AC Running but Not Cooling: What Should You Do? - Guy's AC & Heating

It’s no fun being in a hot home. Having to put up with the heat all day. You can’t sleep because you sweat all through the night. 

Is your AC running but not cooling? If this is the case, you must fix it. You must not wait any longer. 

Do you know what to do in this situation? There are several things you can do. Read this article to learn more. 

The Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly

Your AC is on, but isn’t cooling? The first thing you must do is check the thermostat. It might sound silly, but your thermostat might not be set correctly. 

Make sure to check if the temperature is set to cool. Check to see if it hasn’t been adjusted. You might not have noticed but in your rush to leave the house in the morning you might have used the wrong setting. 

It might be set in heat, or it might have been turned off. It might have also been set to running AC fan only. If this is the case, switch it back to cool. 

You must give the system a few minutes to see if it blows cold air. Go to the register and check. If you feel the cold air, you’re good to go; if not, move on to the next step. 

Check the Air Filter

Did you know that a dirty air filter can affect how your AC works? The air filter catches dirt, dust, and other particles. This helps the parts of the system remain clean and working well. 

A dirty air filter can block airflow. This can also reduce cooling. It can even shut down the entire system. 

Before you check the air filter, you must turn the system off. Then remove the air filter and inspect it. 

If it’s dirty, you can clean it or replace it with a new one. Insert the air filter and wait for the AC to begin cooling your home. 

Inspect the Condenser Unit

If the air filter is clean and your AC is still not blowing cool air, you should look at the condenser unit. Outside of the unit, you’ll find a large outdoor coil. Check the thin metal “fins”. 

A blocked or clogged condenser coil might be behind the problem. Debris like dirt and grass can build up in the foil, which can lead to a clogged-up coil. 

A dirty coil can lead to a lack of cool air. To unclog the coil, you must clean away the debris. 

A vacuum with a brush attachment can do the job. You can also use a hose to rinse the debris. 

Check the Heat Pump

Next on the list of the things to check is the heat pump. A heat pump resembles an AC unit but has different components to cool and heat the home. 

The heat pump can face the same issues as the condenser unit. It can become dirty and suffer damage. 

Check the Evaporator Coil 

The indoor part of your AC system will have an evaporator coil, which might be located outside of the furnace or inside the fan coil cabinet.

This part of the system removes heat energy and humidity from warm indoor air that passes through it. It then pumps in cooler, more comfortable air within the house. 

A frozen evaporator coil won’t blow cold air. Different signs can tell you if you have a frozen evaporator coil. 

Look for frost around the copper refrigerant tubing. Check for excessive condensate drainage. You should also check for frost forming on the exterior refrigerant tubing.

Have you been experiencing poor, ineffective cooling for a long period? Have you noticed an increase in your energy bills? These are signs of a history of problems with the evaporator coil. 

This isn’t a DIY project. If you have an issue with a frozen evaporator coil, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC service company to fix this problem. 

Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant is a chemical that’s essential to the cooling process. This chemical flows through the system’s indoor and outdoor coil. It draws heat energy and humidity from indoor air and releases it outside.

If there’s a refrigerant leak, the AC system will stop blowing cold air. You might find your AC constantly running all day without cooling your home.  

This can put a strain on your system. This issue can damage the compressor or lead to a complete shutdown of the system. 

Leaky Ducts

If you have your AC running all day and still don’t feel cold air, you should check the ducts, which guide the air throughout your home. A leak can lead to an increase in indoor temperature. 

Most AC ducts are found in the attic. It’s a good idea to go up in the attic and look around for leaks in the ducts. 

Is Your AC Running but Not Cooling? You Must Call the Pros

No one wants to be at home dealing with the heat all day long. If you find yourself in this situation, you must call Guy’s Air Conditioning and Heating. 

The pros at Guy’s Air Conditioning and Heating can identify and correct any problems with your AC. You’ll have relaxing, cool air flowing throughout your house in no time. 

Is your AC running but not cooling? No worries. Contact us if you live in Houston, Texas, or the surrounding areas like Kingwood, Porter, and Spring. Schedule a service appointment today.