AC Unit is Running, But Not Cooling

When your AC doesn’t cool in the Florida heat, it can quickly increase stress levels. Additionally, it can become a safety issue when the heat starts to spike. You need to be able to get your home’s heat under control as quickly and easily as possible.

6 Reasons Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air and How to Fix

There are many reasons why your AC could not be cooling your home. In this article, we will explore the six most common reasons your AC unit may be having trouble cooling your home. Some you can fix yourself and others may need a professional at your home as soon as possible.

1. AC Unit Is Too Small

Sometimes your unit may be too small and does not have enough cooling capacity required to cool your space. The cooling capacity is measured in tonnage or BTUs. Generally, it takes about 12,000 BTUs of cooling capacity for 400-600 square feet of space. Therefore, a 5-ton unit can cool 2,000-3,000 square feet. Keep in mind that factors like insulation and climate can affect the air conditioner’s performance as well.

SOLUTION: Check your AC unit’s cooling capability by looking at the label on the condenser unit located outdoors. The unit’s BTUs are contained in the model number and the top portion of the label will have the model number.

You will want to look for a number between 12 and 60. Sometimes they are offset by dashes, but that is not mandatory.  To determine the tonnage of your unit, divide that number by 12. For example, if it says 60, you would have a 5-ton unit (60/12 = 5).

For more information, check out our blog: 5 Signs Your AC Unit is Too Small for Your House

2. Clogged Air Filters

Can you name the last time you changed your air filters? If you can’t recall, they may have a thick layer of dirt and debris blocking the airflow. This may be the culprit; causing your AC coils to freeze.

In order to know how often to change air filters, you should take into account several factors:  the material the air filters are made of (the less expensive the filter, the more often you have to change it), how many people live in your home, whether you have pets, people with allergies, or if there are smokers in your household.

SOLUTION: Lucky for you, this is an easy fix. All you need to do is replace the air filter and your unit should be close to cooling your space like normal. However, if the problem persists you will need to keep troubleshooting to see if there are additional issues. You may also want to call a licensed HVAC professional to inspect your unit and perform the necessary repairs.

3. Obstructed Condenser Unit

If your AC’s condenser unit (the outside unit) is surrounded by landscaping, trees, shrubs, tall grass, or other objects, it can become obstructed. Your unit may also become dirty enough to prevent it from functioning properly.

SOLUTION: Sometimes, removing the obstructions and cleaning your unit may be done yourself. But in other cases, it may require an HVAC professional to be called for a professional cleaning. It will help to have semi-annual tune-ups to prevent problems from occurring in your condenser unit.

4. Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak will have a detrimental effect on your cooling. Refrigerant is what allows your AC unit to cool your home in the first place. Additionally, refrigerants are toxic if inhaled and can lead to several health problems. These leaks are common but you should take this seriously as it may affect your and your loved ones well being. These leaks are not uncommon but should still be taken seriously. Signs of a refrigerant leak include the following:

  • Hissing sound coming from your air conditioner
  • Vents are blowing warm air
  • Home feels humid
  • Frost buildup on the condenser unit
  • Higher energy bills

SOLUTION: Repairing a refrigerant leak is the job of a professional. Not only is this the safest option, but only a licensed professional can purchase refrigerant for the repair.

5. Thermostat Issues

If your AC is running but not blowing cold air, it could be a thermostat issue. Before you take the next steps, ensure your thermostat is set properly and is on.

Once you take those steps you’ll want to troubleshoot. To troubleshoot your thermostat, check the following:

  • Whether the display is working
  • Whether the mode is set to COOL
  • Whether the desired temperature is set lower than room temperature
  • Whether the fan is set to AUTO
  • Whether the AC turns on if you lower the temperature by 5 degrees

SOLUTION: If everything checks out but the system is still not cooling, the thermostat is most likely not the main issue. If the thermostat settings are correct but the system is not turning on at all, it could either be a bad thermostat or another problem that requires extensive repairs.

6. Damaged Air Ducts

Damaged air ducts can stop your air from flowing inside your home. Ductwork that has become damaged or poorly installed can allow warm air to enter your system, making it difficult to cool your home to your ideal temperature.

SOLUTION: If the other parts of your AC unit seem to be in good condition, call an HVAC professional to inspect the ductwork and perform any necessary repairs.

If Your AC Isn’t Cooling, Call Complete Air Mechanical for AC Service Longwood, FL

If you’re unsure why your air conditioner isn’t cooling or if you simply prefer a professional’s expertise, we’re here to help! At Complete Air Mechanical, we offer comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties and financing options.

Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.