Air conditioning is one of the home appliances we can’t live without.
So what are you supposed to do when it stops working?
We’ve put together this guide to help you learn why your air conditioner is working but not cooling down your home and what you can do to fix the problem.
Let’s get started!
Your Windows Are Open
On a hot summer day, your first instinct might be to open all the windows and let in some fresh air.
This is a mistake.
When you leave your windows open, all you’re doing is letting the hot air in and the cold air out. Even if your air conditioner is running full blast, your home will feel like an oven.
Make sure you keep your windows closed when you turn on your air conditioner. Otherwise, all you’re doing is wasting money.
The Condenser Is Blocked
Many air conditioning units have an outdoor condenser, and these condensers need proper airflow to keep your house cool. However, since the condenser is outside, it’s easy for plants and other debris to get in the way.
If there are trees nearby, the leaves can fall into the condenser, or weeds can grow up around the condenser and block the airflow.
It’s important to maintain the plants around your condenser. Try cleaning up your outdoor condenser if the air coming from your air conditioner isn’t cool.
Your Filters or Vents Are Dirty
In some cases, your air conditioner may not be the source of the problem. If the filters inside your unit or the vents in each room are full of dirt, the cool air won’t be able to make it into your home.
Make sure the filters and vents are clean. If your filter has seen better days, it may be time to get a replacement.
There’s a Blockage in the Ductwork
Another reason the cold air isn’t spreading through your home may be because of a blockage in your ductwork. If something is blocking the airflow, several rooms might feel hot even when the air conditioning system is running.
You’ll have to call a professional to take a look inside your ducts. They’ll be able to clear out the blockage if they find anything.
The Thermostat Isn’t Working
Is your thermostat working?
A small problem with your thermostat can mess up the rest of your air conditioning unit. For example, if the thermostat is broken, you might not be able to set the temperature of your unit at the right level. That can leave your house feeling stuffy and warm.
You should look into replacing your thermostat if it isn’t doing its job.
However, before you go out and buy a new one, check to see if the fan is set to the “on” position. While this might seem like a good thing, the fan will keep running at all times if it’s set to “on.” It will do this even when the air conditioner is turned off, meaning the air that flows through your home will be warm.
Flip the switch so the fan is on “auto.” This will keep the fan from running when the air conditioner is turned off, which can keep your house cooler.
Your Unit Is Frozen
You might think a frozen air conditioner will make the air even colder, but actually, the opposite is true.
If the evaporator coils inside your unit freeze, it creates a barrier between the warm air and the refrigerant. Because of this, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool down the air it sucks in from your home. This means that the air it carries back into your house will feel just as warm as it was before you turned the air conditioner on.
Try turning your unit off for at least 24 hours to give the ice a chance to thaw. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you should call a professional to fix the problem.
The Refrigerant Is Running Low
The refrigerant is what makes the air cold. If your unit is running low on refrigerant, it may not be able to cool down the air going back into your home.
You’ll have to replace the refrigerant to fix the issue.
But this isn’t something you should do by yourself. Refrigerant can be dangerous! Call the professionals at Walrath HVAC to do this job for you.
A Circuit Breaker Tripped
Many air conditioners have two circuit breakers: one for the inside unit and one for the outside condenser. If your unit seems to be running but isn’t cooling down your home, try checking these breakers.
Sometimes, the outside breaker will trip without you realizing it. When this happens, your air conditioner can’t cool down the air it’s drawing in.
Flip the breakers off and on again to get everything working again.
It Wasn’t Installed Properly or Needs to Be Replaced
Did you just buy a new air conditioner and it already isn’t working? The culprit may be improper installation. Get in touch with the company that installed it and have them come back out and fix any mistakes.
On the other hand, an air conditioner that can’t cool down your home may be a sign it’s time to get a replacement. If you can’t find any other problems with the unit, consider purchasing a new one.
Understanding Why Your Air Conditioner Is Working But Not Cooling
Before you can understand why your air conditioner is working but not cooling down your home, you have to do a bit of investigative work. Keep this checklist in mind as you try to find the problem, and if you can solve the issue on your own, make sure you call in a professional to help.
Want to learn some other helpful homeowner tips? Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blog!
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