Most Common Reasons For AC Not Cooling Properly
Your air conditioning uses a chemical known as refrigerant to remove heat from your home and exchange it for cool air. But this chemical may become clogged with dirt, dust, and other forms of debris over time, which is the primary reason for your AC not cooling properly. Dirty filters, duct leaks, and thermostat issues can also prevent your AC from operating efficiently. Read on!
Dirty Air Filter
Dirty or clogged air filters impede the flow of cool air, leading to AC breakdown. Dust, pet dander, and pollen build-up in these filters over time, so switching them regularly is one way to enhance cooling.
Check that your thermostat settings are set at an optimal setting for cooling. Other issues that could prevent your AC from functioning properly include:
- Clogs in condensate drain lines
- Low refrigerant levels resulting from low refrigerant levels
- Compressor issues (fuse or capacitor blown)
- Issues related to compressor components.
Furthermore, inspect indoor evaporator coils as well as outdoor condenser units for signs of dirt that would obstruct heat transference. Here is a complete air filter cleaning and maintaining guide.
Faulty Compressor
Compressors are important components of air conditioning systems that perform the cooling process by drawing in heat from indoor air and discharging it into the outdoor space.
Unfortunately, their functionality can sometimes malfunction due to electrical problems that cause it to overheat or even break down completely. Faulty compressors often produce chattering or ticking noises that can be quickly repaired by replacing the relay switch.
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Other signs your AC needs repair may include:
- Frequent breaker trips
- Smell of oil in the air
- Internal wear and tear
The condenser fan draws air through the outdoor unit to help dissipate heat effectively, and any malfunction in this process can severely impact your AC’s cooling performance. When the outdoor unit is clean and unobstructed, your system runs efficiently.
Refrigerant Leak
When your AC is running but failing to cool the air effectively, it could be because of a refrigerant leak. Your air conditioner uses refrigerant to extract heat from the air and cool it before blowing it through your vents. Any refrigerant leak could hinder its cooling power or even lead to irreparable damage to its system.
Your air conditioner also uses its condensate drain line to extract moisture from the air and evaporate it through condensate drainage. But if this line becomes blocked, it could back up into your system and trigger an emergency shutdown mechanism that shuts it off.
Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it could result in your system failing and leaving you without cooling. Possible culprits could include:
- An old or faulty thermostat
- Improper thermostat installation
- An air blower is set to “auto”
- Power issues
First, check that power is being supplied by checking for tripped switches within the breaker box. Ensure your AC unit is receiving power to begin its cooling operation and start blowing cold air effectively.
Replace the batteries in your thermostat; this can often restore AC service. If this doesn’t help, a bigger problem might exist, such as an inoperative compressor or refrigerant leak.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your AC has been making noise, it could be indicative of low refrigerant levels or a leak. A shortage of refrigerant forces your system to work harder, increasing electricity bills while failing to cool your home adequately.
Refrigerants are toxic, so if you suspect a leak, it’s wise to contact an AC repair service immediately if possible. Check your electrical panel to see if an AC breaker has tripped, and call them for repairs if that has happened. Otherwise, professional services will quickly identify where your leak originates and fix it for you.
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Duct Leaks
Blocked air vents and ductwork can hinder airflow and force your AC to work harder. While clogs in its condensate drain line could back up water into your system, potentially requiring professional repair services to remedy.
Leakage from leaky ducts can create uneven cooling across a home, forcing the HVAC system to work overtime to deliver comfort to various parts of it. Supply leaks are particularly problematic as conditioned cold air escapes uncontrollably, leading to hot and cold spots within it.
Also, it can exacerbate these effects further, forcing more and more energy into maintaining home comfort than expected.
Clogged Filters
Clogged air filters prevent airflow and interfere with the functioning of your AC system. Dirt, dust, pet hair, pollen, and other debris can clog your filter, forcing your air conditioning unit to work harder to cool your home.
Air filters should be checked and replaced at least every 2-3 months to maintain peak cooling performance of your AC system. Clogged or dirty evaporator and condenser coils also restrict airflow, negatively impacting its cooling performance.
Clogs in condensate drain lines can also cause your AC to short-cycle and use more energy than necessary. But this problem is easily avoidable by having your drain lines cleaned and inspected on an ongoing basis by experienced professionals.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Your AC has coils that help transfer heat from inside your home to the outdoors, so when they become dirty, it limits their ability to transfer this heat and reduces cooling power. Furthermore, dirty coils may become breeding grounds for mildew and mold growth that emit unpleasant musty odors. Further diminishing cooling potential and impacting cooling power.
Dirty coils can be a serious source of energy efficiency issues that lead to increased utility bills. Sometimes you can easily clean them yourself by clearing away debris or gently rinsing with water from a garden hose. But in cases where they remain dirty, a professional cleaning may be required; this may include straightening bent coil fins as well.
Conclusion
Small problems, if left unchecked, can quickly snowball into costly repairs or even total system failure. Treat your AC like the vital home investment it is: give it the care it needs, and it will return the favour with reliable, efficient cooling.
Here’s the recap of the whole guide:
- Dirty air filters block airflow and strain the system.
- Faulty compressors can cause overheating and cooling failure.
- Refrigerant leaks reduce cooling efficiency and can damage the system.
- Thermostat problems may prevent the AC from running as intended.
- Low refrigerant levels force the AC to work harder, increasing bills.
- Duct leaks lead to uneven cooling and wasted energy.
- Dirty coils hinder heat transfer and reduce performance.
When your AC isnโt cooling properly, itโs rarely a mystery; itโs usually the result of common, preventable issues.
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