No one likes it when their air conditioner stops working properly. It’s hot, and uncomfortable, and can be a real hassle to figure out what’s causing the problem. Mission Mechanical explains some of the most common reasons that may answer why your air conditioning system is not blowing cold air through your air ducts, and when it may be time to replace your AC unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?
The air conditioner is not receiving power.
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner isn’t circulating cold air is that it is no longer receiving power. This can be due to a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. If you suspect that this is the problem, check your home’s electrical panel to see if a breaker has been tripped or a fuse has blown.
The air conditioner is not properly sized for the home.
Another common reason why an air conditioner stops cooling is that it is not properly sized for the home. Air conditioners that are too small will have to work harder to cool the space, which can cause them to overheat and shut down. Conversely, air conditioners that are too large will cool the space too quickly and will cycle on and off, which can also cause them to overheat and shut down. These issues inflict excess wear and tear on the system, which can lead to premature failures.
The air filter is dirty.
An often overlooked reason why is my your AC system isn’t working a dirty air filter. If you haven’t replaced your air filter in a while it can restrict the air flow to your air conditioning system, interfere with the function of the indoor evaporator coil, and cause it to overheat and shut down. It can also negatively impact your indoor air quality. To prevent this problem, be sure to check your air filter on a monthly basis and replace it as necessary.
The evaporator coils are frozen.
A frozen evaporator coil can be to blame for why your air conditioning is struggling. This usually happens when there is insufficient airflow over the coils, which can be caused by a dirty air filter or even grime covering the coils.
The condenser coils are dirty or blocked.
The condenser coils are responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant so that it can be recycled back into the compressor. If these coils are dirty or blocked, they will be less effective at dissipating heat, which can cause the outdoor condenser unit to overheat and shut down.
There is a refrigerant leak
If all you’re getting from your AC system is warm air, it might be caused by a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrosion, damage to the system, or improper installation. Call an HVAC professional to fix the leak, recharge your refrigerant, and get your central air conditioner working at peak performance again.
When To Repair or Replace Your Unit
Many homeowners prefer to repair an existing unit if possible rather than replacing it outright—especially if it’s relatively new (less than 10 years old) and the repairs needed are affordable. A good rule of thumb is if the repairs to your central air conditioning system cost more than half the price of installing a new system, it’s probably more cost-effective to replace it. Also, if your unit is 10 or more years old, replacement is likely on the horizon anyway due to the expected lifespan of these systems, so think about how you want to invest your money when it comes to repairing versus replacement.
There are certain instances where replacing an older AC unit might make more sense than repairing it due to energy efficiency concerns; for example, if you own an older model air conditioner that uses R-22 refrigerant. In this case, replacing the unit will provide better performance while also saving you money on energy bills over time due to improved efficiency ratings with newer models.
AC Repair in Indianapolis
It’s never fun dealing with air conditioning systems that won’t cool properly but fortunately, we can help get your system back on track. Call Mission Mechanical in Indianapolis today for expert assistance with air conditioning repair and air conditioning replacement! With our help, you’ll have cool air flowing through your home again in no time.
