Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

Living in South Florida, few things bring more frustration than the air conditioner not cooling, or worse: when it shuts down altogether. Summertime is brutal, and air conditioned homes are the best escape from the relentless humidity. If your air conditioner is not cooling properly, here are a few things you should check before you pick up the phone to call a professional.

Is The Thermostat Set Correctly?

This may seem basic, but if you share your home with other people, it’s possible that someone else adjusted the temperature and didn’t turn it back to normal. Make sure that the setting is on “cool.” If it’s turned off, or set to “heat” or “fan,” switch it back! Wait a few minutes for the system to update and kick in. If you have cold air blowing again, the problem is solved. If not…

Is The Air Filter Dirty?

The AC unit has an air filter that catches dirt, dust, and other particles in the air. It also helps keep the system cleaner and operating efficiently without getting clogged. But dirty air filters can block the airflow, which can make it harder to cool the air in your home. When air filters aren’t changed regularly, this can cause damage to the AC system.

Is The Condenser Unit Blocked?

The “condenser unit” refers to the box that sits outside the home, with a large coil that wraps the AC unit. This coil has thin metal fin-like features that are held tightly together. The condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coils, providing cool air as it sucks out hot air.

When these “fins” get blogged or clogged, it could affect the air temperature inside the home. Dirty coils can reduce the energy efficiency of the unit or cause it to shut down completely from overworking.

Make sure there are no branches or debris blocking the condenser unit, if that doesn’t work, it’s time to call a professional.

Is The Refrigerant Low Or Leaking?

The chemical that drives the AC unit is called refrigerant (get it? Like the refrigerator, which keeps food cool?). When your AC unit is not blowing cold air, this substance – or lack of it – could be the issue. Your unit may be running low or experiencing a leak. If you notice a wet substance near the unit, call a professional right away to fix it.

AC Unit Not Cooling In South Florida?

At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, some of the most frequent calls we get have to do with malfunctioning air conditioners that aren’t blowing cold air or any air at all.

Our expert HVAC technicians have served the residents of South Florida for over 30 years. We are fully licensed and always professional, treating your home as carefully and kindly as we do our own.

And we don’t just fix air conditioners: keep us in mind next time you need an emergency plumber, have a malfunctioning water heater, or are concerned about your indoor air quality.

To schedule an appointment, call today at 561-391-1048.