Malfunctioning thermostats, dirty filters or compressors, and low refrigerant levels are just a few of the culprits for an AC not blowing cold air.
You might be low on refrigerant or have a worn out motor or a dirty evaporator coil. Not all AC problems demonstrate themselves with loud sounds or funny odors coming from your system. Some of them simply reduce the AC's ability to run, and all you notice is less cool air in the house.
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner might be running but not cooling a house is due to thermostat issues. The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature of your home, and if it's not functioning properly, it can cause your AC unit to work inefficiently.
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.
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.
Change your filter – Dirty filters are often the culprit of poor AC performance. It adds resistance and reduces airflow. Make sure outside condenser coil is clean – clear of cottonwood and other debris. Clean out condensate drain lines – make sure they are clear of debris.
As we said, an air conditioner should run for about fifteen minutes- if your ac runs all day long, especially on hot days, it's time for some maintenance! This is bad for your air conditioner and bad for your electricity bills. That's why we recommend an annual tune-up to keep your AC in tip-top shape.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Blocked Air Conditioner Condenser Unit
Blades of grass, dirt and other forms of debris may get stuck between the fins and interfere with this process. A dirty air conditioner coil will have poor energy efficiency. It can also lead to a lack of cool air from the registers. Clean the coil with a brush and vacuum.
A jammed or clogged condenser coil could be the cause of your air conditioner running but not dropping temperatures inside. The condenser fan pulls air into the outside device through the condenser coil to extract heat energy from your home while it's working properly.
It usually takes around two and a half to three and a half hours to cool your house from 80 to 72 degrees. However, a variety of different factors can affect the time it takes to reach the desired temperature, including the thermostat setting, the size of the house, and the efficiency of the air filters.
What are some symptoms of a failing AC compressor? Loud noises, hot air, airflow issues, uneven cooling, and electrical problems are all things you might run into when an AC compressor is on its last leg. There are four common warning signs to watch for when an AC compressor is going bad.
In this case the answer is mostly good news for homeowners. Modern air conditioners are meant to run for years, often running daily for months at a time. As long as the AC receives regular seasonal maintenance and is in good working condition when it's shut down, you should have no trouble when you turn it back on.
Conclusion. The answer to the question “is it cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day?” is a resounding yes. You'll save money on your energy and repair bills, especially during the summer months.
Your AC System May Be Overdue for Maintenance
Have you checked to make sure your registers and return air vents are clear of obstructions and that your outdoor unit hasn't accumulated a buildup of debris over time? If your unit hasn't received a professional tune-up in a while, consider scheduling one.
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.
A clogged and dusty air filter will force your air conditioner to labor in circulating cool air to reach your desired temperature (e.g. your set your thermostat at 73 but the air won't drop below 76). The evaporator coil, which cools the air, will then freeze, forming ice that obstructs the airflow.