Air Conditioning Not Cooling

A non-cooling air conditioner is very common issue that is often complained about by users. But you need not panic in all cases. Neither run to schedule a call with a servicing professional. There are some tips that you can apply at home to bring the machine back to cooling mode. Sometimes the problems are so simple that it is not worthwhile to shell out money into repairing it.

If you hear the AC running but not cooling then, begin troubleshooting by turning off the circuit breaker that supplies current to the AC compressor. You will find this breaker usually on a panel on the wall next to the outdoor compressor. Do not forget to shut off the air conditioner’s 240-volt circuit at the main electrical panel. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds and turn the circuit breaker back to on. See if the machine starts cooing.

Next check the outdoor condenser cabinet. See, if it is laden with dried leaves, debris, cobweb and such other things. Clear them off. If there’s a branch smothering the unit, then trim it off. Ensure that there is sufficient breathing space around the unit. Too much congestion around it will restrict airflow. Cleaning the condenser unit sometimes improves air flow. Sometimes ice forms around the evaporator coil and refrigerant tubes. In this case enough air is unable to pass and the unit does not cool. .If you see icy formation in your indoor unit, shut off the machine to let it thaw. Once the ice melts, the machine will come back to normalcy. Cleaning the evaporator and condenser unit is important to keep an AC at the peak of its efficiency.

Sometimes too much dust and debris in the blower fans also leads to marginal cooling. In that case unscrew and remove grilles from the compressor. If the fan is attached to the grille, do it with much care, so that you do not make any loose connections. Now take a brush to clean the dust from the fins. You can also vacuum the fins. Read your manual. If your manufacturer recommends oiling certain components, do that now.

The air conditioner produces gallons of water every day. This water is produced as result of condensation of the high pressure,vaporous refrigerant in the condenser unit. Sometimes the drain gets clogged with algae and debris and the water is unable to move. This can result in shutting off the unit. So ensure that you have the condensate drain clean and working.

Next take look at thermostat. See, if it is set too high in heating mode. If it is set too high, set it 5 degrees below the room temperature. This will put the AC in cooling mode. Also check if the thermostat is guarded by some obstruction which is preventing it from sampling room air. If the thermostat is non-functional then check it by turning the AC on from the main unit. If the AC works then thermostat needs to be replaced.

Dirty filters are leading causes of low cooling ACs. Ensure that the filters are clean. Replace or clean them once in a month. If none of these works, your AC surely needs professional examining.

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