Hearing your air conditioner running without feeling the house get cooler can be frustrating. It also does not necessarily tell you what is wrong.
Sometimes the cause is as simple as an incorrect thermostat setting or restricted airflow. Other cooling problems require an HVAC technician to inspect the system.
Before assuming the worst, start with a few basic checks.
Check the Thermostat First
Make sure the thermostat is set to cooling mode and that the temperature setting is below the current indoor temperature.
Also check the fan setting. If the fan is set to run continuously, you may feel air moving from the vents even when the air conditioner is not actively cooling.
If the thermostat settings appear correct but the home is still not cooling, move on to the airflow.
Check the Air Filter and Airflow
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow through an HVAC system and interfere with cooling performance.
Inspect the filter and replace or clean it according to the requirements of your particular system.
Make sure supply and return areas are not blocked by furniture or other objects. You can also compare airflow from different areas of the home. Unusually weak airflow may provide useful information when describing the problem to an HVAC technician.
Avoid trying to improve cooling by closing vents throughout unused rooms. Residential HVAC systems are designed around airflow through the system, and intentionally restricting that airflow is not a substitute for diagnosing a cooling problem.
Check the Outdoor AC Unit
Take a visual look at the outdoor equipment.
Leaves, vegetation, or other debris around the unit can restrict airflow. Keep the immediate area around the equipment free of obvious obstructions without opening panels or reaching into the unit.
If the indoor equipment appears to be running but the outdoor system is not operating normally, professional diagnosis may be necessary.
Some AC Problems Require an HVAC Technician
If the thermostat, filter, and obvious airflow conditions look normal, the problem may be inside the system.
Possible causes can include:
- A frozen evaporator coil
- A refrigerant-system problem
- An electrical or control problem
- An outdoor-unit component problem
- A more complex airflow or ductwork issue
Several different faults can produce similar symptoms. For example, seeing ice does not by itself tell you why the system froze.
That is why it is better to diagnose the underlying problem rather than replace parts based on symptoms alone.
Should You Keep Running an AC That Isn’t Cooling?
If your air conditioner is running but not cooling properly, continuing to run it will not address the underlying problem.
If you see significant ice, notice burning odors or unusual electrical behavior, or the system continues running without providing cooling after the basic checks above, turn the cooling system off and arrange for professional service.
When in doubt, avoid opening equipment panels or attempting electrical or refrigerant repairs yourself.
When Is It Time to Schedule AC Repair?
Consider having the system evaluated when:
- The AC runs but does not cool the home.
- Cooling performance has noticeably declined.
- Airflow remains weak after checking the filter.
- Ice develops on the system.
- The outdoor equipment does not appear to be operating normally.
- The problem keeps returning.
An inspection can determine whether the system needs a repair, maintenance, or a broader discussion about its condition.
AC Repair and Service From UG Nasons
UG Nasons provides residential air conditioning service throughout Newport County, Washington County, Bristol County, East Greenwich, and West Greenwich.
If you’re experiencing cooling problems in Portsmouth, learn more about AC repair in Portsmouth, RI.
Homeowners elsewhere in UG Nasons’ service area can contact the team to have an air conditioning problem evaluated and determine the appropriate next step.