If your air conditioner has begun failing to produce cold air for your home, you'll naturally want to get to the bottom of what's happening. What are the possible causes of an AC that isn't producing cool air, and what can be done about them?
At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we're proud to offer the best AC repair and other air conditioning services available around Draper, Herriman, and nearby parts of Utah. Here are some of the common reasons for an AC that's not cooling, plus some checks that most homeowners can perform safely, plus some situations where it's best to call in our team for a fix.
Causes of AC Issues Most Homeowners Can Check On
Here are a few of the causes of a lack of cold air from your air conditioner that can typically be checked for and even remedied by homeowners themselves:
- Clogged or dirty filters: One of the simplest fixes to try first is a basic air filter check. If you haven't changed your AC's filter in some time, it could be clogged and cause airflow issues. This can become such a significant blockage that it actually stops the cool air from reaching your home. Try changing your filter and see if that solves the problem.
- Blocked or dirty outdoor unit: The outdoor unit of your AC system is responsible for expelling the heat from inside your home to the outside. If it becomes blocked by debris, leaves, or even dust build-up, it can impede this process and cause a lack of cold air. Check around the unit and clear away any obstructions.
- Thermostat settings: It may seem obvious, but sometimes homeowners forget to check their thermostat settings before panicking over a lack of cold air. Make sure your thermostat is set to "cool" rather than "heat" or "fan only." You should also check the temperature setting to ensure it is set low enough for your desired level of cooling.
If you're uncomfortable with any of the tasks we just went over, do not hesitate to call our team at Airtime for assistance!
Causes of AC Issues Where Professionals Are Needed
On the other hand, if you check the areas we went over above and are still experiencing a lack of cool air from your AC, regardless, there might be some causes at play that should be investigated and remedied by HVAC professionals:
- Low refrigerant: Your AC unit requires a specific level of refrigerant to properly cool your home. If the level is too low, it can cause issues with cooling and may indicate a leak that needs to be repaired by a professional.
- Faulty compressor: The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant in your AC system, allowing it to cycle through and remove heat from your home. If the compressor is faulty or not functioning properly, it will impact the overall cooling performance of your AC.
- Dirty evaporator coil: Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the evaporator coil inside your AC unit, inhibiting its ability to absorb heat from the air. A professional cleaning may be necessary to restore its efficiency and improve cooling.
- Blocked condenser unit: The condenser unit is located outside your home and helps release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. If it becomes blocked by vegetation, dirt, or debris, it may struggle to properly release heat and cool your home effectively.
- Electrical problems: In other cases, issues with the electrical components of your AC unit may be to blame for poor cooling. Faulty wiring, damaged capacitors, or malfunctioning sensors can all lead to reduced performance and should be addressed by a professional.
Benefits of Scheduled AC Maintenance to Avoid These Issues
Proactivity is a key aspect of keeping your AC unit running smoothly and avoiding these common issues. By scheduling regular maintenance for your air conditioning system, you can prevent problems before they occur and keep your cooling system functioning at its best.
Some benefits of scheduled AC maintenance include:
- Improved energy efficiency: Regularly cleaning and inspecting your AC unit can help improve its energy efficiency by ensuring it is not overworking to cool your home. This can lead to lower utility bills and less strain on the system.
- Longer lifespan: Just like any other appliance, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. By catching potential issues early on, you can avoid major breakdowns and costly repairs in the future.
- Better indoor air quality: A dirty AC unit can circulate dust, dirt, and other pollutants into your home, causing poor indoor air quality. Regular maintenance includes cleaning or replacing air filters, which can greatly improve the air quality in your home.
- Reduced risk of breakdowns: No one wants their AC to stop working on a hot summer day. By having regular maintenance performed, technicians can catch any potential issues before they turn into major breakdowns.
At Airtime Heating & Cooling, we're here to offer the best AC repair and other air conditioning services around Herriman, Draper, and nearby areas. Contact us for routine inspections or for help with specific AC issues!
