Why Is My HVAC Not Cooling?
Posted by Moore Home Services
HVAC Basics
The only thing worse than a hot, humid day is having an air conditioner that’s running, but not cooling your home. This is even more important if you have family members that need the air conditioner for their health. On top of that, you could have high energy bills and it’s just money down the drain.
Air conditioners can have any number of problems that prevent them from cooling properly, from a blocked coil to a dirty filter to a simple mishap with the thermostat. Of course, your air conditioning problems creep up in the dog days of summer, not the dead of winter, and you want to fix them fast. Here are some potential reasons for your HVAC not cooling your home.
Do You Have a Dirty Air Filter?
Air filters are often a cause of issues with your HVAC system. These filters are located near your indoor handler unit and capture dirt, dust, and debris before it can get into your home or into the system’s more delicate components.
If you suspect a dirty air filter, it’s a simple thing to check. Turn the unit off and locate the air filter, then check it to see if there’s a buildup of dust and dirt. Clean it and replace it or call an HVAC technician to replace it for you. Remember, a dirty air filter is more than just a problem for cooling, but it can also allow contaminants to get into your home and cause health issues. You’ll be dealing with high energy bills as well.
Is Your Thermostat Setting Incorrect?
Sometimes, an issue with your air conditioner is something small and easy to fix. If you have other people in your house, it may be a simple issue of changing settings on your thermostat. Check the thermostat to ensure it’s on “cool” and not switched to heat or fan. You should also make sure the temperature is set as low as you’d like.
Once you’ve reset the thermostat, turn the system back on and see if it’s blowing out cool air. If it is, great! Your problem is fixed. If not, consider the other possible causes on this list.
Are Your Condenser Coils Clogged?
Central air conditioning systems include an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser. Both of these need regular maintenance to stay in good condition, and they each have coils that are designed to help your system release heat and cool your home.
Condenser coils have small fins spaced close together, allowing dirt and debris to build up inside. This is especially true if you have a lot of shrubs or grass clippings near your condenser, which is why you should leave some room to reduce this risk. When your condenser coil is clogged, it can’t release heat effectively, causing more warm air to stay in your home. You can check this yourself visually and clean out your coil with a vacuum and brush attachment or call an HVAC technician for a professional cleaning.
Do You Have a Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. This fluid is found inside of the copper coils and absorbs heat from the air into the coil. Your system needs the right amount of refrigerant to work correctly, so if it leaks, you could have problems like improper cooling in your home.
If you discover that your refrigerant is leaking, you will need to have it repaired. If the leak gets severe, it could cause a full shutdown of your system to prevent damage. Don’t just add more refrigerant! Call an HVAC technician to get to the bottom of the issue.
Is Your Air Conditioner Too Small?
Most people know that air conditioners are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. These are common for air conditioners and how you can determine which size is right for your home. When you’re deciding on an air conditioner unit, consider factors like the square footage, insulation, and climate. A unit that’s too large for your home isn’t necessarily better, since it will cycle on and off without removing the humidity or cooling properly.
If your system is too small, it has to work extra hard to cool your home, skyrocketing your energy bills without cooling properly. This may not be obvious when the weather is moderate, but it will be once the summer comes.
An undersized air conditioner won’t work as it should and will cost you a bundle in energy bills over time, so consider replacing it. Even if it’s new, the cost of running an inefficient system is much higher than choosing a unit of the right size. If necessary, speak to an HVAC technician about the best sized air conditioner for your home.
If you need to repair or replace your air conditioner, contact the professional HVAC technicians at Moore Home Services. Schedule your appointment today!
