ACs are among the most popular equipment in Canada, with over three. The scorching summer heat can be unbearable. A dependable AC keeps your indoor environment cool and comfortable.
However, have you ever turned on your AC and been baffled when it failed to cool your home? It can occur abruptly, and sometimes it’s challenging to identify the cause. Knowing some of the most common AC problems can help you stay better prepared when they eventually occur. This comprehensive guide of Sarman Air outlines the top reasons your air conditioner may not be cooling and gives solutions to fix it.
Top 6 possible reasons behind AC not cooling properly
For any reason, your AC may stop working. But don’t worry; you should identify the root cause and find the right solution. Here are the top reasons why AC is Stopped working:
The Filters Are Clogged
One of the most common reasons for AC malfunctions is clogged filters. Dirt, pet hair, pollen, and dust are common culprits that can clog up your filters.
When filters become clogged, they hinder airflow through your AC system. As a result, the AC becomes ineffective at cooling your indoor environment. Moreover, clogged filters can also disrupt the functioning of your AC’s indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser unit.
To avoid problems caused by clogging of filters, cleaning them regularly and replacing them as necessary is advisable. Typically, filters should be changed every three months, although those with pets may need to replace them more frequently.
Is the refrigerant leaking or Low?
AC systems use refrigerant, a chemical that removes heating from the indoor space and transfers it outside. Various refrigerants, including Puron and the phased-out Freon, are used to cool the air in your AC system. However, when the refrigerant level is low, your AC may not effectively cool the air in your home.
There are two potential causes of low refrigerant levels in your AC system. One possibility is that the system needed to be charged adequately during installation. It could be a sign of a refrigerant leak within the system. A refrigerant leak can risk refrigerant poisoning (although rare) and environmental harm. In such instances, it’s crucial to seek professional AC repair immediately.
The Coils Are Frozen or Dirty
Although AC filters keep the evaporator coil clean, they can still develop issues over time. One way to minimize mould and mildew buildup on the indoor evaporator coil is by installing a UV light, which can enhance air quality.
Coils tend to get dirty, affecting their functioning because they remain humid, making it easy for mould and mildew to accumulate. Rings can also freeze over and cease working, particularly when the system has inadequate refrigerant.
There’s Leaking Air
If you’ve noticed a hot home despite your AC running, your air ducts may have leaks. Attic pests like squirrels and rats can damage ductwork, improper installation, or deterioration over time. Additionally, other repair technicians like plumbers or cable providers may inadvertently damage duct work during their work.
Leaking air ducts can significantly reduce the effectiveness of your AC system as they distribute conditioned air throughout your home. If you suspect that your ducts have leaks, it’s advisable to have them inspected and repaired by a professional.
The Compressor Is Not Running
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, responsible for circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. When it’s not running, your AC won’t cool your indoor air effectively.
While compressor failure is a possibility, other smaller and less expensive electrical parts can fail and mimic compressor failure, such as the capacitor or hard-start device that keeps the compressor running.
If your AC has a ceiling saver device or float switch, it will turn off the compressor if the condensate drain is clogged to prevent water leaks in your home.
For resolving compressor issues, it’s best to replace it. However, compressors can be costly, so replacing the entire outdoor unit may be more practical if you don’t have a warranty.
Problems with the Exterior Fan Motor Could Be the Culprit
The exterior fan motor in your AC’s condenser unit removes hot air from your home and releases it outside. If this fan develops problems, it can cause the compressor to overheat and shut down your AC.
If the fan motor goes wrong, the fan won’t run, and your AC will overheat and shut down within minutes. It’s best to seek the help of an AC troubleshooting expert to fix this issue.
How to fix problems with your air conditioner?
In any case, it is better to get the help of an expert to fix the problem correctly. But the best methods that are most likely to answer:
Check and reset the thermostat.
Ensure to verify and reset the thermostat. While it may appear to be a trivial task, at times, when an air conditioner seems to be functioning correctly but is not providing sufficient cooling, it is frequently due to someone having inadvertently switched the thermostat from the “Automatic” setting to the “Fan” setting.
When the thermostat is set to “Automatic,” it activates the air conditioning system when the indoor temperature exceeds the desired preset temperature. However, if the setting is mistakenly switched to “Fan,” the unit will only circulate air through the duct system without providing any cooling effect.
Substitute the soiled filter.
If you have not replaced the return-air filters in your air conditioning (AC) system for over a few months, they may be obstructed, soiled, and impacting air circulation. When the filters become clogged with dust and animal hair, the AC system cannot draw in enough air, resulting in a weak airflow.
Unclog the blocked condensation drain.
Air conditioners operate by extracting moisture from the air (through condensation), and this moisture requires a way out. The role of the condensation drain hose is to channel the water to a floor drain or the exterior of your house, depending on the system in place. However, mould and algae growth can clog the condensation drains, causing specific AC units to stop producing cold air, while others may shut down entirely.
Remove any obstructions from the vicinity of the compressor.
If dry leaves and debris have accumulated around the compressor unit, it might be unable to draw in enough air to function correctly. To determine this, locate the compressor unit, usually situated on the back or side of the house, where it is not easily noticeable.
Sum Up
When an air conditioning unit fails to produce cold air, numerous potential reasons can be addressed without a professional’s assistance. From replacing the filter to examining the settings to cleaning the coils, you can quickly restore your air conditioner’s performance and keep your home cool. However, if you have attempted all of the troubleshooting and do-it-yourself fixes and the AC still isn’t functioning correctly, you should contact an HVAC expert for a thorough assessment.