Faulty or Improperly Set Thermostat
One of the easiest to address problems that may be causing an air conditioner to not cool properly is an improperly set thermostat.
There is also a chance that the thermostat is faulty, worn out, or the wiring is damaged, in which case you will need to invest in and install a new thermostat to restore functionality to the air conditioner.
Low Refrigerant Levels
The refrigerant levels in an air conditioner should remain fixed, so if you think your AC is not cooling due to low refrigerant levels, then it’s likely there is a leak somewhere in the system.
Leaks can be caused due to improper installation, damage to the compressor, corrosion in the refrigerant line, or faulty connections and fittings. If this occurs, it’s recommended to call an HVAC professional to repair the unit and top up your refrigerant levels.
Worn Out Capacitor
The capacitor is a necessary part for starting the compressor motor, so if the capacitor wears out or fails due to a blown fuse, then the motor will not have enough power to start, preventing the air conditioner from cooling.
Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
When the evaporator or condenser coils get too coated with dust, dirt, mold, mildew, or other debris, it can drastically reduce the ability of the AC to transfer heat out of the home.
If the coils get too cool, they can even freeze over, preventing the air conditioner from working properly, which is why it’s important to keep the coils clean and free of ice.
Faulty Compressor
The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system, so if you have a faulty compressor, then it may initial appear as though the refrigerant levels are low, but in reality, the refrigerant is just not being pumped throughout the system, preventing the AC system from cooling the home.
This issue will typically need to be addressed by an HVAC professional.
Blocked Vents or Ducts
Vents and ducts are responsible for carrying air into and out of the home, so if the vents are blocked or clogged then it can have an immediate impact on the AC’s cooling ability.
Some minor blockages can be resolved by hand if they are near a vent or with a vacuum if they are deeper into the ducts, but significant blockages will need to be addressed by an HVAC pro with appropriate equipment for cleaning and clearing out the ducts and ventilation system.
Dirty or Clogged AC Filter
Airflow is important for any air conditioning system, so if the AC filter is dirty or clogged, then this restricts the airflow and prevents the air conditioner from properly circulating cool air, ultimately reducing the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
For an air conditioner to operate properly, it needs to be able to draw in air from outside.
Cleaning the condenser unit is relatively simple and can be done with a garden hose, though you should turn off the power to the unit before hosing it down. You can also use a fin comb to fix bent or damaged fins.
Electrical Problems
Air conditioners require electricity to function, so if there is an issue with the electrical wiring or the electrical components of the air conditioner, then it may not work at all or may not cool the home as effectively.
Check for signs of damaged wiring, faulty capacitors, malfunctioning relays, a damaged compressor, or a blown fuse or tripped breaker.
Blown fuses can be replaced and tripped breakers can be reset, but any other electrical problems should be handled by an HVAC professional or an electrician to avoid risk of injury and to ensure the issue is fixed right the first time.
Recent Comments