Why an Air Conditioning System isn’t Cooling
An AC system cycling on and off is a normal part of the cooling process.
An air conditioning system works hard to keep a house cool, especially against the hot summer air. However, these systems are prone to malfunctioning. If an AC system is not cooling the house adequately, it may be due to several reasons ranging from an easy fix to a problem that needs to be addressed by an AC technician. The following tips explain some of the common causes of an air conditioner not cooling effectively.
The AC doesn’t turn on
If the AC is not turning on at all, it could be a simple problem. The first thing to check is that the thermostat is on cool and set below the current room temperature; if the settings are correct, it’s time to check the circuit breaker for a blown circuit or fuse. Reset the circuit breaker—if this does not help, the fuse may need to be replaced. If the AC still doesn’t run, it may be time to call a technician.
Weak airflow from the vents
If there is a weak flow of air coming from the vents, it may be due to the air filter. First, check that all the vents are correctly opened, and if they are, then it is time to check the AC filter. If the filter is dirty, this may be blocking airflow. Clean or replace the air filter. If replacing the air filter does not help the situation, then there may be a blockage in the ductwork. Have the ductwork inspected to ensure there is no disconnection or crimping in the ducts.
The AC cycles on and off quickly without cooling effectively
The reason the home may feel like it’s not being cooled even though the thermostat is indicating that the temperature has dropped may be due to the humidity levels. If the AC is not working correctly, then the home humidity levels remain high, making the home feel warmer. First, check all the windows are shut properly. If the windows are closed tightly, the AC system may be too big for the home. This results in air being cooled so fast that the air cannot be adequately dehumidified. The system may need to be replaced with a smaller-sized system.
The AC is on but not cooling effectively
An AC system cycling on and off is a normal part of the cooling process. However, if the AC’s compressor cycle is on a lot and the home is not cooling, it may be a sign that the compressor needs testing. Have a professional AC technician test the compressor to see if this is the source of the issue.
The AC on cycle is short and not cooling effectively
There are many reasons for the AC cycle not staying on long enough to cool the home. This may be due to a thermostat that is obstructed, refrigerant leaking, a cooling system that is too large, or iced coils. Checking that the thermostat is not obstructed should be the first step, and if no obstruction is detected, then go on to the outside unit to check nothing is excessively dirty or bent. If something is causing an obstruction, then it may need to be replaced or repaired. Check the air filter to make sure it does not have excessive build-up, and if it is dirty, clean or replace it. If the short AC cycle doesn’t seem to be due to any of the above causes, then it’s best to contact a technician to check the refrigerant levels.
Do not hesitate to address an air conditioning system that isn’t effectively cooling the home, as whatever issue is causing the problem may only worsen over time and become more expensive to repair or end up needing replacement entirely. Furthermore, people living in the home deserve to feel comfortable in the hot summer months. Contact a professional HVAC repair company as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.
When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance, or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating at 602-574-1205.
