When the temperature climbs outside, you rely on air conditioning to keep your home cool. If your AC is running but not cooling, several problems could be to blame. Consider these possibilities and attempt to troubleshoot them before calling a professional for help.
- Incorrect thermostat settings: Every thermostat has an “on” fan setting, which keeps the blower running even when the compressor is off. As a result, the air from your vents feels lukewarm sometimes. If you prefer the blower to cycle on and off with the compressor, change the fan setting to “auto.”
- Tripped circuit breaker: Air conditioners run on two electrical circuits—one for the indoor blower motor and a second for the outdoor condensing unit. This means the indoor blower can still run, even if the outdoor unit trips a breaker, making the air feel lukewarm. Check the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers to see if that fixes the problem.
- Clogged air filter: Going too long without changing the air filter can restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze, preventing it from cooling properly. Check and change the filter to see if that helps with the AC not blowing cold air. Then, remember to check the filter once a month to prevent this problem in the future.
- Dirty evaporator coil: The indoor evaporator coil, which is located near the blower, extracts heat from the indoor air. If the coil is caked with grime, it won’t function properly. While you can dislodge loose dust and hair from the evaporator coil using a soft brush, professional cleaning is recommended.
- Blocked condensing unit: The outdoor unit has metal fins that serve as heat sinks. If these fins are coated in dirt, cobwebs, and other debris, the condenser may not exhaust hot air efficiently. To encourage better heat exchange, spray down the condensing unit with a garden hose and trim back surrounding vegetation.
- Low refrigerant charge: Air conditioning can’t occur without refrigerant. This means the AC won’t cool properly if your unit has a low charge, whether due to an installation error or a refrigerant leak. Only a professional HVAC technician can measure the charge, find and fix a leak, and top off the refrigerant.
- Bad compressor: The compressor circulates refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units, so if it stops working, the AC will blow warm air. Unfortunately, a broken compressor may not be repairable. Since this is the most expensive part of an air conditioner, replacing your entire AC unit may be more cost-effective than replacing the compressor alone.
The HVAC technicians at Parley’s PPM Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can identify why your AC isn’t cooling and provide the recommended air conditioner repair. We have over 40 years of experience providing unparalleled customer service, so you can place your trust in us. For more information, please call 801-877-2184 if you live in Utah County, or reach us at 801-877-2536 if you’re a Salt Lake County resident. You can also contact us online with any questions you have.
