Why Is My AC Not Cooling The House?
Everybody has experienced the frustration of an underperforming air conditioner. No matter how low you put the thermostat, the air conditioning unit just doesn’t seem to be getting the job done. It may happen gradually or all of a sudden, but when an air conditioner begins to underperform, it’s never convenient. Whether your air conditioning just doesn’t seem to be blowing cold air, or it’s not turning on all together, there are a number of potential reasons as to why your AC is not cooling your house properly. In this post from the Bryant AC & Electric blog, we’ll discuss some potential reasons as to why your AC could be failing to cool your home.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
One of the most common reasons as to why the air conditioner is not cooling properly is the thermostat not being properly set. It may seem self explanatory, but in order for your AC to cool your home, the thermostat has to be set to cool. Someone in your home may have changed it by accident. If you find that your thermostat is set to heat or fan, simply set it back to cooling so your AC can get back to work increasing the comfort of your household. If you fix the thermostat settings, and find yourself still asking “why is my air conditioner not cooling”, try this next step.
Air Filter Requires Replacement
Another common reason that the air conditioner is not cooling the home can be the result of a dirty air filter. Most AC systems include an air filter located in or around the air handler unit that is located inside the home. Air filters collect dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they can make their way into the air handler unit. These air filters keep the components inside the filter clean and operating efficiently. They also work to keep the air inside your home clean and clear of contaminants as well.
When the air filter is dirty, air flow to the unit can be blocked which will reduce your unit’s functionality all together. In more severe cases, an exceptionally dirty air filter can cause a unit to stop working entirely. Luckily, replacing a dirty air filter is simple. First, turn off the unit. Then, locate your filter near the air handler that’s inside the home. Remove the filter, and inspect it. If it looks excessively dirty, replace it with a new one that you can get at your local hardware or big box department store. If this doesn’t solve the problem of your AC cooling the house, there may be a deeper issue.
Blocked Condenser Unit
If the above steps didn’t fix the issue of your AC not cooling the house, there’s likely a more technical issue at hand. Most central air conditioners have an outdoor condenser unit. The exterior of condenser units feature large outdoor coils which wrap around the majority of the system. This coil includes a series of thin metal pieces known as “fins”, spaced tightly together. When these fins are clogged or blocked, it can result in an underperforming air conditioner. The most common culprits in terms of blockage are dirt, grass, and other airborne debris that accumulate and block the coils from taking in and expelling air. Clogged coils can lead to complete system shutdowns and damage to the compressor in severe cases. Cleaning clogged coils and unblocking condenser units are jobs best left to the professionals, like the team here at Bryant AC & Electric.
Evaporator Coil Is Frozen
Within the indoor component of your central air conditioning system is what’s known as an evaporator coil. Warm indoor air passes through the evaporator coil, and within the evaporator coil, heat and humidity are removed from the air. Then, the evaporator coil circulates air of your desired temperature back into the home. Signs of a frozen evaporator coil include frost or extreme cold on any of the tubing coming from the coil cabinet, higher utility bills, and of course, an underperforming air conditioning unit.
Similarly to a blocked condenser unit, fixing a frozen evaporator coil requires industry experience and knowledge. These coils are hard to locate, and trying to perform work on one without the necessary experience could lead to additional damage to the unit. For help fixing a frozen evaporator coil in Austin or the surrounding areas, reach out to the experts at Bryant AC & Electric.
Refrigerant Leak
Air conditioning units contain a chemical known as refrigerant, which is critical to the cooling process. Refrigerant leaks are another common problem that can lead to your AC not cooling the house. This chemical flows through the system’s in and outdoor coils while changing from liquid to gas to draw heat and humidity from the indoor air and expel it outside. Depending on the severity of the leak, a refrigerant leak may lead to your system running for longer than necessary without cooling your home to your desired temperature. Refrigerant leaks can also result In damaged or failed air compressors, as well as complete system shutdowns. If you think your refrigerant may be leaking, it’s definitely a good idea to reach out to the professionals at Bryant AC & Electric instead of trying to fix the issue yourself.
Air Conditioner Not Cooling The House After These Tips? Reach Out To Bryant AC & Electric
For those located in the Austin, TX area, you don’t have to worry about your AC unit underperforming when you reach out to Bryant AC & Electric. Since 1982, the team at Bryant have been keeping Austin cool and comfortable. Our Austin HVAC service has the experience and knowledge necessary to diagnose the issues of your AC system, and how to repair them so you can get back to enjoying your home at the temperature you desire. Reach out to us over the phone or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
