Is there anything worse on a hot day than your air conditioner not cooling? As temperatures rise, you may notice your air conditioning struggles to blow cold air. Another common problem is when it’s comfortable downstairs but there’s nothing but hot air upstairs. It can be frustrating and stress-inducing. Read below to learn why an air conditioner stops cooling, which problems you can solve yourself, and when to call an air conditioning professional.

REASONS AN AIR CONDITIONER IS NOT COOLING

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the key to cool air. It is what cools air in the AC unit before it enters your home. A refill may be necessary due to low refrigerant levels. It may, however, have a leak. If there is a refrigerant leak, refilling it won’t solve the problem. Therefore, a professional air conditioner technician needs to take a closer look.

FAULTY CONDENSER COIL

A faulty condenser coil may be due to small leaks. These leaks are called formicary tunneling corrosion and are caused by moisture and VOCs in the air. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. These are compounds that easily become vapor or gas. VOCs exhaust when burning fuels as well as off-gas from products like adhesives, paint, new carpet, and mattresses. Coils also freeze due to low refrigerant levels or an issue with the fan in the AC unit. The coil will not properly generate cold air if it’s frozen.

DIRTY AIR FILTERS

Warm air may be due to a dirty air filter. Dirt and debris could be blocking airflow through the air filter and air ducts, hindering your air conditioner’s performance.

LACK OF MAINTENANCE

Air conditioner maintenance is crucial for the health and longevity of your system. Schedule maintenance every six months to ensure your system is working properly and keeping your home comfortable with cold air when you need it. One combined maintenance is included in our Silver or Gold Service Plans. Technicians often spot small, fixable problems before they become large, costly, and more inconvenient. This ultimately saves you time and money in the long run.

AGE

Has your air conditioner reached the end of its useful life? Air conditioners can last an average of 15 years with average use and regular preventive maintenance. If you’re unsure of your air conditioning unit’s age or have recently moved into your home, schedule an inspection or a full tune up. Your HVAC technician is happy to share the age, the estimated energy efficiency, and other details about your AC system with you.

If it has required multiple repairs within a short period of time and is inefficient at blowing cool air, consider a new AC installation. Between finance options and energy-efficiency gains, you enjoy lower electric bills, a new AC warranty, and greater comfort and safety.

AC NOT COOLING PROBLEMS: DIY

CHECK THE THERMOSTAT

If your AC unit is blowing hot air, check to see if your thermostat is set to “heat” or “auto.” At the beginning of a new season, it’s easy to forget to change settings. Additionally, if your thermostat isn’t turning on, it may need new batteries. These quick fixes are very common issues and could save you the time and expense of a service call.

A “smart” thermostat could significantly help generate cool air when you need it and even save you extra money. Many alert you when the AC needs a filter change or to unusual performance, in an effort to prevent major AC unit repairs. If you have a manual or even a basic programmable thermostat, we are happy to recommend an upgrade.

Newer, modern Wi-Fi thermostats and “smart” thermostats communicate more effectively with your HVAC system for more accurate readings and air conditioner performance. With a Wi-Fi thermostat, adjust the temperature from anywhere you can get online – including the airport or the comfort of your bed.

Be sure to ask an A.B. May consultant for a recommendation. Some thermostats work with single-speed or variable-speed systems better than others. Make sure you’re getting the most from your investment with advice from A.B. May!

CHANGE THE FILTER

Next, go look at your air filter. Dirt and debris block airflow through the air duct, hinder your AC’s performance, and can even make indoor air quality worse. If it looks dirty, go ahead and replace it. Afterward, check the temperature of your home to see if it helped.

CLEAN OUTDOOR UNIT OF DEBRIS

If you’ve neglected the outdoor unit, your system can’t cool properly and could be impacting indoor air quality. Be sure to clean the unit of any debris and gently hose off all remaining dirt and mud. If you think rodents or other foreign objects are in or stuck in your AC compressor, call A.B. May. Also, give our team a call if you suspect a bent fan blade. It’s safer to let us handle it.

FLIP THE BREAKER

Have you checked the breaker? Turn the electrical breaker on and off. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix. If after these steps you still find the air conditioner not cooling, call a professional HVAC contractor like A.B. May.

AIR CONDITIONER NOT COOLING: CALL A PRO

The majority of air conditioning mechanical issues should be fixed by a professional technician. As a result, if you notice issues with coolant, condenser or evaporator coils, compressor, or any leaks, call a certified A.B. May technician. He or she is the best person for the job.

CONTACT A.B. MAY IN KANSAS CITY WHEN YOUR AC IS NOT COOLING

Are you dealing with an AC not cooling? Our team is available for 24-hour emergency air conditioner service if necessary. We travel throughout the Kansas City area including Leawood, Olathe, Fairway, Parkville, Liberty, Brookside, Waldo, Lee’s Summit, and Prairie Village. We also serve customers in Overland Park, Stillwell, Lenexa, Merriam, Shawnee Mission, Blue Springs, Lake Quivira, Roeland Park, Independence, Plaza, and Westwood.

Read More: Why is My AC Not Working?