Air conditioners, whether wall-mounted or mobile, sometimes break down. When the air conditioner no longer cools, you must:
- Check the conditions of use of the device.
- Clean air conditioner filters: lack of maintenance is the cause of many breakdowns.
- Check compressor temperature and allow it to cool
- Observe the condition of the terminals on the compressor.
There’s nothing more uncomfortable during a hot day than an air conditioner that’s not cooling properly. When your AC unit fails to maintain the desired temperature, it might be due to a number of reasons. Here, we will explore some potential causes and possible solutions.
1. Dirty Air Filter The air filter in your AC unit prevents dust and debris from entering the system. Over time, the filter can become dirty and clogged, which restricts airflow and reduces the unit’s cooling capacity. Make sure to check your air filter regularly and replace it if necessary. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be changed every 1-3 months depending on usage and environmental factors.
2. Thermostat Settings Ensure your thermostat is set correctly. If it’s accidentally set to ‘heat’ instead of ‘cool’ or the temperature setting is too high, your AC won’t cool your home properly. Check the settings and adjust them as needed.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels Your AC unit uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the air and cool your home. If the refrigerant level is low, usually due to a leak, the unit won’t be able to cool effectively. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a professional HVAC technician. Handling refrigerant improperly can be harmful to both you and the environment.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils The condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit and dissipate the heat removed from the air by expelling it outside the building. If these coils get dirty or covered with debris, they won’t be able to dissipate heat effectively, reducing the unit’s cooling capacity. Regular cleaning of the condenser coils can prevent this issue.
5. Faulty Capacitor or Compressor The capacitor starts the compressor, and the compressor circulates the refrigerant through the system. If either of these components fails, the AC won’t cool your home. Repairing or replacing these components should be done by a professional technician.
6. Air Duct Leaks If your air ducts are leaking, cooled air can escape into the attic, crawl space, or between walls, and not reach your living spaces. A professional can inspect your ductwork for leaks and seal them if necessary.
7. Oversized or Undersized AC If your AC is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. On the other hand, an oversized AC will cool the home too quickly without properly dehumidifying the air, making the environment feel clammy and uncomfortable. Ensure that your AC size is appropriate for your home’s square footage and cooling needs.
Conclusion An air conditioner that’s not cooling can be caused by a range of issues, from simple fixes like changing a dirty filter to more complex problems like a faulty compressor or a refrigerant leak. Regular preventive maintenance can help keep your AC running efficiently and identify potential issues before they become serious problems. If your air conditioner is still not cooling after troubleshooting these issues, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician.
