The majority of people rely on their air conditioning system to provide a pleasant and comfortable environment inside their homes when the temperature begins to rise. When your air conditioner suddenly begins to malfunction, it is highly likely that you will become aware of the issue at once. In the same vein, you’ll want to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible.

 There are several everyday problems that might force your air conditioner to work harder than it should. In addition to this, air conditioning machines that operate for longer periods of time typically use more energy. The good news is that problems with air conditioners are typically simple to diagnose and quick to fix, and you might not even need to call for professionals.

 There are a variety of reasons why your central air conditioner can stop cooling your property, or it might stop operating completely. Some of these reasons include unclean filters, bad installation, or an inappropriately sized unit. Here are some of the more frequent issues that you’re likely to run into with your air conditioner, along with some recommendations on how to have them addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.

Why is my air conditioner not keeping my house cool?

1. Air Conditioner is ON but not cooling the house

If your central air conditioning unit is operating but not blowing cold air, there are a few things you will want to check, the first of which is the thermostat. To begin, check that you have it set to the temperature that you want and that the “cool” preset is selected before continuing. The next step is to inspect all of your vents to make sure they are clear of any debris and open.

 If it doesn’t work, you’ll need to take out your air conditioning filter and check it for any dust or discoloration. If the filter is dirty, you can try to clean it, but if it’s really bad, you might need to buy a new one for your system for it to work correctly. In addition to this, you need to inspect the external air conditioning unit to ensure that it is not being obstructed in any way by a tree or any other type of growth. If the issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you may want to seek the assistance of a qualified HVAC technician.

2. Your air conditioning is not providing enough amount of cooling to your home

Examining the vents in your home should be your first step if your air conditioner isn’t effectively cooling your entire home or isn’t cooling it adequately. All of them should be open and free of impediments such as furniture or equipment. If the issue continues, it is possible that the problem lies with a different component of your air conditioning system, such as the lines that carry refrigerant or the evaporator coil. In this particular circumstance, it is highly recommended that a qualified individual come and evaluate the problem.

There is also the possibility that your air conditioning unit is simply out of date, or that the capacity of your air conditioner is insufficient for the space that you have available. The performance of your device and the efficiency with which it uses energy can both be significantly influenced by either of these two aspects. For instance, a system that is too tiny will have to work harder and consume more energy in order to chill your entire house, while a system that is too large may cycle on and off frequently, taking additional energy as a result of the process.

3. The air conditioner won’t turn on for whatever reason

When troubleshooting an air conditioner that won’t turn on, the first thing you should check is to make sure that the thermostat is set to the appropriate temperature and that the “cool” setting is selected. If the problem persists, you should double-check that the fuse or circuit breaker that corresponds to it is turned on.

In addition to this, you should check your outside air conditioning unit for any possible issues as soon as possible. For instance, you will need to check that the device is connected in and that the switch to unplug it is activated. In addition, if you have a furnace, you need to check to see if the motor that drives the furnace’s blower is running. If you have tried all of these things, but your air conditioner is still not functioning properly, it is most likely time to call in the assistance of a professional HVAC specialist.

4. The air conditioner won’t turn off and just run continuously

When troubleshooting an air conditioner that won’t turn off, the first step is to remove and clean the filter in the unit. It is possible that you will even need to replace it, depending on the quantity of filth and debris that has accumulated on it. You will also need to check that your thermostat is still operating properly since the issue can be caused by a short in the wiring that is associated with the unit. In most cases, the best course of action is to have a professional take care of problems with the thermostat.

There’s also a chance that your central air conditioner won’t turn off because the thermostat is situated too close to things that generate heat, such as lamps, a television, or other electronic devices. Because these pieces of equipment give off additional heat, your thermostat may register a temperature that is higher than the actual temperature of your home, causing the air conditioner to run for a longer period of time than is strictly necessary.

5. The air conditioner is leaking water

Depending on the location of the water leak, the process of repairing an air conditioner that is leaking water can take a variety of different forms. For instance, if your indoor air conditioning unit is leaking, you should examine your condensate line for clogs and remove them using a vacuum if necessary. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to have a professional HVAC specialist replace your drain pan or condensate pump if you continue to have problems.

There may not be a problem with the system, even if the outdoor air conditioning unit in your home is leaking. Even if they are operating well, it is not uncommon for condenser units to drip a little bit of water when the weather is hot and muggy. In addition, running your air conditioner while the temperature outside is lower than normal can cause the system to freeze up, which can then result in water leaking out of the system when the ice melts. This is a very typical problem.

On the other hand, if you notice that your outside unit is leaking in any other way, you should probably get in touch with an expert to help you diagnose and fix the issue.

6. A/C indoor fan not working

There are a few potential possibilities that could be at play when the inside fan of a central air conditioner stops working. First, make sure that the circuit breaker or fuse for your unit is turned on, and then make sure that your air filter is clean and unobstructed in any way. If you have already done this and are still having problems, you should check the evaporator coil and the lines that carry the refrigerant to see if any ice has formed there.

If the ice melts and your indoor fan still isn’t operating, the best course of action is to get in touch with a professional because the repair can need replacing parts.

7. Outside A/C fan unit not running

It is possible that there is a problem with the external fan of your unit if your central air conditioner is not functioning properly. To get started, examine your fan to see if the blades are turning in the appropriate direction. If they aren’t, you can try to get them to work by resetting the proper fuse or circuit breaker. If this does not address the issue, the problem may be caused by the motor in your fan.

For instance, if your fan’s motor has a faulty start capacitor, it can have difficulties getting powered up. Additionally, dirt and other forms of buildup might cause your motor to get stuck and become unusable. Note: Because troubleshooting issues with your outdoor fan might be risky, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified specialist.

8. A/C Duct is leaking water

If you have air leaks in your ducts, you might lose approximately a third of the performance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. On top of that, a significant amount of the air that is being cooled by your HVAC system is escaping through leaks. When the house is heated up, the HVAC system has to work more to bring the temperature down, and as a result, you receive less cool air through the vents than you would if the ducts were sealed.

If you have leaks in your ducts, the interior of the ducts themselves might also be a little bit dirty. The air movement is obstructed when there is debris in the ducts, which causes the HVAC system to spew dust and other particles into your home. It’s possible that this won’t alter how cool you feel as much as it will lessen your IAQ, but if your allergies suddenly go worse, you’ll definitely notice it.

9. The humidity level is too high

A high level of humidity indoors is not only uncomfortably, but it is also detrimental to the quality of the air within your home since it makes it an ideal setting for the growth of fungi and mold. Your air conditioner removes moisture from the air as it works to maintain a comfortable temperature, but there are a variety of reasons why it might not remove enough moisture. Some of the reasons why your air conditioner might not be able to adequately dehumidify your home include inadequate ventilation in the house, high levels of seasonal humidity, and dirty air filters.

It’s possible that you’ve noticed that your air conditioner operates continuously, yet the only place in the house where you feel cool is standing directly in front of one of the vents. If you feel sticky or clammy, these are good signals that you need to apply additional steps to dehumidify the space. You have a couple of options to consider, the first of which is getting a dehumidifier, and the second is upgrading your HVAC system to one that has stronger dehumidifying capabilities.

What are your options if you are unable to fix your air conditioning unit?

Keep natural air flowing into your house.

When the central air conditioning unit in your home stops producing cold air, it’s time to look into other cooling methods that can keep you comfortable until you can get the unit fixed. One quick and easy solution is to close the drapes and blinds in your home as early in the day as possible; doing so will help avoid the heat from the sun from making your home feel hotter. During the summer, keeping the doors to your bedrooms open will not only enhance circulation but will also let hot air to exit through the return grille of your home. This will assist keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Check the ceiling fans.

 It is essential to check that the blades are moving in the appropriate direction. During the summer, you may create a cooling effect for whoever is in the room by adjusting your ceiling fans so that they rotate counterclockwise. This will cause cold air to be forced down from the ceiling, where it will then circulate around the room. You can also make an investment in a fan that is efficient with energy if you want to help conserve electricity during this procedure. In either case, make sure that during the cooler months, you turn your fan so that it rotates in a clockwise direction.

Ventilate the attic

It doesn’t matter how well your attic is insulated; if it draws in a lot of hot air and doesn’t let it out, that warm air will eventually make its way into the living spaces of your home. Because proper ventilation will prevent the attic from turning into a stifling sauna in the summer, you won’t have to worry about warm air leaking out of the attic and circulating throughout the rest of the house.

Additionally, if you have air ducts that go through any portion of the attic, not only are they getting heated, but the attic as a whole is as well. Because of this, the HVAC system needs to exert more effort in order to maintain the desired temperature of the air as it circulates through the ducts. You do not need to chill the attic along with the rest of your house; all you have to do is make sure that it is ventilated, and the temperature won’t grow so high that it is unbearable to be up there.

Simple Maintenance You Can Do for Your Air Conditioner

Cleaning your air conditioner is a simple technique to maintain the optimal condition of your unit and to avoid any wear from hindering the function of the machine. If you are unclear about how to begin cleaning it, you have the option of hiring a professional or following these easy steps to clean it yourself:

Start with the air filters in your home.

When certain filters get dirty, they can be cleaned with a vacuum and some water and then reused; however, other filters have to be replaced when they get dirty. In general, you should clean or replace the filter in your air conditioner once every month or two during times of excessive usage.

Be sure to check the evaporator coil.

At a minimum of once every year, inspect the evaporator coil that is a part of your air conditioning machine for any signs of damage. Either a central air conditioner or a window air conditioner can have this modification made to it. Using a fin comb, you should make it a point to straighten out any coil fins that have become bent. You can also use a vacuum hose to clean the coil fins on your air conditioner, which will result in enhanced performance.

Examine the seals on your window.

If your window air conditioning units have any cracks or holes in the sealing around them, then cool air will be able to escape. This will cause your windows to waste electricity. In the event that you find any cracks, you have the option of requesting assistance from a trained professional or attempting to fix the air leaks on your own.

Clear up your A/C drain line.

It’s possible that debris could clog the drain line in your central air conditioning unit, leading to an accumulation of water in the system. Use a stiff wire, a plumber’s snake, or distilled vinegar to clear any clogs or obstructions from the drain channels in your home.

Look around for any debris.

Cleaning the condenser, the fan, and the compressor of a split-system air conditioning unit on a regular basis should be a part of the routine maintenance that is performed on the device. You should also prune any plant growth that is at least two feet away from the condenser in order to reduce the risk of additional clogging of your drain lines.

Conclusion

By performing routine maintenance on the air conditioner, harm can be avoided.

It is important to get into the pattern of performing periodic maintenance on your air conditioner so that you can help prevent future problems from occurring with the system. There are a lot of things that may go wrong with your air conditioning system, but the most common one is increasing labor costs. Therefore, doing routine maintenance on your air conditioner will not only save you money on potential repair costs in the future, but it can also assist in ensuring that your system operates as successfully and economically as is humanly possible.