Air Texas A/C & Heating

My AC is Running but Not Cooling

My AC is Running but Not Cooling

When your air conditioning is brand-new, you will feel the chill in your bones from the low temperatures. But if left unchecked, it will reduce its efficiency after a year.

But you will feel that your AC is running but not cooling out of the blue. And even if you put the fan at top speed or the lowest temperature in the thermostat, you will still be sweating since it’s a hot summer day. It happened to me once, and it lasted one week until the maintenance guys came to fix it.

Guess what the issue was?

The filters looked brown because they were clogged with dust. It was a moment of surprise for sure.

If your AC is running but not cooling, Should you wait? Do something about it? Or call a professional?

What should you do?

This frustrating scenario is common and can be caused by various factors. Understanding why your AC is running but not cooling is crucial in resolving the issue swiftly.

Understanding Your Air Conditioning System

Woman Turning On the Air Conditioning System

An air conditioner works by extracting warm air from your room, cooling it over refrigerant coils, and recirculating the cooled air back into the space.

It’s a continuous process that requires all system parts to function correctly.

5 Issues that Prevent Your AC from Cooling Effectively

1. Dirty Air Filters:

Man Providing Maintenance by Removing Dirty Air Filters

One of the most common culprits is a clogged air filter, which restricts airflow and reduces cooling efficiency.

2. Incorrect Thermostat Settings or Broken Thermostat:

Sometimes, the problem is as simple as incorrect thermostat settings. Check the settings to confirm that your thermostat is in cool mode instead of fan mode. 

If the settings are good, the thermostat might be broken, or there might be a problem with the wiring or batteries. If your thermostat uses batteries, you can try changing them every year.

3. Refrigerant Leaks:

Your AC needs refrigerant to cool the air. A leak can lead to ineffective cooling.

Without enough refrigerant, the AC has to work harder to cool, which can result in warm temperatures. The AC unit may not be able to cool down the home sufficiently.

In this case, you must get in contact with your HVAC service to give you helping hand regarding this issue.

4. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils:

These coils release heat from your home, and performance drops if dirty or blocked.

5. Faulty Compressor:

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning unit. If it’s malfunctioning, cooling is compromised.

Follow Our 4 Troubleshooting Steps to Breath Cold Air Again

Before calling a professional, you can try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check and Replace Air Filters:

Homeowner Changing the Air Filters for Better Air Quality

Inspect your air filters monthly and replace them if they’re dirty.

2. Verify Thermostat Settings:

Ensure your thermostat is set to cooling mode and the desired temperature. Check the batteries of your thermostat, if necessary. 

Not all thermostats require batteries. Some are directly wired into the home’s electrical system.

3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit:

Check if there’s debris blocking the condenser coils and clean them carefully.

4. Look for Refrigerant Leaks:

Signs of refrigerant leaks include hissing sounds, ice on refrigerant lines, and reduced cooling.

Call Air Texas AC & Heating for Professional Repair

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, it’s time to call Air Texas AC & Heating.

We can help you to fix the following deficiencies:

Compressor Issues:

A faulty compressor requires professional repair or replacement.

Refrigerant Leaks:

Handling refrigerants requires specialized skills and equipment.

Regular Maintenance:

Book your annual servicing with experts to prevent many common issues.

Take Care of Your AC with These Preventive Measures

Woman Setting the Temperature in the Air Conditioning System

Regular maintenance is vital to ensuring your AC runs efficiently:

Regular Cleaning:

Keep your AC clean, including filters, coils, and vents.

Professional Servicing:

Schedule annual check-ups with a certified technician.

An AC that runs but doesn’t cool can indicate various issues. While some can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, others require professional attention.

Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent these problems and ensure your air conditioning unit keeps you cool all summer long.

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