The AC is Running but the House Isn’t Cooling Off

Troubleshoot This Common Air Conditioner Problem

When the temperature rises outside, you expect your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. The unit should cycle on for 15 to 20 minutes and then shut off again. If the air conditioner runs constantly, but it seems to keep getting hotter and hotter inside, you know something is wrong.

Why is the Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

Just because the AC is blowing warm air doesn’t necessarily mean you need an air conditioner replacement. Sometimes, a little troubleshooting is all you need to get your AC back up and running. Consider these possible reasons why the AC is running but the house isn’t cooling off, many of which you can fix yourself.

Improper Thermostat Settings

Approach your thermostat and make sure the mode is set to “cool.” Then, check the fan setting. If it’s “on,” the blower will operate even when the compressor turns off. This improves circulation to stuffy rooms, but it means the AC will seem to blow warm air at times. To save energy and only have cold air blow from your vents, change the fan setting to “auto.”

Dirty Air Filter

Every HVAC system should have a filter, which traps debris as air flows through the ductwork. If you haven’t changed the filter in a while, check it now. It should be located near the indoor air handler. If the filter is dirty, replace it to improve airflow and, hopefully, solve your problem.

Obstructed Condensing Unit

Split-system air conditioners include an outdoor condensing unit, which typically sits on a concrete slab outside the house. This is where heat from your home exhausts to the exterior, allowing cooled refrigerant to cycle back inside and absorb more heat. Unfortunately, obstructions interrupt the heat exchange process, preventing your air conditioner from cooling as effectively. To improve airflow to the unit, gently hose it down, straighten any bent fins, and trim back vegetation at least 12 inches.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the chemical that makes air conditioning possible. If a leak develops, the refrigerant charge will fall below the ideal level. Without adequate refrigerant, your air conditioner will probably start blowing warm air. Only a licensed HVAC technician can fix refrigerant leaks, so you’ll need to call a professional for help.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

The next AC troubleshooting tip is to examine the indoor evaporator coil located near the furnace. Open the cabinet door and look for frost forming on the evaporator coil. This can happen if a dirty filter restricts airflow or the refrigerant charge is low. Turn off the AC to avoid damaging any sensitive components. Then, call an AC repair technician while you wait for the ice to thaw.

Undersized Air Conditioner

During installation, your AC unit should have been sized to meet your home’s cooling needs. If it’s undersized, the air conditioner will struggle to keep up with demand on the hottest summer days, leaving you to suffer in an uncomfortable home with high energy bills. Replacing the AC is the best way to remedy this problem.

Contact Us for AC Repair in Grand Rapids, MI

If you’re unable to get your air conditioner working again, there’s no need to suffer in the sweltering heat. Call Grapids Home Services, and we’ll dispatch a knowledgeable AC repair technician to your home immediately. Trust us to accurately diagnose the problem, provide a no-surprise estimate, and get to work fixing your air conditioner. We have the tools, materials, and know-how to get the job done right! You can call us with confidence thanks to our 100% satisfaction guarantee and excellent warranty coverage.

To request AC repair in Grand Rapids, please contact us today.