If you can’t get cool air from your AC, start with a simple check of your settings. Also, check the outdoor unit to see if it’s clogged with debris or overgrown vegetation.
Then inspect your ducts for leaks or any signs of duct tape (which is short-term and often fails). Low refrigerant levels can also affect cooling performance. Contact Cincinnati Air Conditioning for more information.
1. Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of cooled air and causes your AC system to work harder. This can overwork your AC unit and cause it to freeze up. Regularly swapping out cabin filters can help you avoid this problem.
Air filters are designed to trap dust, pollen, pet dander and other airborne contaminants from circulating throughout your home. Without them, these contaminants would quickly accumulate on essential HVAC system components, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially poor indoor air quality.
Dirty filters, inefficient blowers and clogged ducts can all interfere with your cooling system’s ability to cool your house. Fortunately, these issues are often easy to fix. With a little time and effort, you can save yourself the trouble of calling in a professional. It’s worth it! Your health and comfort will thank you.
2. Dirty Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is where heat gets absorbed and transferred to the air. Without a working, clean condenser coil, your AC won’t be able to cool your home.
If you hear hissing or rattling noises from your outdoor unit, that’s an indication the condenser coil is dirty and needs cleaning or replacement. Damaged coils also lead to higher electricity bills because the system works harder to keep your home cool.
Regular maintenance can prevent this problem by cleaning the condenser coil and keeping it clear of debris. It’s a good idea to check and replace your air filter regularly, as well. This simple step can help your air conditioner run efficiently and save you money on energy bills each month. Also, keep the area around your unit free of bushes, shrubs and other vegetation to promote proper airflow.
3. Blocked Vents or Ducts
If you’ve been closing vents in unused rooms in an effort to save energy or money, it may be time to reconsider. Closing air vents restricts the flow of cooled air and can cause the AC to work overtime. This can overwork the unit and cost you more in the long run.
If the thermostat is set to heat or constant fan, and your air conditioner is not cooling, the problem could be with the thermostat’s settings or a dirty air filter. The air compressor inside the outdoor unit is also susceptible to problems if it is damaged or clogged.
Regular maintenance tasks like changing the air filter and cleaning the condenser coil can help keep your home comfortable all year round. But if you have serious issues such as banging noises, burning smells or an AC that won’t turn on, it may be time to consider replacing the system.
4. Faulty Thermostat
If you change your thermostat settings and the system doesn’t come on within a minute, it could be due to a broken thermostat. Thermostats have about a 10-year lifespan, and the longer they age, the more likely they are to become erratic and start shifting the temperature settings on their own.
Another problem with the thermostat is that it might have dead batteries, which can cut off communication between the thermostat and HVAC system. Swapping out the batteries is an easy fix that can solve the issue in no time. If it doesn’t, contact a qualified HVAC technician to troubleshoot the thermostat. Your heating and cooling issues may also be related to leaking ducts, dirty air filters, clogged or frozen condenser coils, refrigerant leaks or electrical problems. Talk to your local Carrier dealer for more information.
5. Low Refrigerant Levels
If you notice a hissing sound from your outdoor unit, it could be a sign that the refrigerant isn’t circulating as it should. Low refrigerant inhibits the indoor evaporator coil from properly absorbing heat, leading to poor cooling performance.
If the evaporator coil develops ice across its surface, it further impairs heat transfer and can damage the compressor. An expert technician can inspect and fix the evaporator coil to restore the system’s cooling capacity.
Refrigerant is a sensitive substance that needs to be handled by a licensed professional. Leaks and low refrigerant levels can be tricky to diagnose and repair. A technician can test the pressure, find any leaks and recharge the system to proper specifications. This will ensure your AC is delivering the cool air you need. It’s one of the most effective ways to lower your energy bills, too!
6. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
If your AC constantly shuts off or starts to suck water back into the system, a clogged drain line could be to blame. A professional technician will use a wet/dry vacuum or vinegar and hot water to flush the line and clean the drain pan.
This is a good preventative measure to take, as a clogged drain line can cause serious water damage and even electrical issues. Your Carrier dealer can help you schedule regular maintenance checks to keep your evaporator coils and drain line clean.
If you’ve gone through all the troubleshooting steps and done preventative maintenance, but your AC still isn’t cooling, it may be time for a service call. Your local Carrier HVAC dealer can help you find a qualified and reliable technician to get your AC cooling again. Then, you can relax and enjoy the cool air.
7. Electrical Issues
It’s important to check for common AC problems, such as a dirty air filter, before calling for service. Other issues may be easier to fix, such as a thermostat issue or a clogged condensate drain line.
Other potential electrical issues include a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse could help solve the problem, but if the breaker trips repeatedly, you might need an electrician to diagnose and repair the issue.
Contactors are electrical switches that control the flow of electricity to major AC components, such as the compressor and condenser fan motor. Over time, the contacts wear out, which can prevent the system from starting or cause it to run intermittently. Replacing the capacitor is a relatively simple DIY project that can save money on repairs. However, the process involves handling pressurized refrigerant, which should only be handled by licensed professionals.
8. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, and it’s responsible for cooling the air. When it’s failing, your airflow will suffer. Several potential reasons for a failing compressor include dirty coils, refrigerant leaks, and electrical problems. Signs of a compressor issue can include weak airflow, a tripped breaker, and a smell of oil.
Luckily, most issues can be easily fixed on your own. A quick check of the thermostat settings to make sure they’re set correctly and have fresh batteries can often solve the problem. Other issues, such as a clogged orifice tube, may require the help of a professional to resolve. Addressing these issues promptly can save you from a costly repair bill in the future. Also, sealing up ducts and regular AC maintenance can boost energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. Learn more about these simple but impactful AC maintenance tasks here.
9. Frozen Evaporator Coil
When the evaporator coils freeze, they no longer absorb heat energy from your home’s air. This is why preventing ice formation is an important part of AC maintenance.
A frozen coil is a clear signal that it’s time for professional AC repair and service. The simplest solution is to turn off the AC and wait for the coils to thaw. Avoid using a hairdryer or any other heat source to speed up the process, which can damage the coils.
Other preventive measures include ensuring the thermostat’s location and settings are correct, keeping the outdoor unit clear of leaves and debris, and scheduling regular professional inspections and maintenance visits. These steps will help your system run more efficiently and prevent a frozen evaporator coil. It’s also a great idea to choose an energy-efficient AC unit that’s designed for your home and climate.
10. Low Frequency
When your air conditioner cools your home, it pulls moisture from the air, which is then supposed to drain away through the condensate drain line. If the drain line becomes clogged with dirt or debris, it will shut down as a fail-safe. This could also indicate a low refrigerant level or a broken compressor.
A loud AC can be another indicator of a cooling problem. Banging or rattling sounds typically point to loose parts in the compressor, while grinding noises suggest a motor bearing is going out. These problems can’t be fixed by poking around, so it’s best to contact an experienced residential HVAC service provider.
Before you call, check your thermostat and circuit breaker to make sure they haven’t been tripped. If these quick checks don’t resolve your cooling issue, it’s time to call in the professionals from Carrier to troubleshoot your system.