It can be frustrating when your air conditioner isn’t cold, particularly on hot days. Knowing the usual causes and troubleshooting steps can help you solve the problem or know when to call a professional like https://www.airconservicing.org/aircon-not-cold/.
Common Causes
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is essential for an air conditioner to work properly. It absorbs heat from inside your house and releases it outside. If the refrigerant level becomes low, then your air conditioner will not cool the air effectively. The reason behind insufficient refrigerant is leakage or underfilling during installation.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters were created to trap dust and dirt, among other particles. However, debris may clog these filters over time, thereby limiting airflow. When there’s limited airflow, an air conditioner has to work harder to circulate air, which might reduce its cooling ability. Dirty filters can also contribute to different problems, like frozen evaporator coils.
Thermostat Problems
Your thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature settings of your air conditioner. If it malfunctions, then your AC may not cool well enough. Sometimes, the thermostat could be set at the wrong temperature or damaged because of age.
Blocked Condenser
The condenser is part of an AC unit that releases heat outside. If this component gets blocked by dirt, leaves, or any other material, it won’t release heat efficiently. Such obstructions force an AC system to overwork, hence struggling to cool homes.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils absorb heat from indoor air. When they freeze, they fail to do so effectively, making an air conditioner less fantastic than required. Restricted airflow, low refrigerant, and blower fan issues might cause coil freezing.
Troubleshooting Steps
Check Settings
Firstly, ensure that it’s on “cool” mode, not “fan” or “heat.” Sometimes, someone mistakenly sets the air conditioner to the wrong mode. Also, verify whether the thermostat is set below the current room temperature.
Clean Filters
Inspect your air filters and clean or replace them if necessary. Most filters should be changed every three months, but if you have pets or allergies, you may need to do it more frequently. Cleaning filters will ensure better cooling performance due to improved airflow across them.
Inspect Thermostat
Make sure that your thermostat is set correctly. Consider replacing old thermostats with new ones if they are faulty or when recalibration fails. New batteries might also be needed for some models during the resetting process.
Clear Blockages
Look at the condenser unit outside your house. Remove any debris, such as leaves, dirt, or grass clippings, that may prevent it from operating correctly. Leave enough space around this equipment for proper ventilation purposes.
Check for Ice
Examine the evaporator coils. If they are covered with ice, switch off the air conditioner and let it defrost thoroughly. Depending on the severity of the icing, it may take a few hours to complete the melting process. After defrosting, check whether the air filters are clean and there’s an unobstructed flow of air.
Professional Help
When To Call
If all troubleshooting steps have been taken and the air conditioner is still not cold, call a professional technician like https://www.airconservicing.org/ with the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose more complex problems associated with ACs.
What You Can Expect
A technician will inspect the air conditioning system thoroughly. They will check the levels of refrigerant, clean the internal parts, and identify any faults that may exist. They will also test the thermostat, examine ductwork, and ensure all components are working properly.
Preventive Measures
Regular Maintenance
Plan for regular maintenance of your AC unit. This can save you from many common problems. An expert will check it every year, making it more efficient. Besides, frequent servicing increases its lifetime and improves performance.
Replace Filters
Change the filters after three months or whenever necessary frequently. Clean filters help to maintain good airflow, which enhances cooling efficiency. It is an easy task but dramatically impacts how well your aircon works.
Keep Area Clean
Clean around your condenser unit so that no dirt accumulates there due to debris. Cut off plants or shrubs growing too close to this device. There should be enough space for proper cooling through the condenser, promoting energy saving.
