It’s another hot summer in San Bernardino, and you’re glad to have AC at home. At least you thought you were glad. But, when you crank up the AC, you’re met with nothing but room temperature air that isn’t giving you any relief. At Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand the frustration of craving cool comfort and feeling the heat of a malfunctioning AC unit. What’s going on here, and how can you fix it? Read on for icy insights and smooth solutions.
What can go wrong with the AC?
When your AC is running but not cooling your home, it’s trying to tell you something. Your cooling system is intricately designed to remove heat from your indoor air and circulate refreshing coolness into every corner of your home. But when one or more elements of this journey go awry, you may be sweating it out this summer. Let’s look at some common cooling culprits:
A clogged air filter: Air filters are the first line of defense against the dust, pollen and grime that’s trying to come inside through your air conditioner. But these filters have their limits. Once they’re clogged, they can significantly reduce airflow. Think about trying to breathe through a thick blanket. That’s what your AC is doing when the filter is clogged. That means less air passing over your unit’s evaporator coil, which typically absorbs the heat and leaves only cool comfort behind. Remember, air filters should be replaced every one to three months, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A clean air filter may be all you need to bring cool air back home.
A frozen evaporator coil: Your cooling unit uses an evaporator coil that contains refrigerant and absorbs heat from your home’s indoor air. Ironically, this coil can become frozen with condensation, which reduces the cooling capacity of your system. Fortunately, you can fix this by turning your AC system off for a while and allowing the coil to thaw completely. This may take several hours, but it gives you time to determine what’s blocking air flow. (Hint: Check the air filter we talked about above.)
Low refrigerant levels: Once you’ve given the evaporator a chance to thaw, turn the system back on and see what happens. If the air feels cool again, pat yourself on the back. But if the system is still blowing warm air, you may be low on refrigerant, the substance that cycles throughout your cooling system and sends the heat from your home outdoors. Low refrigerant is usually caused by a leak in the system. This is not a DIY fix! Our certified technicians at Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can accurately diagnose the leak, repair it, and then properly recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Attempting to “top off” refrigerant without addressing the leak is a temporary and often costly solution.
Dirty condenser coils: Your outdoor unit houses the condenser coil, which releases the heat that’s absorbed from your home. If these coils become covered with dirt, leaves, grass clippings or other debris, they no longer release the heat. This causes your AC to work harder, increasing energy consumption without bringing cool air back into your home. This is one of the many reasons why we recommend annual AC tune-ups. During these important visits, our technicians thoroughly inspect and clean your system, making sure it’s ready for another blistering summer.
A malfunctioning thermostat: Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the AC unit itself, but with the “brain” that controls it – your thermostat. A faulty thermostat can send incorrect signals to your AC system, leading to improper operation. Check the batteries in your thermostat if applicable. Ensure the thermostat is set to “Cool” and the fan is set to “Auto” (or “On” for continuous fan operation). If the issue persists, a professional can test your thermostat and replace it if necessary.
Don’t Sweat It – Call the AC Repair Pros at Ballard!
When your AC is running but not cooling, it’s a sign that your system needs attention. While some issues like a clogged air filter are easy DIY fixes, many of the underlying problems require the expertise of an expert AC repair technician. Attempting to diagnose or repair complex AC issues yourself can lead to further damage, costly repairs, and even safety hazards.
At Ballard Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been serving the San Bernardino community with reliable air conditioning services for years. If your AC is running but failing to cool, give us a call today at 909-297-1914 to schedule service. We’re here to help you get back to enjoying a perfectly cool and comfortable home!
