There are only a few things worse than a malfunctioning air conditioning system in the middle of the summer. If your AC is not getting cold then you might just need to have air conditioner repair.
Yes, you can personally troubleshoot your AC system by looking for tips online. But it is always wise to call the attention of an HVAC technician to help you service and repair your malfunctioning air conditioner.
With the help of an HVAC professional, you can identify the root cause of why your AC is not getting cold. With this information, your contractor will be able to better prepare for doing an air conditioner repair as soon as possible. With the presence of a technician as well, you can further understand if there are more issues you have to deal with regard to your HVAC system.
Dealing with a broken AC immediately is a must. Not only does it give inconvenience, but major health concerns also arise as temperatures are sore.
Here we have some probable reasons why your AC is not getting cold. All these issues are common and need to be addressed asap to further avoid any damage to your AC. It includes:
- Power issues
- Thermostat issues
- Clogged filter
- Ice buildup
- Clogged drain
- Dirty compressor
- Condensate airflow switch
- Low refrigerant levels
You don’t necessarily have to replace your AC at once. There is still hope of fixing it. Doing air conditioner repairs yourself is not a bad option, but having a qualified HVAC technician could really get you a long way.
Common Causes of AC Not Getting Cold
Power issues
Sounds basic right? But if your AC is not plugged in correctly or if the power cord is somewhat damaged, that might be the reason why your AC is not blowing air properly. Now if the outlet and the AC’s power cord are fine, then checking your electrical panel is the next thing to do. Since air conditioners require large surges of power, a tripped breaker or blown fuse might be the cause. If your AC unit has a built-in overload switch, then it should be checked as well.
Thermostat issues
When everything on your air conditioner’s front panel is on and your AC is still not getting cold, the thermostat could be not set at the appropriate temperature. Turn the dial down to the lowest settings, test every button, and see if that makes the unit run properly again. If you can check all the wirings in the thermostat, make sure that they are all connected properly (also check batteries if there any available).
Clogged filter
A lot of air conditioning units today have a pre-built shutting mechanism that activates when the AC’s filter is clogged. Air conditioners are designed to have to prevent damage to the motor in the event of overheating. Also, when the filter is clogged, it may not be allowing proper air intake and restricts airflow, thus not letting your AC get cold. Cleaning your filter is a must. In some cases, replacing the filter may be necessary.
Ice buildup
Ice buildup in your AC could be happening for a couple of reasons. First, there could be a lack of refrigerant. Second, you may have dirty coils or filters that are not allowing proper airflow. Clean the coils of your air conditioning unit and see if it improves any better. When there is an ice buildup, run it in a fan-only setting to melt the ice. If that still doesn’t work, then your unit might have low refrigerant levels.
Clogged drain
Have you noticed a drain pipe or hose connected to your air conditioner? In time, algae and dirt could be trapped in this duct which causes the unit to malfunction or shut down. Since this feature of an air conditioner is available to prevent water from getting back to the unit, getting flooded may damage your air conditioner. Clean the drainpipe with a mild bleach solution or consider replacing it if you have to.
Dirty compressor
Just like any other appliance, your air conditioner will only work properly if you have maintained it well and are getting it cleaned regularly. When maintaining your AC, it is a must to clean the area around your compressor and cover it for the winter. As years pass by, leaves, dirt, and other debris can get stuck in your unit and will prevent your air conditioner from running properly.
Though some units can be cleaned by homeowners easily, enlisting the help of an HVAC professional will give better results. This will make sure that your unit receives proper cleaning and appropriate maintenance. Just a reminder though make sure your air conditioning unit is turned off before doing any cleaning.
Condensate airflow switch
Some air handlers contain an integrated safety float switch that trips and shuts off the unit when the drainpipe backs up with water. If you check and find that the switch has tripped, it must be reset after the condenser drainpipe has been cleaned.
Low refrigerant levels
Contrary to popular belief, coolant doesn’t go bad or deplete; a common reason for a lack of cold air is often a refrigerant leak. Slow leaks can cause refrigerant levels to drop over time, which requires a check of the lines, and a recharge of the system in order to get it blowing cold air again. This should be done by a professional due to the complex nature of cooling systems and the chemicals involved.
Related article: Common Air Conditioner Faults and How To Repair Them
When Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
Replacing your unit is one option you could take depending on the age of your air conditioner and the condition it is now in. Upgrading to a better and newer system might make more sense if the cost of air conditioner repair would cost more than the replacement. Especially if there is an option for a more reliable unit, then proceed with a replacement. An upgrade would make a wiser investment for the long run if::
- Your air conditioning system is 10+ years old.
- You consistently run into recurring problems with the AC
- The air conditioner repair costs are more than your allowable budget
As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. And that is also true when it comes to your air conditioning system as well.
With the help of a professional technician performing annual inspections on your AC, you can stay on top of these maintenance issues. And you can avoid such issues as your AC not getting cold in the future.
Get the Help of an HVAC Technician
A licensed HVAC technician ensures that your system remains in tip-top shape. With the help of these professionals, you can be sure that your system remains compliant with any local and national building codes while performing the best it should.
If you are in need of air conditioner repair, consider enlisting the help of a qualified professional. Don’t risk damaging your system further. Contact ALP Heating today, and let our team of HVAC professionals do the work for you.
