AC Not Cooling House

Ah, the Sunshine State. It’s hot. And it’s humid. Even in the winter! So when your air conditioning system isn’t cooling your home, you need a solution — and fast.

As a Central Florida homeowner, there are few things more frustrating than discovering that your air conditioner is not blowing cold air. While there are lots of factors that can cause your air conditioning system to blow less-than-cool air, most can be easily remedied. If you’ve noticed your air conditioning system isn’t cooling your home, here are the most common reasons why and what you can do about it.

1. Thermostat on the Wrong Setting

Alright, we know what you’re thinking, but sometimes something as silly as the thermostat being on the wrong setting can be all that is causing your home-comfort woes. Check the thermostat settings and make sure that your thermostat is set to ‘COOL,’ and that you didn’t inadvertently switch it to the ‘OFF’ position. Check that the fan isn’t set to the ‘ON’ position too, as this can affect the cooling process. If this is the case, switching the fan to ‘AUTO’ should restore your home’s comfort.

2. Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced

Air filters work to trap dander, dirt, dust and the like from dispersing throughout the air in your home. But in order to do so, they need to be cleaned or swapped out for a new air filter regularly. If not, your AC will have to work harder to pass air through the clogged filter, resulting in inefficient cooling.

Regularly changing your air filter is an essential part of basic preventive HVAC maintenance. If you don’t change your air filter on a regular basis, then it can restrict airflow, causing your AC system to blow warm air. Changing your air filter is one of the simplest things that can be done to maintain good airflow, so be sure to swap those dirty air filters for clean ones every month.

3. Refrigerant Leak

Your air conditioner may not be blowing cool air due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is a cooling agent necessary in the refrigeration cycle of your air conditioning system that moves heat from the inside, out.

Refrigerant is not used up or lost in this process, however it is possible for refrigerant to leak or deplete altogether.

If your air conditioning system experiences a refrigerant leak, there won’t be enough refrigerant to move the heat outside. This can make your home feel hotter than usual, despite your thermostat being on the correct setting.

If you suspect you have a refrigerant leak, call an HVAC professional and schedule repair service.

4. Insufficient Airflow

You already know that not changing your air filter can cause insufficient airflow, but sometimes the vents can as well. If your air conditioning system is not cooling your house efficiently, check that air is flowing from the vents. All you need to do is put your hand next to one of the vents. If you can feel strong airflow, it is probably fine. But if it feels weak, check that the grates are opened fully and aren’t bogged down with dust.

5. Air Duct Leak

Before air reaches the rooms of your home, it travels through a series of ductwork. Over time, air ducts can lose their sealing or insulation, which can cause air to leak from the ducts. This causes excess cool air to escape, making it difficult for your home to reach its desired temperature. If the air ducts in your home are on the older side, schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technician.

6. Dirty Evaporator Coils

Within your air conditioning system is a set of indoor coils. These coils work to absorb heat from your home and send them to a set of outdoor coils. Over time, the evaporator coils with your air conditioning system get dirty and can develop a layer of dirt and grime, making it difficult for them to do their job.

This can affect the overall performance of your air conditioning system and make it harder to remove warm air from your home. This can lead to your air conditioner overheating and shutting off. Evaporator coils should be cleaned by an experienced technician, so we recommend scheduling an appointment.

7. Blocked Condenser Unit

One thing many homeowners don’t consider is the area surrounding the outdoor component of their air conditioning system. The condenser unit (aka the outside component of your air conditioning system) needs to be free from obstructions like bushes, plants, tree roots and outside furniture. If the condenser unit is blocked, it can’t receive enough air to release heat, making your home warmed in the process.

8. Old AC System

There comes a time in every air conditioning system’s life that we must say goodbye. If your air conditioning system just isn’t cooling your home like it used to, and it’s more than 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade. A reputable air conditioning and heating company will give you a proper assessment and discuss your best options.

Fix Your AC Not Cooling in Central Florida

If you AC has stopped cooling your home, we’re here to help. At Energy Air, we offer comprehensive AC services, including repairs, maintenance, and quality installations on new systems. We even offer 24/7 emergency service for when you need help now.

If you’re not sure why your HVAC system isn’t cooling your home, the professionals at Energy Air can help. Our experienced HVAC technicians offer a variety of high-quality heating and cooling products and services designed to keep your home cool and comfortable year round. Contact us today to learn how we can help, or schedule an appointment online.