Are you experiencing trouble with your air conditioning system? Make an appointment with us today by calling (717) 628-6825.
Air conditioners that malfunction and stop cooling often lead to frustration. Is your AC constantly running but not cooling? If you keep running your air conditioner when it’s not properly cooling your home, a minor issue can turn into a major one.
Sometimes homeowners can resolve the problem with basic troubleshooting. We recommend you get professional air conditioner service from the best HVAC contractor in Bethel, PA. The experts at Topline Heating & Air have the tools, equipment, and experience required to inspect, maintain, and repair your air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling?
If your air conditioning system runs without cooling, you need to fix it quickly. Let’s start with some simple solutions.
1. Check the Thermostat
If the air conditioner doesn’t cool your home, check the thermostat. Someone may have set the thermostat to a different temperature or fan setting. The thermostat should have the cool mode turned on and the fan option off.
Now, set or adjust the thermostat to a cooling temperature. After you hear the cooling unit turn on, place your hand near the vents to check for cold air. If the air remains warm, move on to the next step.
2. Change the Air Filter
Dirty air filters affect the performance of your cooling system. An air filter full of debris cannot effectively trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. These particles will enter your home and air conditioning system.
Inspect the air filter if your central air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air. Check the air filter and replace it if necessary. If the air filter looks clean or the problem still exists after replacement, try the next solution.
3. Check the Condenser Coils
Most air conditioners have an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser unit. The outdoor condenser has coils with multiple fins spaced close to one another. When these coils clog, they can cause an air conditioner to stop cooling while running.
Outdoor coils tend to clog due to debris, such as grass, dirt, branches, and other pollutants. A severe blockage may cause the air conditioning system to malfunction. Besides blowing warm air, clogged coils reduce your unit’s energy efficiency, making the system work harder.
To address this problem, take the following steps:
- Go outside and look at the condenser coils.
- Use a vacuum with a soft brush or water to gently wipe the coils.
- Remove all debris from the condenser coils and around the outdoor unit.
Are you still having problems with your AC constantly running but not cooling? If so, you need to call a professional. A trained HVAC technician can safely perform the following steps to fix your air conditioning system.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils reside within the indoor unit of your air conditioning system. During the cooling process, these coils remove heat from warm air and pump cool air into your home. When the evaporator coils freeze, your cooling system will no longer blow cold air.
Common signs of frozen evaporator coils include:
- Inefficient cooling
- Increased energy bills
- Excessive moisture drainage from the condensate lines.
Homeowners should not attempt to open their air conditioner to resolve the problem themselves.
5. Refrigerant Leaks
An air conditioning system needs refrigerant to function properly. Refrigerant runs through the compressor and evaporator to absorb heat and provide cool air. Low levels of refrigerant lead to poor performance and unexpected shutdowns.
If your air conditioning system no longer blows cold air or doesn’t cool as effectively, you could have a refrigerant leak. A professional HVAC technician can check and adjust the refrigerant levels for you. Repairing refrigerant holes and leaks requires special equipment and working with dangerous gases.
6. Leaking Ductwork
Ductwork leaks disrupt the air flow throughout your home. Ducts often travel through the attic, where warm air can enter, increasing indoor temperatures. If your ductwork has leaks, you may notice uneven temperatures and increased dust around your home.
Ductwork requires proper sealing to prevent outside air from entering. An HVAC technician can determine if your ductwork needs repair. A full inspection will include an estimate to replace torn or damaged ductwork.
7. Broken Heat Pump
Heat pumps look like air conditioner units but have different components to cool and heat your home. A heat pump works just like the condenser unit of an air conditioner. Therefore, a heat pump can suffer similar problems, such as clogged or frozen coils, refrigerant leaks, and compressor failure.
If your heat pump system fails to cool, check your thermostat settings, air filter, and condenser unit. After exhausting those options, call an HVAC company to repair your heat pump.
8. Undersized or Old HVAC System
An HVAC contractor makes certain calculations before installing your home’s heating and cooling system. An undersized or wrong unit may have trouble cooling the space due to the excessive load. Unfortunately, the only solution to this problem involves a complete replacement with the right-sized system.
Alternatively, your home may have the right HVAC system that has aged or not received regular maintenance. Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Replacing an old system with a new one should solve the cooling problem.
Call Topline Heating & Air Today
After trying all the solutions, is your AC constantly running but not cooling? Topline Heating & Air can work with most brands of AC systems and service them to the manufacturer’s standards. Our team will ensure that your air conditioning system won’t break down when you need it the most.
Are you looking for a new heating and cooling system? Visit us to know more about the types of HVAC systems. We can help you select the right system for your home or business.
Contact Topline Heating & Air today if your air conditioning system has stopped blowing cold air. Call us today at (717) 628-6825.