If your AC unit begins to blow hot air, this should trigger immediate concern. Not only will your home feel a lot less comfortable, but you will also be wasting unnecessary energy. Fortunately, the root of the problem may be simpler than you think. Here are some of the key reasons why your air conditioner isn’t properly cooling.
Thermostat Issues
Before you begin to panic, One Hour recommends first checking your AC unit’s thermostat. For starters, the fan should be set to AUTO as opposed to ON. The ON setting allows the fan to run continuously, even when the AC is not cooling air.
Of course, you should also check the temperature setting. Setting the thermostat above 78°F could lead to poor cooling on a very hot day.
Dirty Air Filter
Don’t underestimate the problems that a dirty air filter can cause. Because a clogged filter can seriously restrict airflow, the AC unit’s cooling capacity will be diminished. In more severe cases, the system may shut down.
Develop a habit of replacing the air filter around every 90 days. If you have pets in the home, consider installing a new filter every month.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker can definitely cause an air conditioner to stop functioning. This is especially true for older units that may have trouble keeping up with your cooling demands. If your AC system is dated, it may be time to upgrade.
The issue could also stem from a recent thunderstorm in the area. Even a brief power surge can lead to a tripped circuit breaker.
Low Refrigerant Levels
For your AC unit to effectively cool the home, it must have the proper refrigerant levels. A professional HVAC technician will need to recharge the system. Because freon can be dangerous when handled incorrectly, this is not a do-it-yourself job.
Keep in mind that a low refrigerant level typically indicates a leak. If the leak is not repaired, the problem will eventually happen again. Evaporator coil leaks are quite common for aging AC units.
Bad Compressor
A compressor is among the most important parts of an AC system. While AC compressors are quite durable, they can gradually wear out over time. The only solution for an aging compressor is to install a replacement.
If your unit is 15 years old or older, now is likely a good time to consider investing in a new one. While replacing the compressor will fix your cooling trouble for now, it’s only a matter of time before another critical part fails.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Be sure to examine the condition of your outdoor unit’s condenser coils. Over time, they can be exposed to a great deal of dust and debris. Excessively dirty condenser coils have trouble transferring heat, which could lead to the air conditioner blowing out lukewarm air.
Regularly cleaning the coils is important. In fact, it should be part of your unit’s annual maintenance checklist.