Cooling your home is one of life’s simple pleasures. It makes you feel good and more productive in an air-conditioned environment. Everything works well until you realize that your air conditioner blasts ice-cold air but it’s still unbearable in your home or office. Sound familiar? If so, read on to learn more about why your AC is running but not cooling.
Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly
The thermostat is the heart of your air conditioner. It’s responsible for getting your home to your set temperature, but it will only do that if it’s set correctly.
If you’re having trouble with your AC system running but not cooling, check to ensure that the thermostat is set correctly. The settings are usually labeled “heat” and “cool.” If you have the wrong setting turned on, it could be why your system isn’t working properly.
Dirty Air Filter
If you’ve noticed that your system is running but not cooling, it may be time to clean or replace your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause your AC unit to work harder and use more electricity than usual. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced it in a while, it may be time to do so.
Your air filter catches contaminants in the air your AC circulates and keeps your indoor air clean. Over time, the debris collects on the filter, leaving less space for the air to circulate through. Left unchecked, this can force your AC to work harder to circulate air throughout your house, which not only can impact your utility bills and increase wear and tear on the AC system, but it also can contribute to lower indoor air quality.
Condenser Unit Is Blocked
If your AC system is running but not cooling, the condenser unit may be blocked or dirty. The condenser unit is the part of your AC system that emits hot air outside. If it’s blocked or dirty, you will not be able to cool your home.
To fix this problem, you need to clean the condenser unit. This can be done by removing the fan blade and washing it with soap and water. Next, remove any dirt from the fins of the coil. Then rinse it down with water and dry it off before reinstalling it.
Damaged Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an essential part of many air conditioners. They’re responsible for taking energy from the outside air and turning it into cool air that can be used in the home. If this part of your AC system is damaged, it won’t be able to do its job.
If you notice that your AC system is running but not cooling, this may be due to a problem with your heat pump. Look at the evaporator coil inside your unit to check if yours has been damaged. If there are any dents or cracks in this coil, there’s likely some damage that needs to be repaired before you can use your air conditioner again.
Evaporator Coil Is Frozen
The evaporator coil is located in your air handler and is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air in your home and releasing it outside. When this coil freezes, it will not be able to perform its function, which means that the air coming out of your vents will be hot.
To fix this problem, you’ll need to defrost your evaporator coil. You can do this by turning off your AC system and allowing it to sit for an hour or two (or longer if possible) so that everything thaws out. Once it does, you can turn your AC back on.
Refrigerant Leak
There may be a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system, which would mean that coolant is escaping from its usual pathways and getting into places where it shouldn’t be. This can cause the compressor to overheat and ultimately fail, and it also means that you’ll lose cool air from your vents because there won’t be enough coolant left to keep them running.
To check for leaks, go out and look at the AC unit itself. Is there any condensation on it? If so, you may have a leak somewhere in your system. You can also check by using a refrigerant detector. If your detector starts beeping when you bring it near your AC unit or ductwork, there is a leak.
Undersized Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are rated by tonnage or how many tons of refrigeration they can produce. If you have a ton of cooling power, then your air conditioner will be able to cool down an entire room in one go. If you have two tons, then it’ll be able to cool down two rooms at once, and so on.
If you have a too-small air conditioner, it will struggle to keep up with all the heat your home produces, and that means no matter what temperature it’s set to, it won’t be able to get cold enough anymore.
Contact a HVAC Dealer
If you’re looking for new air conditioners or a new furnace in Albany, you won’t find a better heating and air conditioning service than what you’ll receive from . We are licensed, bonded, insured, fully stocked with parts and labor warranties, and we have been servicing Albany homes since 2016. Whether you need to schedule an emergency repair, install a brand new HVAC system, or have us do regular preventative maintenance on your existing HVAC system, our NATE-certified technicians can handle it all. We take pride in our excellent customer service and are a BBB A+ rated business.
