Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

This weekend temperatures in Los Angeles will be higher than they have been the last few months. The higher temperatures may lead you to turn on your central air conditioner for the first time this year. Furthermore, with summer just right around the corner, you need to be certain your air conditioner is running properly. One of the top issues we see during the summer months is a central air conditioner not blowing cold air. This common issue can be caused by several different reasons. Before you contact an HVAC contractor, there are a few simple checks you can perform when your central ac is not cooling. Below we go over why your central ac unit is not cooling and when to call a professional.

Dirty Air Filter

Filters can quickly become covered with dust and debris blocking or slowing down air flow. The cold air will not be able to circulate throughout your home. Furthermore, a dirty air filter can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze further restricting air flow. A good rule of thumb to follow with disposable air filters is to replace them at least once every 3 months. More often if you have anyone in the home who suffers from allergies or any other respiratory ailments.

If it’s a washable filter, take it out and clean it thoroughly. Also, any plants or outdoor debris can block the condenser and restrict airflow. Make sure the condenser has at least a two feet clearance around it to keep the ac working properly. The internal cooling coils can also gather dirt and debris. Leave cleaning the internal set of cooling coils to a professional. It can be easy to accidentally damage the internal parts even possibly ruining the air conditioner completely.

Thermostat Settings

Make sure the thermostat temperature is set to a lower temperature that it is in your home. The thermostat setting can be accidentally changed by someone else in your home. Also make sure the setting is on cool and not auto.

Clogged Condensate Drain Line

An ac unit works by absorbing the heat and moisture from inside your home. This humidity then condensates on the evaporator coils. The water then drips down into the drain pan and is released out of your home through condensate drain lines. A clogged condensate drain line can be prevented by regularly scheduled ac maintenance. Furthermore, some units come with a safety switch that will shut the unit off when the pan backups with water. If the switch is tripped, then remember to reset it after the drain line is cleaned.

Electrical Issues

It is important that your central ac unit has its own dedicated outlet due to the amount of power it requires to run. Therefore, if your ac unit is sharing an outlet, try plugging it into its own outlet. However, if you see any fraying or anything wrong with the power cord, it is best to unplug the unit and contact a repair person.

Also, keep in mind that there are many more wires inside the ac unit that over time can become worn and will need to be replaced. There is always a chance that one of the many wires can also become loose or disconnected. Also remember to check your circuit breaker.

Lack of regular ac maintenance can trip the breaker. Units that go a long time without maintenance require more power to run, often tripping the breaker. Try to reset the breaker and see if that solves the issue. Of course, never attempt to work on any electrical components yourself, unless you are licensed to do so.

Mechanical Issues

Your air conditioning unit has a motor, fan, and belts that like wiring is also susceptible to wear and tear over time. As they start to breakdown the efficiency also starts going down. The condenser fan motor moves heated air out of the home, and the compressor cycles refrigerant between the outdoor and indoor units. A damaged or broken compressor or condenser fan motor can also lead to warm air in the home. It is important to have a trained, experienced professional inspect these parts when your air conditioner is not cooling.

Low Refrigerant

One of the main reasons your air conditioner is not cooling may be due to refrigerant. Refrigerant is the fundamental substance that is contained in the copper coils of the air conditioning unit. Without refrigerant your air conditioner will not cool your home. Your air conditioning unit is a sealed system that does not use up refrigerant.

However, over time erosion of the metal components, vibration in the system, or factory defects can cause a leak. When the refrigerant gets low, your unit works harder to keep your home cool. If the leak is not repaired the refrigerant will continue to leak out and require service.

If you keep recharging the system instead of repairing the leak it can cause damage to the compressor and require a major and expensive repair. It is against the law to have an unlicensed professional replace the refrigerant. Make sure the technician you call is licensed to handle refrigerant. He will then measure the refrigerant level and search for any leaks for repair. A refrigerant leak is the perfect example of an issue that could become extremely costly if not repaired early on.

Outdated AC Unit

There comes a time when your ac unit needs to be replaced entirely. Typically, ac units will only last on average about 15 years, although regular maintenance can extend the life of the unit. A professional ac repair technician will be able to let you know if your ac unit is beyond repair.

Give LA Heating and Air A Call Today

If your ac unit is giving you trouble and not cooling your home like it should, give us a call today at (818) 660-1062 One of our experienced professional technicians can help you get your system back up and running properly. Do not wait until the hottest days of summer to give us a call. Before summer comes, run your AC system to check if it is operating properly. Give us a call to schedule routine ac maintenance as well, it can help you save money in the long run on costly repairs. We are here to help with any ac issues you may have so you can stay cool during the summer months.  

Reasons Why Your Central AC Unit Is Not Blowing Cold Air

• Signs You May Need HVAC System Maintenance
• Importance Of Regular HVAC Maintenance
• Air Conditioner Maintenance
• AC Repair Los Angeles

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