There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
To troubleshoot the issue, check the condenser and clean away any debris. This area can be cleaned by a vacuum with a brush attachment, or try using a hose to gently wipe away any dirt and grime. Still dealing with AC running but not cooling? If so, it may be time to call a professional for service.
So, if your air conditioner isn't cooling, and you suspect a refrigerant leak, or if you've checked the air filter and thermostat to no avail, yes, you should shut your air conditioner off and call us right away.
Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the heat, your air filter may be to blame. A dirty air filter can obstruct the airflow path through the unit. Using a dirty air filter can also cause less energy efficiency and more costly utility bills.
A dirty air filter
Your air filter is designed to trap contaminants in the air before it gets pulled into the AC system. But over time that means that your filter gets dirty and clogged. And if a dirty filter isn't replaced, it can seriously limit your AC's cooling power.
Replacing an AC compressor costs between $900 and $2,900, with an average price of $1,900, including parts and labor. Prices can surpass $3,000 for the unit alone in large homes requiring a more powerful compressor while replacing an AC compressor in a window unit can cost as little as $100.
Perhaps the easiest way to identify an issue with your air conditioner is if your vehicle is blowing warm or hot air. If your vehicle is too low on refrigerant, the evaporator core will not reach the optimal temperature for cooling. The air may start out cold, then blow warm. Or, it may never cool down at all.
Refrigerant issues, including low refrigerant or a leak. The general condition of your air conditioning system. If it's been more than one year since your last air conditioner tune-up, your air conditioner might be putting out a call for help by failing to cool your home as you want it to.
A good rule of thumb is during the hottest days when the dial reaches 100 degrees it is best to set your AC to somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees.
Ideally, your AC should run for 15 minutes on nice, warm days. Only on those rare triple-digit temperature days should your air conditioner be running almost all the time. If your AC isn't following this pattern, you could have a problem.
The extreme heat will cause your air conditioner to run continuously. This will not damage your unit. Change your filter! If you have not changed your filter recently, stop what you're doing and change it!
We have received dozens of calls from homeowners frustrated with their a/c's limited capacity to keep up with the heat outside. Your a/c is not designed for 100 degrees. There is likely nothing wrong with your system.
While it may seem like the heat will put too much strain on an AC unit during a heat wave, it is still okay to let the AC run if you take certain measures. The heat may be a bit too much for your AC to run at a consistent temperature all day.
Your air conditioner's internal circuitry needs some time to reset after you turn it back on. This can take approximately a half-hour, so sit tight for about 30 minutes. Turn your air conditioner back on at the thermostat. After 30 minutes have passed, turn your air conditioner back on at the thermostat.
Once you've flipped the switch that runs to your AC unit, wait 60 seconds. Before turning off the power, it's a good idea to inform people in your home that you're resetting breakers. After the full minute is up, flip the switch back to the “on” position.