Summertime is hot! And that means your AC is working overtime.
But what exactly should you do when it seems like your AC isn’t cooling your home as well as it should?
Before you call a technician, there are a few things you can check to try to determine the cause of the issue. Keep reading for tips on how to troubleshoot your AC and get it running cooler again.
If you’ve assessed your AC unit and still can’t figure out what is causing the cooling issues, don’t panic! You can rely on the team at IMS Heating & Air to take care of your air conditioner repair needs.
5 reasons your AC is running but not cooling your home
Here are some of the most common reasons your AC unit isn’t cooling your home properly (even if it’s turned on):
- There’s something wrong with your thermostat
- Dirty air filters can cause your AC to run but not cool
- If your AC is leaking water
- Your AC unit is too big or small for your home
- Blocked vents can also prevent your AC from cooling properly
Reason #1 — There’s something wrong with your thermostat
If your AC isn’t cooling your living space as it should, the first thing you should check is the thermostat. If it’s not set to “cool,” then the unit won’t turn on. If the thermostat is set properly but the AC still isn’t cooling, you may need to clean or replace the air filter.
If the AC is still not cooling, it’s best to call a technician for diagnosis and repair.
Reason #2 — Dirty air filters can cause your AC to run but not cool
Any HVAC technician will tell you that a dirty air filter can lead to wide variety of issues.
In some cases, a dirty air filter forces AC to run but not cool. This is because the unit has to work harder to draw air through the filter, using up more energy in the process.
As a result, your AC may not be able to reach the desired temperature, causing your home to feel stuffy and warm.
Several things can make your AC’s air filter dirty; some examples include:
- Airborne contaminants
- Poor ventilation
- Not changing the filter regularly
- Using the wrong type of filter
- Not cleaning the vents
- Having too many pets
So if you notice that your AC isn’t running as efficiently as usual, be sure to check the air filter. A simple cleaning may be all that’s needed to get your AC unit back up and running.
Reason #3 — If your AC is leaking water
If your air conditioner is leaking water, it could be the reason why it’s not cooling as effectively as it should. While a small amount of water condensation is normal, if you notice a large puddle of water around your AC unit, that’s a sign that something is wrong.
One possible cause of this problem is that the drain line is blocked. This line helps to remove water from the unit, and if it becomes clogged, the water has nowhere to go. Another possibility is that the evaporator coils are frozen. These coils help to remove heat from the air, and if they’re frozen over, they can’t do their job properly.
Reason #4 — Your AC unit is too big or small for your home
When it comes to air conditioners, size matters. An AC that is too big or too small for your home won’t be able to cool it properly, even if it’s turned on.
That’s because an AC has to be properly sized in order for it to work efficiently. A unit that is too big will cool the space too quickly and then shut off before the humidity levels have a chance to drop. This can leave your home feeling damp and muggy.
On the other hand, an AC unit that’s too small can potentially overwork itself without reaching the desired temperature.
Reason #5 — Blocked vents can also prevent your AC from cooling properly
One of the most common causes of poor AC performance is blocked vents. When airflow is restricted, it puts stress on the system and prevents it from cooling properly.
Vents can become blocked by furniture, dust, or even pet hair, so it’s important to regularly check them and keep them clear.
Why is my AC running but not cooling? — Conclusion
If your AC unit is running but not cooling, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC service right away. Professional HVAC specialists can help you troubleshoot the issue and get your home or office back to a comfortable temperature as soon as possible.
Have you been having problems with your AC? Contact a professional HVAC company today to deal with the issue before it grows into a serious HVAC problem.
Images by Depositphotos
