Why Your AC Is Running But Not Cooling Your Home

Your air conditioning system should cool effectively and prevent your home’s temperature from rising. If your AC seems to be running smoothly but your house is still getting warmer, the system needs your attention. Many issues can prevent your air conditioner from cooling effectively, including a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, a frozen evaporator coil or a clogged condensate drain line. The compressor may also be to blame, indicating that you need a new air conditioner. We’ll explore the most common causes of air conditioner failure and help you understand when it’s time to call in the professionals.

Dirty Air Filter

With the hot, humid conditions in the Fort Wayne and New Haven areas, regularly checking and replacing your AC air filter is crucial to ensure your house stays cool. If you wait too long, the filter will get so dirty that it greatly reduces your system’s effectiveness and energy efficiency. A dirty air filter restricts incoming airflow, preventing the blower from drawing in sufficient air for the system to work properly. The result is that the system cannot cool properly, leading to the indoor temperature increasing rapidly.

Low Refrigerant

AC systems use refrigerant to capture heat from incoming air and then disperse the heat outside. If the system is low on refrigerant, it can’t capture nearly as much heat. That means that it will cool far more slowly or possibly not cool at all, depending on how low the refrigerant charge is.

Unfortunately, low refrigerant normally signals a leak somewhere in the system. Finding and repairing a leak is not only difficult, but it can also be costly. This is one of those situations where replacement may make more sense than AC repair, especially if the system is older and frequently has issues.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

The condensation that forms on the evaporator coil normally drips straight off into the drain pan below. However, it can also freeze, eventually forming ice around the coil, which prevents the air conditioner unit from cooling further. The only way to get the system working again is to shut it off and wait for the coil to completely thaw.

The coil can easily freeze if there isn’t enough warm air flowing over it, which can happen because the filter is dirty, the blower isn’t working as it should or the system is low on refrigerant. It’s also common for the evaporator coil to freeze because it’s dirty and coated in a thick layer of dust. This is one of the many reasons annual HVAC maintenance is so important. Not only will the technician clean both coils, but they’ll also check for any other issues that could prevent the system from cooling effectively or potentially lead to it breaking down.

Clogged Condensate Drain

The condensate drain system collects the water that forms on the evaporator coil and channels it either outside or directly into the home’s plumbing and drain system. The drain lines can sometimes get clogged with algae, mold and slime, resulting in the water backing up.

Standing water in the drain pan increases moisture in the air handler, making it harder for the system to fully cool the incoming air. Luckily, you can usually prevent condensate drain clogs by having your AC maintained every spring. Without regular maintenance, you can experience major issues when the condensate drain becomes clogged.

Worn-Out Condenser Fan Motor

The condenser fan in the outdoor unit allows an AC system to disperse the heat it removes from the house. A failed motor prevents the fan from spinning, making it nearly impossible for the system to release the heat that’s stored within the refrigerant. This results in the refrigerant remaining so hot that it can’t hold any more heat, leading to the system cooling extremely inefficiently or not cooling at all.

Failing Compressor

The biggest worry is that insufficient cooling can reveal a failing compressor. A compressor failure almost always equates to a total system failure. That’s mainly because replacing the compressor alone can cost nearly as much as replacing the entire system. Other warning signs of a failing system include unusual noises like humming or buzzing and a significant increase in your energy bills.

At Korte Does It All, Inc., we’re ready to handle all of your home comfort needs. From air conditioner installation, repair and maintenance to thermostats and indoor air quality, we have solutions to keep you comfortable. We offer 24/7 emergency AC service and are always here to assist when disaster strikes. By enrolling in our maintenance membership plan, you can also ensure you get the help you need to keep your AC in proper working order.

To schedule AC repair or an inspection in the Fort Wayne area, contact us today.