Why Is My AC Not Cooling: 6 Possible Causes

Every Gainesville resident can attest to how hot it gets in the summertime. The highest temperatures can reach up to the mid-90-degree range.

One of the first things that come to mind when these sweltering summers hit is air conditioning.

Keeping your home cool and comfortable improves quality of life, and concentration, and prevents fatigue. Air conditioners also regulate humidity which decreases the risk of respiratory issues related to mold.

Are you reading this article wondering why is my AC not cooling?

There are several reasons why you may be having air conditioner problems. The sooner you address them, the more relaxing your summer will be.

Check out this HVAC repair guide for the most important signs to watch.

1. You May Have Thermostat Trouble

If you suspect trouble with your air conditioner, the first thing you need to check is your thermostat.

A broken thermostat will yield an inaccurate read. You won’t be able to program your AC for optimal efficiency and cost savings. A broken thermostat may have your HVAC system running all day.

Thermostat installation also plays a role.

HVAC thermostats should be installed in common areas with plenty of space, like family rooms and living rooms. Air conditioners power on once the inside of your home reaches a certain temperature.

If your HVAC thermostat is installed next to a hotter area, like a kitchen, it will incorrectly read your indoor temperature. Likewise, if a thermostat is installed near a drafty area, it will assume the home is cooler than it is.

When troubleshooting your thermostat, you may remove the thermostat faceplate to see if there’s a problem with the controls. Once you rule everything out, call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem.

2. Your AC Is Leaking Refrigerant

This next cause is one of the most common but also hazardous.

Your air conditioner may be leaking the refrigerant it needs to absorb and cool air.

However, any HVAC leak is cause for concern. Refrigerant passes through evaporator coils which means you could have a coil problem that’s causing the leak. Look for any ice on your evaporator coils; that’s a telltale sign of a leak.

Is your AC taking too long to cool down the house?

A longer cooling cycle is a sign of a leak. Inadequate cooling in general paired with noticeable hissing or bubbling sounds may also indicate a leak.

3. It’s Time to Replace Your AC Coils

Iced-over coils aren’t the only problem to look for when troubleshooting your cooling system issues. Even dirty coils can prevent your AC from working properly.

This issue speaks to the importance of booking routine HVAC cleaning. Coils are used to absorb and transfer heat out of the home from one HVAC unit to the other. Not only will dirty coils impact proper transfer, but your HVAC system will overwork itself, shortening its lifespan.

4. Is Your AC Condenser Unit Blocked Outside?

If you have a central HVAC system, you will have two HVAC units, an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit absorbs and transfers hot air to the outdoor unit so that it can be released outside. The outdoor unit contains your AC’s condenser coils which are responsible for transferring this heat outside.

Outdoor units blocked by thick shrubbery, cement blocks, enclosed walls, tree trunks, and other debris cannot adequately release heated air.

Again, this problem will produce longer cooling cycles that will feel noticeably less cool. You may also notice more humidity in the home and sounds indicating system strain.

5. Dirty AC Filters and Ducts

This next problem is a common issue that can be easily fixed.

If you haven’t changed or cleaned your air filters in a while, your HVAC system will have trouble circulating air throughout the home. You’ll notice obstructed output, warmer air, and an increase in indoor air pollutants like dust.

Since airflow is restricted, less air passes over the evaporator coils, which cools the air.

Fortunately, you can book a filter change and air duct cleaning to ensure proper airflow and cooling.

6. Why Is My AC Not Cooling After Troubleshooting?

Think about the last time you repaired or replaced your central AC system.

While some systems can last decades, Most HVAC air conditioners last up to 15 years with regular use. The lifespan of your AC can depend on a number of factors, including your home’s insulation, the local climate, and routine maintenance. Thus, the better you maintain your system, the longer it will last.

Older HVAC systems will eventually strain themselves. You’ll notice more sounds coming from your system and a noticeable lack of adequate airflow and cooling. One of the most jarring signs is an ever-increasing utility bill; if you see a noticeable change, it may be time for a replacement.

How your HVAC system is installed also matters and speaks to the importance of hiring a licensed and insured professional.

HVAC systems also require extensive knowledge of HVAC wiring which is different than general home electrical wiring.

Incorrect (or DIY) installation can result in the following issues:

Loose parts
Leaks
Health hazards
Incorrect thermostat settings
Strange sounds and smells
Overworked systems

You can book an air conditioner installation at any time, but it’s best to look out for these issues in Spring before those scorching Summer temperatures hit Gainesville.

If you need a complete HVAC system replacement, look for an HVAC company that also offers financing. For example, through A + Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, you may be eligible for 1-year financing with monthly payments. You also have your choice of financial institutions from Wells Fargo to Florida Credit Union.

Beat the Heat This Summer

Why is my AC not cooling, you ask?

This question means it’s time to call in the professionals.

Now is the time to start fixing AC issues before those Gainesville summers really heat up. Talk to an HVAC technician about the above issues to ensure you have a dependable AC all season long.

A Plus Air Conditioning and Refrigeration specializes in all AC issues in Gainsville, FL, including indoor air quality, filtration, and air leak assessments. We also have a maintenance plan to improve the lifespan of your system.

We’re a proud member of FRACCA, Florida’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association.

We look forward to hearing from you!