You turn on your AC and wait for that refreshing blast of cool air, but it doesn’t come. While your AC is working, you feel weak or warm airflow. What’s going on?
There are many possible reasons for an AC running but not cooling. You may be able to troubleshoot some of these yourself, but in most cases, you’ll need to call an AC repair company in Palm City.
7 Possible Reasons for an AC Running But Not Cooling
Do you feel running the AC makes little difference to your indoor temperatures? This may happen because of the following seven problems.
1. Dirty Air Filter
If you haven’t changed your AC filter in a while, it has probably collected a lot of dust, dirt, and various airborne particles. A clogged filter will restrict airflow and make your cooling system work less efficiently.
Moreover, a dirty filter could make health issues like asthma or allergies flare up. Most HVAC pros recommend changing an AC filter every three months.
2. Malfunctioning Thermostat
A faulty thermostat is another common reason for an AC running but not cooling. The issue could be as trivial as improper settings or a low battery, but it’s also possible that your thermostat needs professional help. If you have a smart thermostat, it may alert you to any system troubles.
3. Refrigerant Leak
Your AC uses refrigerant to absorb heat from your indoor air. If refrigerant levels are low, your AC will run, but your home will stay warm and humid.
Low refrigerant usually happens because of refrigerant line leaks. You will need an HVAC pro to locate the leak, eliminate it, and refill the refrigerant.
4. Blocked Condenser
The condenser, your cooling system’s outdoor part, moves heat from the indoors outside. A blocked or dirty condenser won’t allow your AC to work properly.
Leaves, dirt, and other debris could clog your air conditioner’s condenser and drain line. A shrub or fence too close to the condenser unit could also interfere with its function.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is essentially copper tubing with refrigerant running through it. The evaporator coil’s job is to eliminate heat from indoor air. When something keeps airflow from getting to the evaporator coil, the refrigerant will get colder and colder until the coil freezes.
Dirt and grime-blocked air ducts and even an extremely clogged air filter could all restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
6. Air Leaks
If you have a central air conditioner, you’ll also want to check your ductwork for air leaks and obstructions. A blocked or damaged duct won’t convey air properly, which is another possible reason for an AC running but not cooling.
While it’s easy enough to check that your vents are open, you’ll need a professional to inspect your ductwork. An HVAC technician can check your ducts for leaks, seal them, and remove accumulated dust and contaminants from your ductwork.
7. Damaged Compressor
The AC compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through your cooling system. When the compressor doesn’t work properly, your cooling system will underperform. While it may be possible to repair a damaged compressor, replacing it is often the more cost-effective choice.
What Should You Do When Your AC Won’t Cool in Palm City, FL?
While you may use some hacks to keep your home cooler without an AC, reliable air conditioning is a must during summers in Palm City, FL. When temperatures are in their 90s and humidity makes your clothes stick to your skin, you need to resolve any AC issues fast.
First, we recommend that you:
- Inspect your AC filter and change it if necessary
- Check your thermostat settings and batteries
- Clean any dirt, leaves, or debris from your outdoor unit
- Make sure no objects like furniture or rugs are blocking your vents
However, if you’ve done all that but the problem persists, it’s time to call HVAC professionals. Please never attempt any air conditioner repairs without proper training and equipment. Besides putting yourself at risk, you could also damage your unit and void your warranty.
Call Us for Reliable AC Repair in Palm City, FL
Is your AC running but not cooling? Call us at Hawk Air Conditioning Repair & Service. Our HVAC pros know how to diagnose any cooling system issues and quickly restore your indoor comfort. We also offer hassle-free cooling and heating maintenance to reduce surprise breakdowns and help you save money on repairs.
Contact us at 772-224-3138 or schedule a service call online.