It’s a hot day, you’ve been inside all day, and you can’t wait to come home to a cool house. But when you walk in the door, it’s stuffy and warm. Your air conditioner is blowing, but it’s not cooling. And you might wonder, “why is my air conditioner not cooling the house?”
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of an AC unit not cooling and what you can do to fix them.
The Air Filter is Dirty
One of the most common reasons why an AC unit stops working is because the air filter is dirty. The air filter keeps dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants from entering the AC unit. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with debris. A clogged air filter prevents airflow and the AC unit from doing its job correctly.
Luckily, this is an easy problem to fix. Simply replace the air filter with a new one and see if that does the trick.
The Thermostat is Set to “On” Instead of “Auto”
If your thermostat is set to “on” instead of “auto,” the fan will run continuously, making your home feel cooler, even if the AC unit itself isn’t working.
Another easy fix for an AC unit that isn’t cooling is to check the thermostat setting. Also, check the batteries in your thermostat since the unit won’t work if they’re dead. It will ensure that the AC unit only runs when needed, saving you money on your energy bill.
The Condenser Coils Are Dirty or Frozen
If your AC unit is still not cooling the house after checking the air filter and setting the thermostat correctly, dirty or frozen condenser coils could be to blame. The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat, so if they’re dirty or frozen, they won’t be able to do their job appropriately.
Cleaning or thawing out these coils should solve the problem. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to take care of it.
There’s A Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant leaks are another potential reason your AC unit isn’t cooling your home adequately. A refrigerant leak prevents cool air from being circulated throughout your home, making it warm and stuffy instead. If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your AC unit, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician to look at it and repair it for you.
The Fan Belt is Broken or Loose
Another potential reason your AC unit isn’t cooling your home is that the fan belt is either broken or loose. The fan belt helps power the unit’s fans, which circulate cool air throughout your home. If this belt is damaged or not tight enough, it won’t be able to do its job—leaving you feeling hot and sweaty instead of cool and comfortable! To fix this problem, simply tighten or replace the fan belt as needed and see if that does the trick.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If your evaporator coils are frozen, it’s likely because there’s insufficient airflow over them. A dirty filter can cause it, but it can also be caused by a closed vent or a blockage in the ductwork. Whatever the cause, it’s essential to thaw out the coils as soon as possible. Otherwise, they could rupture and cause water damage in your home.
Conclusion
These are a few common reasons why an AC unit might stop working appropriately during summertime. If your AC unit isn’t cooling your house, start by checking things like the air filter and thermostat setting—it could be a quick and easy fix! But if those things aren’t the problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional HVAC technician for help.