It’s the most frustrating feeling in the world: You can hear your air conditioner humming away, you can feel air coming out of the vents, but the temperature on the thermostat just keeps climbing. What is going on?
If your AC is running but not cooling, it usually points to one of these three common culprits.
1. The Air Filter is Clogged
Before you panic, check your filter. If your air filter is caked with dust and dirt, it restricts airflow over the evaporator coil. Without enough air, the coil can freeze up into a block of ice. The fan continues to blow, but because the coil is frozen solid, it can't absorb any heat.
The Fix: Change your filter immediately. If the coil is frozen, turn the AC off and let it thaw for a few hours before turning it back on.
2. Low Refrigerant (Freon) Levels
Air conditioners are closed systems. They do not consume refrigerant like a car consumes gas. If you are low on refrigerant, it means you have a leak.
When refrigerant is low, the system can't remove enough heat from your home. The air coming out of your vents will feel lukewarm, and the unit will run constantly trying to reach the set temperature.
The Fix: You need a professional to locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the system.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
The outdoor unit (condenser) is responsible for releasing the heat from your home into the outside air. If the condenser coils are covered in dirt, grass clippings, or cottonwood seeds, they can't release heat efficiently. The heat gets trapped in the system, and your home never cools down.
The Fix: Gently clean your outdoor unit with a garden hose (be careful not to bend the fins!) or schedule a professional maintenance visit for a deep clean.
Still Sweating?
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