Why Is My AC Running But Not Cooling the House?

You’ve got your AC on and running, but your home feels hot and uncomfortable. What’s going on? There could be a wide array of reasons, some simple and some complex, that are leading to this situation.

Some of these things you can troubleshoot yourself. However, other causes for a running AC that isn’t blowing cold will need a professional technician to get it running right again.

AC Problems You Can Check Yourself

Before you call the AC repair company, there are a couple of things you should do first.

Check the Thermostat

It may sound silly, but take a look at the thermostat first. Someone else in your home may have accidentally taken it off the “coolâ€ﾝ setting or changed the temperature. You can then set it back to the temperature you prefer. If you feel cold air blowing out again, you won’t have to do anything else.

Change Your Air Filter

When was the last time you changed the air filter in your HVAC system? If it’s been a while, it could be covered in layers of dirt and dust, which will impact the airflow and reduce cooling throughout your home. Dirty filters may even cause a system shutdown. That’s why it’s so important to change these filters regularly to keep things flowing as they should.

If changing the filter doesn’t change anything with your air conditioners cooling, then you will have to call a professional.

AC Problems that Require a Pro

When troubleshooting doesn’t get the air to blow cold, a professional AC repair service will need to see what is wrong. Here are the most common reasons why your AC is running but not blowing out cold air.

Blocked Condenser Unit

On the outside portion of your unit, there is a condenser with a coil. This area could be blocked or clogged. The condenser fan is supposed to draw air in through the condenser coil. Dirt, grass, and other bits of debris can get in there and clog things up. When this happens, it is definitely time to let a professional step in for repairs.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

On the interior portion of the central AC system, there is an evaporator coil that lets warm indoor air pass through to pull out the heat energy and humidity. It then circulates cool and comfortable air through your home. If this coil freezes, you will likely see frost forming on the refrigerant tubing. You’re more likely to notice inadequate cooling, excessive drainage, and higher utility bills. If you are not sure whether or not it’s the evaporator coil, call an AC repair company to check things out.

Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is integral to the cooling process. This chemical flows through the entire system and converts from liquid to gas to draw heat energy and humidity from indoors. When the refrigerant is leaking, it can certainly keep your AC from blowing cold air. You may notice that your system runs for longer without properly cooling down your home. Don’t wait if this is the case. It could lead to damage to the compressor and result in a complete shutdown.

Sometimes, the reason your AC is running without cooling things down is that it’s too small for your space. If your unit is getting older, you may want to consider an upgrade to a larger air conditioner. Consulting with an expert AC contractor can help you determine if this is the case. You can get more information about AC repair, maintenance to avoid problems, and AC replacement to find out what you should do next.