Why Is My AC Running But Not Cooling? Uncovering the Hidden Reasons and Solutions.

At some point or another, nearly every homeowner has experienced the frustration of an air conditioner that's running but not cooling the house. On a hot summer day, especially here in San Tan Valley, it's more than just an inconvenience. It can be downright unbearable and stressful.

But, before you panic or assume the worst, it's essential to know that there are many possible reasons why your AC might not be cooling your home effectively.

In this blog post, we will explore the most common reasons for an underperforming air conditioner. We’ve also provided some actionable tips on how to fix the problem and get back to enjoying a comfortable indoor temperature.

Reasons Your AC Isn’t Cooling & How to Help Fix

Dirty Filter

One of the most common reasons your air conditioner isn't cooling your home is a dirty or clogged filter.

A dirty filter restricts airflow through your AC system, making it less efficient and preventing it from adequately cooling your space.

Thankfully, this issue is relatively easy to fix by cleaning or replacing the air filter per the manufacturer's recommendations. Most air filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and the manufacturers' specifications.

Low Refrigerant

Another possible reason your air conditioner isn't cooling is an insufficient amount of refrigerant.

The refrigerant is the vital substance that absorbs heat from your home's indoor air and then releases it outside. If there's a leak in the refrigerant lines or the refrigerant levels are low, your AC will struggle to cool your home effectively.

Unfortunately, it's not easy for an average homeowner to check and fix refrigerant levels – this is a job for a professional HVAC and AC technician.

If you suspect a refrigerant issue, give us a call to schedule an AC repair service as soon as possible.

Thermostat Issues

In some cases, the issue may not even be with the air conditioner itself but rather with the thermostat.

If your thermostat is malfunctioning or not set correctly, your AC may run but not cool your home as it should.

Check the thermostat settings to make sure it's set to the proper temperature, and replace the batteries if necessary. The most common batteries in thermostats are AA, AAA, or 3V disc lithium batteries.

If you suspect that your thermostat is faulty, you may want to consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats offer more accurate temperature control and energy-saving features.

If you’d like, we can install a new thermostat for you.

Blocked or Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils, located outside of your home, is where heat is released from the refrigerant to the outdoors.

If the condenser coils and unit is dirty, obstructed by debris, or surrounded by tall grass or other plants, it won't be able to dissipate heat effectively. Dirty condenser coils make it harder for your AC to cool your home.

Ensure your condenser unit is kept clean and free of obstructions to maintain peak performance and efficiency.

Regularly check the area around your condenser unit and consider having it cleaned by an AC technician roughly two times a year.

Overworked Motor or Capacitor Issues

The motor and capacitor in your air conditioner work together to keep the fan running and maintain airflow.

However, if they are overworked, damaged, or failing, the system will struggle to cool your home adequately.

Motor or capacitor issues may result from overheating, electrical irregularities, or simple wear and tear over time.

If you suspect a problem, calling a professional AC repair tech to inspect and diagnose the issue is recommended. These components can be dangerous to work with if you're inexperienced.

Call Us for Quick AC Repair & Your AC Tune Up Service

If your AC is running but not cooling your home, it's crucial to identify the underlying problem and address it promptly.

While it's normal for an air conditioner to struggle slightly on the hottest of summer days, it should still be able to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.

Keep in mind that many of these issues can be prevented with regular AC maintenance and tune-ups from a professional AC repair technician.

So, make sure to schedule your AC tune-up at least once a year to keep your air conditioner running efficiently and effectively all summer long.

At Aire Serv of San Tan Valley, we’re backed by a great reputation and offer 24/7 AC repair service. Call us today or request your service online. You can also visit our special offers to see how you can save on your AC service call.