AC Cooling Problems: What You Need to Know?

There’s nothing like the comfort of being in a cool room when it’s hot outside. During the summer, you might feel like you want to keep your AC on all day. But if you run your AC for a long time, it might not work as well as it should. The last thing you want is for your AC to blow out warm air.

There can be many reasons why your Air conditioners isn’t cooling your room properly, and it’s important to figure out the exact cause to find the right fix. Here are some common reasons why your AC isn’t cooling enough and some solutions to help you solve the problem.

Why AC is not cooling?

Your AC might not be cooling properly due to issues like a dirty air filter, low refrigerant, or blocked vents. It could also be caused by a faulty thermostat or compressor, or if the unit is old and inefficient.

Here are some problems & its solutions:

Dirty air filter

One common reason an AC stops working is because of dirty air filters. When the AC runs often, dust and dirt build up on the filters, blocking the flow of cool air. This can cause the thermostat to work poorly and may even freeze the evaporator coil, preventing cool air from reaching your room.

Solution
One of the easiest ways to fix this is by cleaning the filters regularly, ideally every 2-3 months. If you’ve never cleaned the filters before, follow these simple steps:

1. Turn off the AC and unplug it from the switchboard.
2. Open the AC panel and remove the filters. If there’s more than one, take them out one at a time.
3. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the filter and evaporator, removing the dirt.
4. Be careful when cleaning the evaporator, as the edges can be sharp.
5. After brushing off the dust, wipe the filter with a damp cloth or rinse it under water
6. Allow the filter to dry completely before putting it back.

 Insufficient or leaking refrigerant/coolant 

Refrigerant is the liquid that helps cool the air in your AC. It absorbs heat from the room, cools it down, and sends the cool air back inside. If your AC is low on refrigerant or has a leak, it won’t cool your room effectively.

Solution

1. Listen for hissing or bubbling sounds from the AC.
2. Check the outdoor unit for any ice formation.
3. Call a professional AC repair service.
4. Have the technician check the refrigerant level.
5. Request a refill if the refrigerant is low.
6. Schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues.

Malfunctioning Compressor

A compressor is a key part of your air conditioning system. It works like a motor that compresses the coolant and moves it through the evaporator and condenser coils. If the compressor is damaged, it can disrupt the entire cooling process, and your AC won’t cool the room effectively.

Signs of a Damaged Compressor:

1. The AC is blowing hot air.
2. The outdoor unit shakes when you turn on the AC.
3. The outdoor unit makes unusual noises.
4. The AC doesn’t turn on at all.

Solution
If the compressor is damaged, it’s a serious problem. If it can’t be repaired, you will need to replace it.

Wrong Thermostat setting

If your AC isn’t cooling the room and you’ve checked the filters and the outdoor unit but didn’t find any problems, the issue might be with the thermostat setting.

What is a Thermostat?
A thermostat is a device that looks like a dial or keypad and is usually found inside your home. It shows the temperature in the room.

Solution

1. Check the thermostat setting.
2. Change the thermostat to ‘auto’ mode instead of ‘on’ mode.
3. Make sure the thermostat is set to a temperature lower than the current room temperature.
4. Wait a few minutes to see if the AC starts cooling.
5. If it still doesn’t work, consider calling a professional for help.

Conclusion

The reasons mentioned earlier are some common issues that can cause your AC to not cool properly, but there may be other problems as well. It’s important to identify the exact issue before attempting to fix it.

To keep your AC working well, it’s a good idea to have it serviced every 2-3 months. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems, improve cooling, and extend the life of your AC, which can save you money on repairs and energy costs.

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