Why is My Air Conditioner Running But Not Cooling?
Many reasons can be responsible for an air conditioner not turning on. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why your AC unit may have stopped working and what you can do to fix the problem.
As summer approaches, many homes are turning on their central air conditioners for the first time in a while. If you are one of those who didn’t schedule air conditioner maintenance last year, there’s a possibility that your air conditioner may not turn on at all. If this is the case, don’t panic! In most cases, the problem can be easily fixed.
My Air Conditioner Won’t Turn on
Most of the time, your AC won’t turn on because the circuit breaker has tripped or there’s a problem with the electrical supply. If this is the case, you’ll need to reset the breaker or check the wiring.
Another possibility is that your thermostat is not responsive. If your thermostat does not communicate with your AC unit, it will not be able to turn on the unit. Try replacing the batteries in your thermostat and see if that solves the problem. If not, you may need to contact a professional HVAC contractor.
My AC Doesn’t Cool Evenly
Your ductwork may be to blame if your AC doesn’t seem to be cooling evenly. If there are leaks in your ductwork, the cool air will escape before it has a chance to reach all of the rooms in your house. These leaks can be caused by holes, cracks, or poor connections. To fix this problem, you’ll need to hire a professional HVAC contractor to seal the leaks in your ductwork. They may also install dampers to help control the flow of air through your ductwork.
If your AC cools unevenly, you should also look at how much sunlight each room gets. Rooms that get a lot of sunlight will be warmer than rooms that don’t get as much sun.
My AC Doesn’t Cool
The control board of your air conditioner may be to blame if your unit isn’t cooling. In some cases, your air conditioner may simply be low on refrigerant. This is especially common in older units. To fix this problem, you’ll need to contact Liberty Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to recharge your AC unit.
Refrigerant is not safe for you to handle on your own, so it’s important to call a professional HVAC contractor who holds EPA certification to do this job.
My Condenser Unit Turns on And Off Repeatedly
If your condenser unit is turning on and off repeatedly, it may be because the pressure has dropped below a particular level. The system should pick up again when the pressure rises. Outside temperature and refrigerant levels can result in pressure changes.
If the problem doesn’t go away after some time, contact our expert team for assistance.
Short cycling is another reason why your AC may be turning on and off repeatedly. Short cycling occurs when your AC unit turns on and off more frequently than it should, therefore not completing a full cycle. This means that your unit is unable to reach the temperature on the thermostat or it reaches the temperature too early.
Common Causes of AC Problems
- Wiring: Different parts of your central air conditioning system are connected by wires. Some of these are hidden behind walls while others are exposed. If the wiring of your AC is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems, including your unit not turning on.
- Short Cycling: As mentioned earlier, short cycling is when your unit turns on and off more frequently than it should. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, incorrect refrigerant levels, or a problem with the compressor. Since a short cycling unit works continuously, it will face more wear and tear. You’ll need an experienced professional to solve this problem.
- Refrigerant Leaks: Refrigerant flows through your system carrying heat outdoors. A refrigerant leak can prevent your AC from cooling properly. It also pollutes the air in your home. If you suspect there’s a refrigerant leak in your home, contact us at once. We’ll fix the leak to protect your system and your home.
- Dirty Evaporator Coils, Filters And Condensers: Your air filter protects your home from debris and pathogens. When it is dirty, it can no longer do its job. Changing the air filter, which you can do on your own, will keep your indoor air quality high and prevent your AC from working too hard. The evaporator coils and condenser coils in your air conditioner remove heat from the air in your home. They need to be clean to work properly. If they are dirty, they won’t be able to transfer heat effectively and your AC will have to work harder to cool your home.
- Icy Build up: If you fail to replace your air filter when you’re supposed to, the evaporator coils can start to ice over. This happens because your AC works extra hard to push air through the dirty filter. This causes the presence of very cold air within the system, which freezes the internal parts. This reduces the airflow in your system and makes it harder for your AC to cool your home.
- Faulty Thermostats: Analog thermostats often struggle to provide accurate readings. If your AC unit is turning on and off more frequently than it should, it may be because the thermostat is set to the wrong temperature. Modern thermostats communicate better with the rest of your system. Also, analog thermostats contain mercury, which can be harmful to the environment. We recommend replacing your analog thermostat with a digital one.
- Faulty Motors: The blower motors in your air conditioner are responsible for the movement of coolant and the circulation of air. If any is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems, including extra stress on your unit.
- Faulty Compressors: Your system’s compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant and circulating it throughout your AC. If it is damaged, the amperage draw will increase, causing the internal parts of your system to overheat. Your HVAC contractor will need to replace the compressor to solve this problem.
Contact Our Expert Team If Your Air Conditioner is Not Turning On
If you’re having trouble with your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to call Liberty Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the problem and find a solution that works for you. Contact us today at (951) 760-4215 to schedule a consultation.
