What Causes Air Conditioners Not To Cool? Here’s The Shocking Truth!

If your air conditioner has stopped cooling, it can be a major inconvenience, especially during hot summer months. But before you call for an expensive repair, there are a few things you can check yourself to try and fix the problem.

Common Causes of Air Conditioner Not Cooling

1. Dirty air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which can prevent your air conditioner from cooling properly.
2. Frozen evaporator coil: If the evaporator coil is frozen, it will not be able to absorb heat from the air, which will prevent your air conditioner from cooling.
3. Low refrigerant levels: Refrigerant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the air, so if the levels are low, your air conditioner will not be able to cool properly.
4. Electrical problems: Electrical problems can prevent your air conditioner from receiving power, which will prevent it from cooling.
5. Faulty compressor: The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, so if it fails, your air conditioner will not be able to cool.
6. Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are located outside your home, and they can become dirty over time. This can prevent your air conditioner from releasing heat, which will prevent it from cooling properly.
7. Oversized air conditioner: An oversized air conditioner will cool your home too quickly, which can cause it to short-cycle. This can damage your air conditioner and prevent it from cooling properly.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the air filter: The first step is to check the air filter. If it is dirty, replace it with a new one.
2. Inspect the evaporator coil: If the air filter is clean, the next step is to inspect the evaporator coil. If it is frozen, turn off your air conditioner and let it thaw for 24 hours.
3. Check the refrigerant levels: If the evaporator coil is not frozen, the next step is to check the refrigerant levels. You can do this by looking at the sight glass on the refrigerant line. If the refrigerant levels are low, you will need to call a qualified technician to recharge the system.
4. Check for electrical problems: If the refrigerant levels are normal, the next step is to check for electrical problems. You can do this by checking the circuit breaker or fuse that powers your air conditioner. If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped, reset it. If it trips again, you will need to call a qualified technician to diagnose the problem.
5. Check the compressor: If the electrical problems are not the cause of the problem, the next step is to check the compressor. You can do this by listening for a humming sound. If you do not hear a humming sound, the compressor may be faulty and will need to be replaced.
6. Clean the condenser coils: If the compressor is working properly, the next step is to clean the condenser coils. You can do this by using a garden hose to spray down the coils. Be sure to rinse the coils thoroughly.
7. Check the size of your air conditioner: If the condenser coils are clean, the next step is to check the size of your air conditioner. If your air conditioner is oversized, it will need to be replaced with a smaller unit.

Wrap-Up: Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps above and your air conditioner is still not cooling, you will need to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Answers to Your Questions

Q: What are the most common causes of an air conditioner not cooling?
A: The most common causes of an air conditioner not cooling are a dirty air filter, a frozen evaporator coil, low refrigerant levels, electrical problems, a faulty compressor, dirty condenser coils, and an oversized air conditioner.

Q: How can I check the air filter?
A: To check the air filter, simply remove it from the air conditioner and hold it up to the light. If you can see light through the filter, it is clean. If you cannot see light through the filter, it is dirty and needs to be replaced.

Q: How can I check the evaporator coil?
A: To check the evaporator coil, remove the access panel on the indoor unit of your air conditioner. The evaporator coil is located behind the access panel. If the evaporator coil is frozen, it will be covered in ice.

Q: How can I check the refrigerant levels?
A: To check the refrigerant levels, look at the sight glass on the refrigerant line. The sight glass is usually located on the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. If the refrigerant levels are low, the sight glass will be clear. If the refrigerant levels are normal, the sight glass will be cloudy.

Q: How can I check for electrical problems?
A: To check for electrical problems, check the circuit breaker or fuse that powers your air conditioner. If the circuit breaker or fuse is tripped, reset it. If it trips again, you will need to call a qualified technician to diagnose the problem.

Q: How can I check the compressor?
A: To check the compressor, listen for a humming sound. If you do not hear a humming sound, the compressor may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

Q: How can I clean the condenser coils?
A: To clean the condenser coils, use a garden hose to spray down the coils. Be sure to rinse the coils thoroughly.

Q: How can I check the size of my air conditioner?
A: To check the size of your air conditioner, look at the nameplate on the outdoor unit. The nameplate will list the tonnage of the air conditioner. The tonnage is a measure of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.