harder to try to reach the desired temperature.
In some cases, the AC may even shut off entirely due to heat pump damage.
Solution: If you suspect that your heat pump is damaged, it’s important to call a qualified AC repair technician as soon as possible. A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. In many cases, heat pump damage is caused by a lack of maintenance.
If you haven’t had your heat pump serviced in a while, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. A qualified technician will be able to clean the unit and check for any signs of wear and tear. If you have an older heat pump, it’s also a good idea to replace it with a newer model. Newer heat pumps are more efficient and can help you save money on your energy bills.
5. The evaporator coil is frozen
One of the most common reasons if your AC is not cooling is the frozen evaporator coil. The coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the inside of your home, and when it gets too cold, the coil can actually freeze over. There are a few different reasons why this might happen, but the most common is low refrigerant levels. When the refrigerant level is low, it can cause the coils to get too cold, which leads to ice buildup.
Another possible reason for a frozen evaporator coil is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the coils, causing them to get too cold. Lastly, a faulty blower motor can also cause the evaporator coils to freeze.
Solution: If you suspect that your evaporator coils are frozen, you should call a professional AC repair technician to have them inspected and repaired.
6. The compressor is malfunctioning
If your AC isn’t cooling, it could be because the compressor is malfunctioning. In order for the AC to work, the compressor needs to be working properly. The compressor helps to circulate the refrigerant through the AC unit.
If the compressor is not working, it could be because it is not getting enough power, there is a problem with the airflow, or there could be a leak in the system.
Solution: If you think that the compressor is not working properly, you should call a technician to come and take a look at it. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get your AC unit up and running again.
7. The refrigerant is leaking
If your AC is no longer cooling your home effectively, it may be due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential for the AC unit to function properly, and a leak can cause the unit to run less efficiently and even break down entirely.
Solution: There are a few ways to tell if you have a refrigerant leak. One is if you notice ice or frost buildup on your AC unit. Another is if your AC unit is making strange noises or emitting a foul smell.
If you suspect that your AC unit has a refrigerant leak, it’s important to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with an expensive repair bill or even having to replace your AC unit entirely.
8. Your AC is undersized
If your AC isn’t cooling, one possibility is that it’s undersized for the space it’s supposed to be cooling. This is a surprisingly common problem. Many people don’t realize that there are specific AC sizing calculations that need to be done in order to ensure that an AC unit is properly sized for the space it will be cooling.
An undersized unit will struggle to cool a space and will often lead to poor indoor air quality and high energy bills.
Solution: If you think your AC unit may be undersized, the best course of action is to consult with a qualified HVAC contractor who can help you determine the proper size unit for your needs. This article on how to calculate room size for AC can also help you.
How to Increase AC Cooling in the Room
When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to struggle to keep your home cool. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help your AC run more efficiently and effectively to cool your home.
1. Keep the area around your AC unit clear and free of debris
If you want your AC unit to work at peak efficiency, it’s important to keep the area around it clear and free of debris. Clogged evaporator coils and dirty air filters can make it harder for your unit to cool your home, and in some cases, can even lead to ice buildup on the coils. In addition, leaves and other debris can block the flow of air through the unit, causing it to work harder and use more energy. By keeping the area around your AC unit clean and clear, you can help it to run more efficiently and keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
2. Change your AC filter regularly
In order to keep your home cool and comfortable, it’s important to change or clean your AC filter regularly. A dirty filter can block airflow and cause the unit to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear. In addition, a clogged filter can reduce the quality of the air in your home. By taking a few minutes to change or clean your AC filter, you can help ensure that your unit is operating at peak efficiency.
3. Set your thermostat to the coolest comfortable setting
Most people think that setting their thermostat to the lowest possible temperature will help their air conditioner to cool their home faster. However, this can actually put unnecessary strain on the AC unit and make it work harder than necessary. Instead, try setting your thermostat to the coolest comfortable setting. This will help your AC unit to run more efficiently and prevent it from overworking.
4. Use ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout your home
Most people know that using ceiling fans can help to circulate air and make a room feel cooler. However, did you know that ceiling fans can also help your air conditioner run more efficiently? By circulating the cool air from your AC unit, ceiling fans can help to even out the temperature in your home, allowing your AC unit to run less often. As a result, using ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner can help to lower your energy bills during the summer months.
5. Close blinds and drapes during the hottest hours of the day
During the hottest hours of the day, sunlight streaming through windows can cause the temperature in a room to rise rapidly. By closing the blinds and drapes, you can create a barrier that helps to keep the heat out. As a result, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the room, and you’ll enjoy lower energy bills. And, of course, you’ll be much more comfortable.
6. Reduce or eliminate sources of heat in your home, such as lamps and televisions
Another easy way to help your air conditioner cool your home better is to reduce or eliminate sources of heat. This can be as simple as turning off lamps and lights when you leave a room. Lights generate heat, and the more heat in a room, the harder your air conditioner will have to work to cool it down.
7. Insulate your home to help keep cool air in and hot air out
One way to help your AC unit cool your home more effectively is to insulate your home. This will help to keep cool air in and hot air out. You can insulate your home by sealing up any cracks or gaps around doors and windows. You can also add insulation to your roof space and walls.
8. Have your AC unit serviced regularly to ensure it is operating at peak efficiency
To ensure that your AC unit is operating at peak efficiency, it is important to have it serviced on a regular basis. A qualified technician will be able to clean the unit, lubricate moving parts, and check for any potential problems. As a result, you can rest assured that your AC unit will be ready to take on the summer heat. In addition, regular servicing can help to extend the life of your AC unit, saving you money in the long run.
Following these tips can help you keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long, while also helping to reduce your energy costs. So be sure to give them a try.
Conclusion
If your AC isn’t cooling, there could be a number of reasons as explained in the blog with the best possible solutions. If you’re not sure what the problem is, call a professional to take a look. They can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
In case you have any questions, let us know in the comments below. We’re happy to help! And don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family who might be dealing with a broken AC unit right now – they’ll thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is my AC running but not cooling?
There are a few potential reasons why your AC could be running but not cooling – the air filter might be dirty and needs to be replaced; the evaporator coils could be covered in frost or ice, which is preventing proper heat transfer; there could be a refrigerant leak, which would need to be repaired by a certified technician; the outdoor unit might be obstructed, preventing proper airflow or the thermostat might not be set properly, or the sensors could be dirty or malfunctioning.
2. Why is my AC blowing cold air but not cooling house?
There could be a few reasons why your AC unit is blowing cold air but not cooling your house. One possibility is that the airflow from the unit is not strong enough to reach all areas of your home. Another possibility is that the refrigerant levels in the unit are low, which can prevent it from cooling properly. Finally, if the AC unit is not sized correctly for your home, it may not be able to cool the space effectively. If you’re unsure of what the problem is, it’s best to contact a professional AC repair technician for assistance.
3. Why is my split ac not cooling?
There could be a few reasons why your 1.5 ton split ac is not cooling. The most common reason is that the unit is not properly sized for the space it is trying to cool. If the unit is too small, it will not be able to effectively cool the space. Another possibility is that the unit is not properly installed. If there are any leaks in the ductwork or if the unit is not level, it could impact its ability to cool properly. Finally, if the filters are dirty or if the coils are frozen, that could also prevent the unit from cooling effectively.
4. Why is my window AC not cooling enough?
There are a few reasons why your 1.5 ton window air conditioner might not be cooling properly. The most common reason is that the unit is not properly sized for the room it is in. If the AC unit is too small, it will have to work harder to cool the room and will not be able to do so effectively. Another possibility is that the unit is not properly ventilated. Make sure there is nothing blocking the vents and that the air filter is clean. Finally, check to see if the thermostat is set correctly. If it is set too high, the AC unit will not turn on long enough to cool the room adequately.
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