Having an efficient air conditioner that blows cool air in the heat of the summer is essential when you live in or around Bountiful, Utah. The humidity may be on the low side, but the heat can be unbearable, especially in July and August when temperatures often reach around 95 degrees Fahrenheit in this area. That said, if your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, finding out why becomes a priority.
There are several reasons that your AC may not be cooling. Some of these reasons are simple fixes like cleaning an air filter or moving some furniture to increase airflow. Others are more complex and will require an HVAC specialist to manage. In this guide, we will explore the reasons that an air conditioner may not be cooling your home and discuss ways to fix the issue.
1. Dirty Air Filters
One of the first things to check when your air conditioner is not cooling is the filters in your unit. You should clean the air filters in your HVAC system every month, and you will also need to change them at least every three months. There are other reasons to change them more frequently, but this is the maximum time they should be in the system. If you have pets in your home or someone living in the space has allergies or asthma, then we recommend changing the filters every 30 to 60 days.
When the filter is dirty, the AC cannot pull the air through the system, which makes the airflow weaker and much less efficient. The best way to see if you need to change your filter is to remove it from the air conditioner and look through it. If you cannot see through the filter, change it. If you can, the filter is fine, and the problem is likely somewhere else in the system.
2. Lacking Airflow
Another issue that you can easily look into is whether there is proper airflow in your home. This means that when cool air comes out of the unit, it goes into the open part of the room so that you can feel the cooling effect. If the position of the air handler is behind furniture, the air may not feel as cold because it needs to travel further to reach you. Also, if there are not enough air handlers in your living space, the AC may not be able to efficiently cool the space without installing a new one.
3. Condenser Not Clear
The condenser unit is outside the home, and if you have not switched on the cooling system yet this year, there could be an easy-to-fix reason behind it. The condenser unit should have a clearance of about 2 feet all around it so that the air can flow freely into the unit. If there are leaves and other debris surrounding the condenser, a simple cleaning will take care of the issue. Dirt and debris are not the only things that can block airflow. You may need to clear away plants that are growing as well as weeds so that they do not grow into the unit.
4. Thermostat Malfunctioning
If your air conditioner is not running as cool as it could, check the setting on the thermostat. If the thermostat is set to fan, you are bringing air into your living space from the outdoors, which means that the air is more humid and less cool than it would be if it’s set to cool. When this setting is in use, the compressor that cools the air doesn’t actually cool the air. Instead, the air only circulates through your home. It also doesn’t remove the humidity in the air, so it may feel warmer when using this mode.
Also, having your air conditioner set to automatic means that the unit will automatically cool to a certain temperature and then cycle down to fan mode when cooling is no longer necessary. This mode is great for lowering your energy bill, but it’s not ideal on a humid day because, when the air conditioner switches to fan mode, it can blow moisture back into the air, increasing the humidity inside.
If your thermostat isn’t reading the correct temperature, then it may be because the calibration is off. Smart thermostats can also display the wrong temperature if the device loses access to Wi-Fi for a short while. To fix this, you can easily reboot the system to get it running properly. A faulty temperature gauge could also be the reason that the thermostat is incorrect. Call a member of our team to ensure that your thermostat is working properly.
5. Refrigerant Line Issue
If your refrigerant line is leaking, then there isn’t enough pressure in the system for the unit to absorb the air from outside, cool it, and release it inside your home. If this is an issue, you’ll notice that the air is warmer than usual, and you may hear a hissing sound coming from the refrigerant line. It could be as simple as a pinched line, but if it’s a leak, you will need a professional from our team to manage it. If you suspect a refrigerant leak in your system, contact us at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators to find the leak and refill the refrigerant levels.
6. Ducts Need Cleaning
Another thing that can affect how well your air conditioner cools your home is the cleanliness of your ducts. Dirty ducts are a big issue when it comes to airflow. When the ducts have enough dust and debris inside them, the air isn’t able to get through the narrow vents as easily. That said, without proper airflow, cooling will minimize, and you’ll find that the cooling system is only blowing around the air in your home instead of cooling it.
In addition, this will blow around allergens in your living space. If you haven’t had a professional clean your ducts in a while, contact one of our HVAC specialists to schedule an appointment. We recommend having an HVAC technician clean your ducts every three to five years.
Keep Cool With a Dependable HVAC Specialist
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling the way it should, the cause could be anything from dirty air filters or blocked ducts to refrigerant leaks or thermostat malfunctions. Ignoring the signs can lead to bigger issues down the line and higher energy bills for you to deal with in the meantime. If your home feels warm even when your AC is running, don’t sweat it.
We are a woman-owned company with more than 20 years of experience serving the Wasatch Front area. Contact us today to pinpoint HVAC issues early. We will provide you with the help when needed to keep your system running efficiently and your home comfortable and cool. At Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators, we are one of the top HVAC companies in the Greater Salt Lake City Area. For all your heating and cooling needs, give us a call and we’ll schedule an appointment that suits your needs. Be sure to ask us about our HVAC maintenance plan!
