{"id":4380,"date":"2019-08-14T10:18:00","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T14:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a1mechanical.imarketbeta.com\/blog\/?p=4380"},"modified":"2023-04-22T17:12:38","modified_gmt":"2023-04-22T21:12:38","slug":"why-is-my-ac-not-cooling-air-conditioner-troubleshooting-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.a1mechanical.com\/blog\/air-conditioning\/why-is-my-ac-not-cooling-air-conditioner-troubleshooting-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My AC Not Cooling? (Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Air<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the dog days of summer, it\u2019s frustrating when you must ask, \u201cwhy is my AC not cooling?\u201d In this blog we\u2019ll review some common causes, DIY fixes and when to call a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons a central air system stops cooling effectively, so we\u2019ll begin with steps you can take before you call for AC repair from a professional HVAC contractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AC DIY TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
  1. Check the thermostat<\/li>
  2. Clear debris from the AC compressor outside<\/li>
  3. Check the air filter<\/li>
  4. Verify vents and returns inside are unblocked and open<\/li>
  5. See if the circuit breaker tripped<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    IF AC BLOWS WARM AIR OR WON\u2019T TURN ON; CHECK THE THERMOSTAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In some cases, an air conditioner turns on, but only blows warm or lukewarm air. Why is the AC not cooling? It could be because the thermostat is incorrectly installed or on the wrong setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    AC Troubleshooting Fix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Verify the thermostat is set on \u201cCOOL.\u201d Frequently, the lever or button is accidentally bumped by someone or even a vigorous duster! Plus, it\u2019s easy, during spring and fall when our weather yo-yos a bit, to reset the thermostat after a temperature swing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Also, check the fan setting. If the fan is set to \u201cON\u201d instead of \u201cAUTO\u201d it runs 24 hours a day. In other words, the fan runs even when the air conditioner isn\u2019t cooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In some cases, the thermostat is installed in a poor location, which impacts its ability to draw a true, ambient average temperature. Thermostats should be in interior rooms, away from windows, or in a hallway. Make sure there\u2019s nothing nearby that could give off additional heat or even cooling, to confuse its temperature sensors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion:<\/strong> Set thermostat on \u201cCOOL,\u201d and the fan to \u201cAUTO.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n


    IF AC STRUGGLES, HAS WEAK AIR OUTPUT; CHECK THE AC COMPRESSOR OUTSIDE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The AC compressor unit outside pumps the hot air out of your house when the air conditioner cools your house. If you use a heat pump, the compressor runs all year because a heat pump performs like an air conditioner in the summer but reverses the process in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In that case, the heat pump draws warm air from outdoors through the compressor and into the air handler where it\u2019s distributed through the ductwork? How is that possible in colder states?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Believe it or not, heat pump technology continues to advance and keep many northern homes comfortable in every season. For example, during extreme temperatures, heat pumps draw on an auxiliary heat source, called electric heat strips. Air passes over the strips, just like a heat exchanger in a furnace, and absorbs the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Regardless, heat pumps use the AC compressor unit all year. Therefore, it needs optimal airflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    AC Troubleshooting Fix<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Walk around the outdoor AC compressor unit. Clear away dirt, debris, fallen leaves and anything that\u2019s collected around it. Too much vegetation or dirt \u201cchokes\u201d the AC compressor. It needs to \u201cbreathe\u201d so make sure it\u2019s clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n