Summer’s rising temps and humidity mean you’re probably running your AC constantly. However, there’s nothing quite as frustrating as finding that your air conditioner is running, but it’s not cooling. An AC unit that doesn’t do its job can be upsetting for any homeowner, especially during the dog days of summer.
So if you’re hearing the unit humming along and air is blowing through the vents, yet you’re still sticky and uncomfortable, you may wonder what’s going on. There are many reasons why this may be happening, so today we will explore the most common culprits and what you can do about them. If you have no luck troubleshooting some of these, call your trusted air conditioning technician in Warren MI before you melt from the heat.
Dirty Air Filter
If your AC system is struggling to cool down your house, a clogged or dirty air filter is one of the most common culprits. Air flow gets restricted when the filter is blocked with dust and debris, hampering your AC’s ability to properly circulate air through your home.
Check your filter to see if it’s clogged with dirt. Clean or replace it if so. It’s a good idea to replace your filter every one to three months, as clean filters improve cooling performance while enhancing indoor air quality.
Refrigerant Leak or Low Levels
Refrigerant is a vital component of the cooling process. When AC systems have a leak and get low on refrigerant, they can’t absorb and expel heat properly. This is why you’re feeling lukewarm air coming out of the vents. Don’t keep running the unit, as this will damage the compressor.
You will need an HVAC technician in Roseville to come out for an inspection. They can identify leaks and recharge the refrigerant.
Thermostat Issues
Sometimes the thermostat is to blame rather than the AC itself. Cooling problems can result if your thermostat is set incorrectly, malfunctioning, or located in a spot that doesn’t accurately reflect the temperature in the home.
Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Set your thermostat to “cool” and set the temperature lower than the current room temperature.
- Replace the batteries.
- Call for a thermostat repair or replacement if the screen is blank or the system fails to respond.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil absorbs heat from indoor air, but when it gets too cold, condensation freezes on the coil. In turn, this blocks airflow and hampers your system’s ability to cool.
Try these tips:
- Turn off your AC for a bit so the coil can thaw.
- Check the air filter and change if needed.
- Call an HVAC tech in Roseville to check for airflow issues or refrigerant problems.
Leaky Ductwork
Even with properly functioning AC units, cool air won’t efficiently reach your rooms if leaky ductwork is present. That’s because conditioned air can escape through cracks or gaps, which often goes unnoticed in attics or crawl spaces.
You will need to schedule a duct inspection to check for leaks or disconnections. Thinking ahead, it’s wise to seal and insulate your ducts to not only improve cooling performance but lower your energy bills as well.
Outdoor Unit Problems
The outdoor condenser unit releases the heat drawn from your home. It can’t do its job properly if it is covered in debris or damaged. Check the unit for dirt and debris such as leaves, then gently wash it off with a hose. Is the fan spinning? Is the unit making strange noises? Call a Michigan HVAC technician.
Contact Warm or Breezy Heating and Air Conditioning
While many of these issues can be avoided with simple maintenance, others require a trained technician to inspect and fix. Our HVAC technicians can diagnose the problem, recommend the best solution, and get cool air flowing through your home in no time. Contact us to set up your appointment today.