Air Conditioner Not Cooling?
Air conditioners are a wonderful thing, but like any mechanical device, they can have problems. Sometimes it only takes a quick fix, but other times you need to call in a professional.
1. Dirty Air Filters
If you don’t know when your air filters were last replaced, it’s time to find out! If they haven’t been changed in 6 months or more, they’re probably full of dust and dirt that is blocking airflow into the unit. Cleaning or replacing your filters every 3-4 months keeps them free from debris and ensures better circulation throughout your home.
2. Dirty Condenser Coil
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling, it could be because the condenser coil is dirty. The condenser coil is the part of your air conditioner that removes heat from your refrigerant and sends it through a copper tube to its final destination—your home’s ductwork.
If this copper tube becomes clogged with dirt or rust, it can decrease efficiency and cause damage to other parts of your system. If you suspect this may be why your AC unit is not cooling properly, start by cleaning out any debris that’s built up around the condenser unit itself (be careful not to disturb any electrical connections). You might also want to take off some of those vents on top so you can get at those coils better.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
There are many reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling, but the most common one is low refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is a chemical used to make your air conditioner work, and without it, you won’t be able to cool your home.
You should check your refrigerant level once a month if you have an oil-filled system and at least twice a year if you have a gas-filled system. The process for checking the level of refrigerant in either type of system is relatively simple: use a gauge that’s designed for measuring HVAC systems (which will allow you to see how much pressure there is) or look at the number on the side of the unit itself (for oil-filled units). If either method shows low levels, then it’s time to call someone else out before things get worse!
If there isn’t enough pressure in either type of system—whether it’s due to low levels or faulty equipment—then this can cause problems with both heating and cooling performance because there won’t be enough heat being pumped through vents throughout your home during winter months while also not allowing enough cold air flow through when summer temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit outside (or even indoors).
4. Bad Condenser Fan Motor
A bad condenser fan motor is one of the most common reasons for an air conditioner not cooling. The condenser fan motor turns on when the thermostat calls for cooling. It pulls in outside air through the condensing coil, which cools it down. The cooled air passes through a filter and then into your home. The condenser fan motor is located outside the unit, near the bottom or back of the compressor.
If your air conditioner isn’t running at all, it could be an electrical issue that requires professional help. But if it’s just not cooling, we can check to see if your condenser fan motor needs replacing.
5. Clogged Drain Tube or Pan
If your air conditioner is not cooling, check the drain tube or pan to see if it’s clogged.
To check this, open the drain valve and watch for water to drain out. If no water drains out or if you see black sludge instead of clear water, then your air conditioner is probably clogged with dirt or leaves. To fix this problem:
- Turn off the power to your unit and unplug it
- Use a garden hose to remove any debris that’s blocking the drain opening on the bottom of your unit (if there isn’t one there already)
- Plug in the unit again, turn the power back on, and make sure everything works
6. Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat is a device that controls the temperature of your air conditioner, and if the thermostat is not working properly, your air conditioner will not work properly. If you suspect that your thermostat may be faulty, you can call a professional to inspect it. They will be able to determine whether or not this is the case by running some tests on it. If they find any problems with the wiring or electronics of your thermostat and think that it might need replacing (which is likely), then they should be able to fix it for you before too long.
Conclusion
If you have an AC problem, don’t panic! Most issues are fixable by a professional. Give us a call at (239) 221-66221. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so if it’s too late in the evening for us to come out today, we can help you tomorrow morning at no extra charge!