This is one question that every homeowner asks when they are trying to cool their home. There are many reasons why your AC stopped cooling properly and you need to determine the cause before attempting any repairs. Some of the most common reasons for lack of air conditioning include:
1. Low voltage
The electrical power needs to be between 208–230 volts to run the compressor. This is the main element that controls your home’s cooling system and if it’s not running at proper voltage, then you will not get cold air coming through your vents. If your voltage is too low, then there may be a problem with the transformer or disconnect box on your property.
2. Clogged filters
Central units often have a filter that is required to be replaced every one to three months, depending on how much you use it. This filter works by preventing dust and debris from clogging up your system. When the filter gets too dirty or you forget to change it for an extended period, then it will reduce airflow through your vents.
3. Compressor malfunction
The compressor is the most important element in your AC unit and when it malfunctions, then you will usually know about it right away. If you hear loud weird noises coming from your condenser when turning on the cooling system, then the compressor may be damaged and need to be replaced. Generally, you should be able to determine the malfunction before reaching this point.
4. Faulty thermostat
This is another problem that may not cause you to lose cooling, but it does allow your AC to run constantly without turning off. If the thermostat has been set higher than the actual temperature in your home is, then it can cause the unit to overwork and your electric bill will be higher than it should.
5. Blocked airflow
Blocked or dirty vents can also cause a lack of cooling because they keep the system from being able to pull in cool air. If you have pets, then their hair can easily get caught on the grates covering your vents and reduce airflow through your system. You can clean these grates with a pet brush to remove any build-up and prevent this from happening again.
Common Reasons Why Your AC Stopped Cooling
Sometimes, the unit will stop cooling for no apparent reason at all and you have to determine what’s going on before attempting any repairs. Here are some of the most common reasons that your air conditioning system is not cooling properly:
- No power
If there’s no power running through your unit, then it will not be able to cool anything. Even if you’ve had the same electric company for several years, there can still be outages and fluctuations. If this happens during a heatwave, then you will likely lose air conditioning and it may take several days for your service company to resolve the issue.
- The unit is too old
If your AC system was built before 1994, then it’s likely that you will need to upgrade to a more modern centralized air conditioner with a higher SEER rating (12 or higher). Newer systems use less energy to produce the same amount of cooling power, which will save you on your electric bill over time.
- Problems with components
Your AC system uses several main components to cool your home and some of them may experience problems after time. If you have an older system that is starting to show signs of not cooling or heating correctly (depending on the season), then it may need to be replaced and you should contact a service company as soon as possible.
Determining The Problem Why Your AC Is No Longer Cooling Properly
If your central air conditioning system is not cooling properly, then you can perform a few tests at home before calling for professional help:
- Take a look at the thermostat – is it set correctly? You should be able to tell by looking at your electric bill what temperature you need inside of your home and adjust accordingly.
- Test all vents for cool airflow – If there is no air coming from the wall grates, then this indicates that the system is not taking in fresh air from outside and not cooling it for your home.
- Check the actual temperature of the room – Your thermostat may be set at a lower temperature than what the thermometer is showing inside your house, so it knows to start turning on the AC unit.
If you have determined that the problem lies with your central air conditioning system, then you can either perform repairs yourself or contact an AC repair expert in Glendale CA for help.
