Why Is My AC Not Cooling My House?

As summer temperatures soar, encountering an air conditioner that produces a gentle breeze instead of a refreshing chill can be incredibly frustrating. Imagine standing in your living room, which should be a cool refuge, only to find it mimicking the heat of a sauna despite the air conditioner working overtime. It's a common predicament during the sweltering months when air conditioning becomes critical to our comfort at home.

So, what causes an air conditioner to fail at cooling your home adequately? There are several potential culprits, including:

While some of these problems can be fixed through DIY solutions, others require professional repair. Keep reading to discover top cooling solutions and how our team can help.

From dust bunnies to pet dander, there's no shortage of pollutants floating around. As your AC cools your home, it passes air through a filter designed to catch these contaminants. Over time, the filters can get clogged, eventually blocking cold air. To prevent these blockages, you should switch your filters every 90 days.

If you've confirmed that your air filters are clean and your thermostat settings are correct, yet your home remains uncomfortably warm, the next area to inspect is the air conditioner's refrigerant system. Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the air conditioning process by absorbing heat from your home's interior and releasing it outdoors, thus cooling your living space. However, issues arise when there's a drop in refrigerant levels or if leaks occur within the system.

A decline in refrigerant levels can significantly impair your AC's ability to cool your home effectively. This can happen due to leaks in the refrigerant lines, which reduce cooling efficiency, harm the environment, and lead to higher energy bills due to the system working harder to maintain cool temperatures.

Addressing refrigerant issues is not a DIY task; it requires the expertise of a professional. HVAC technicians can diagnose and repair leaks, safely handle refrigerant according to environmental regulations, and recharge the system to its proper levels, ensuring your air conditioner operates efficiently and effectively cools your home.

Another key part of the AC cooling process is the condenser unit (which houses the condenser coils). Found outside the home, these coils remove heat that's been absorbed by the refrigerant. Over the year, substances such as grass, vegetation, and dirt can build up around the coils, blocking the release of heat.

You should clean your outdoor AC unit at least once a year to prevent obstructions. Contact a professional or schedule a yearly maintenance check for a more in-depth cleaning.

The smooth operation of your air conditioner hinges on its ability to start up and run efficiently, a process significantly influenced by a small but mighty component known as the capacitor. Acting much like a battery, the capacitor stores and releases electrical energy to kickstart your AC unit when you turn it on. Initially, it discharges a high voltage to jumpstart the system, and then it shifts to supplying a consistent, lower voltage to maintain operation.

Capacitors are vulnerable to various forms of wear and tear, including damage from overheating, electrical power surges, or simply age-related degradation. When the capacitor fails, it disrupts the start-up process and ongoing function of the air conditioner, leading to a system that either doesn't start or doesn't run efficiently, thus affecting its cooling capacity.

Due to the technical nature of electrical components and the potential hazards associated with handling them, resolving issues related to a faulty capacitor is a task best left to professionals. HVAC technicians can safely diagnose and replace a damaged capacitor, ensuring your air conditioning unit regains its ability to cool your home effectively.

The last AC component to check is the compressor. Put simply, the compressor helps transfer heat from the refrigerant to the condenser coils. If it malfunctions, you'll need a professional to either repair or replace the part.

Here are a few other causes of improper cooling.

Air conditioners tend to malfunction more often as they age. If your unit is experiencing problems over 10 years old, consider replacing it.

Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring, loose connections, and blown fuses, can prevent your AC from working. In these cases, having a professional electrician fix your wiring is best.

Traditional AC systems rely on ductwork to spread cool air throughout the home. Over time, these ducts can develop leaks, causing cold air to seep out and leading to energy wastage. Fortunately, a professional technician can patch those leaks, preserving your comfort and wallet.