Why is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

Clogged air filter

If the air conditioner does not cool, the air filter might be clogged. In such case, air cannot flow through properly which greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. Either clean the air filter or replace it as needed.

Dirty Air Filter

Your AC system may include an air filter located in or around the indoor air handler unit. The filter catches dirt, dust and other airborne particles as they enter the air handler unit. It keeps the components inside the system cleaner and operating more efficiently and can help keep the air in your home cleaner as well. A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. In more extreme cases it can cause the system to shut down completely.

If your thermostat checks out and you still don’t have cool air, locate your system’s air filter, turn the system off, remove the filter and inspect. If, after you satisfied that you have a clean air filter and your central air conditioner does not cool your home, you’ll have to dig a little deeper to locate the problem.

 Dirty coils

If the air conditioner is not cold enough the condenser coils may be dirty and loaded with debris. In an AC, the condenser  like a radiator that dissipates heat (which was removed from the air). The condenser coil must be clean to dissipate heat outside. As the coils get dirtier the air conditioner becomes less efficient, which makes it work harder to cool the room. If the coils are dirty enough, the unit will never be cold enough and will not be able to cool the room.

Damaged Heat Pump

In some cases, your outdoor unit might be a heat pump. A heat pump looks just like an AC unit, with some different components inside that allow it to both cool and heat your home. In cooling operation, it operates just like an air conditioner system’s condenser unit and is subject to the same issues – dirty, clogged coil, frozen coil, refrigerant leaks, compressor malfunctions, etc. If your heat pump system isn’t cooling, check thermostat settings, the air filter, and the condenser unit for previously described issues. If everything checks out and you’re still sweating inside, call your local HVAC dealer.