One simple fix for this issue is to replace your air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause your AC unit to work harder than it needs to. Another option is to clean your air ducts and vents, removing any debris or blockages that might be preventing the cool air from circulating properly.
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.
If your AC is not cooling your home (but is still blowing cool air through the vents), one of the primary culprits is that your house has insufficient insulation and air leaks.
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.
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.
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.
Low Refrigerant
When your refrigerant levels are too low, your AC's ability to transfer heat is reduced, and cooling your home can take much longer. A licensed HVAC technician should recharge your refrigerant, but you have a few signs to watch for that could indicate a refrigerant leak is likely.
The outside condenser unit is the part of your AC system that disperses the heat from your refrigerant into the outside air. If your outside unit is visibly dirty, or if the condenser coils are really dirty, then your AC will struggle to disperse that heat, which means it will take longer to cool your home.
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.
Most air conditioning units are equipped with a reset button. These buttons tend to be red and quite small. If you're having a tough time finding it, consult your owner's manual. (If you can't find it, most are published online for quick reference).
Look for it first around on the exterior of your machine, especially along the bottom edge near the ground. An AC's reset button is typically red and visible, so it should be easy to spot. If you don't see a reset button on the outside, it could be located inside the unit behind the service panel.
Here's how long some of the most common types of AC last:
Portable AC — 5-10 years. Residential single whole-home AC unit — 15 years. Central air-source heat pumps — 15 years (and up to 20–25 years if well-maintained and in a well insulated home) Ductless mini-split AC systems (heat pumps) — 20 years.
If your outside AC unit isn't turning on, troubleshoot the problem by checking the circuit breaker, ensuring the shut-off or emergency switch wasn't flipped, and resetting the system. If that doesn't work, call a professional HVAC company to diagnose and fix the problem.
This is usually due to your AC's relay turning your AC on and off. If that clicking is loud and/or continues for more than a few seconds, you probably have an issue with a broken relay or a worn wire in your thermostat. Contact a professional technician to identify and fix the problem.
Repeatedly starting and stopping an AC unit is also less likely to damage it than allowing it to run continuously for long periods of time. The strain may not have an immediate impact, but it can shorten the lifespan of your AC unit in the long run.
If you purchase a new capacitor and try to replace it yourself, you may be able to do it for as low as $80, though this isn't recommended. If you hire a professional AC service and request a high-end capacitor, you could pay as much as $400. The average cost of capacitor replacement is around $175.
Insufficient Airflow
Poor airflow is a common sign that your air conditioner isn't working efficiently or that a blockage is preventing air from moving through your home's ductwork. A clogged air filter, a broken motor or something even more serious may be to blame.
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.
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.
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.