6 Reasons Why Your AC isn’t Cooling

During hot summers, your AC becomes the most essential component of the household, providing relief from the intense heat. When it stops working, it causes significant stress for everyone, from people to pets. There are various reasons why this might be happening. It could be due to common issues such as frozen coils, refrigerant leaks, or even incorrect unit size.

We’ve put together six reasons why your AC might not be cooling as well as provided quick and possible solutions to get you to fix your AC right away.

If your AC is not cooling as expected, continue reading to uncover common reasons why your AC unit may be struggling to maintain comfort in your home.

1. There’s a Frozen Coil

When your AC isn’t cooling your home, it might be due to a frozen coil. This problem can be really frustrating for everyone. Frozen coils happen when there isn’t enough airflow or the refrigerant levels are too low, causing ice to form and block the cooling process. You might notice your AC running without cooling, ice on the coils, or more moisture around the unit.

How to fix this issue:

To fix this issue, start by turning off the AC and letting the ice melt. Note that this process can take up to 24 hours. Then, change the air filter to improve airflow and switch the fan on to help thaw the coils. If the problem persists, clean the coils or use a hair dryer on a low setting to melt the ice. If this doesn’t help, try changing the air filter to improve airflow. This step will not only solve the problem but also help prevent future issues, keeping your home cool and comfortable contact our professionals at Rhino Air to take a look and repair your AC.

2. There’s a Leak

If you're still having trouble finding out the causes of AC not cooling house, one major problem could be water leaks. This occurs when cool air escapes from your system before it can properly circulate throughout your home. These leaks often happen because of clogged drain lines or damaged drain pans.

How to fix this issue:

To fix this, inspect your ductwork for visible leaks, seal them with duct tape or mastic sealant, insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces, and ensure all vents and registers are fully open and unobstructed. By addressing air leaks, you can improve your system's efficiency and maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature in your home.

3. The Refrigerant is Low

Another common issue is low refrigerant levels, which prevent your AC from cooling effectively. Signs of low refrigerant include your AC running constantly without sufficiently cooling your home, warm air from vents, and ice buildup on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines.

How to fix this issue:

While adding refrigerant typically requires professional intervention due to the need for specialized equipment and certification, you can check for visible leaks, clean the evaporator and condenser coils, and replace air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and prevent minor issues.

If your DIY efforts don’t resolve the problem and if you reside within our service regions in California, it’s best to call a certified HVAC technician, as they have the tools and expertise to safely handle refrigerant and repair any leaks.

4. There’s an issue with The Registers

One of the most overlooked reasons your AC might not be cooling effectively is due to blocked or clogged registers. This issue is particularly frustrating for homeowners who rely on their air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. When registers are blocked by dust, dirt, pet hair, or even furniture, the airflow is significantly reduced, causing your AC to work harder and your energy bills to rise.

How to fix this issue:

To fix this issue, start by ensuring all registers are open and unobstructed. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any visible debris from the registers, or if needed, remove them and clean thoroughly.

Regular cleaning can prevent this problem from recurring. If the issue persists, consider having your air ducts professionally cleaned to ensure optimal airflow throughout your home. Our experts are available round-the-clock to assist you. Just give us a call anytime you need help.

5. There’s an issue with the Ductwork

When your AC isn't cooling properly, one possible problem is often overlooked: your ductwork. Leaks or damage in your ducts can cause the cool air your AC produces to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home, leaving you with a space that's uncomfortably warm. Factors like pests, poor installation, or just wear and tear over time can all contribute to these issues.

How to fix this issue:

For those who have some suspicions about this problem, start by inspecting visible ductwork in accessible areas like unfinished basements for loose joints. Secure any loose joints with duct tape to prevent air leaks. However, for ducts concealed within walls or ceilings, it's crucial to enlist the expertise of a professional HVAC technician. They can accurately diagnose and repair hidden leaks and damage, ensuring your air conditioner operates efficiently.

6. Your AC Unit is Improperly Sized

Another common reason for AC units not cooling effectively is having an improperly sized unit. If your recently installed AC isn't performing as expected, it might not have the capacity to cool your room adequately. This issue can arise when the unit is either too small or too large for the space it's intended to cool.

Factors such as the number of windows, amount of sunlight, and room size should be carefully considered before selecting an AC unit. A unit that's too small won't cool sufficiently, while an oversized unit may cycle on and off frequently without effectively dehumidifying the air.

How to fix this issue:

To address this issue, start by assessing your room's specific requirements—consider factors like room size, number of windows, insulation quality, and sunlight exposure. Next, examine the AC unit's specifications by checking the BTU (British Thermal Units) rating on the outdoor condenser label. Divide the BTU number by 12 to determine the unit's tonnage, which should ideally match your room's cooling needs.

If uncertain about sizing or adjustments needed, consulting with an HVAC professional is advisable. They can provide expert guidance to ensure your AC unit is correctly sized, optimizing its efficiency and your indoor comfort levels.

Do you still have some concerns?

If you're wondering why my ac is not cooling or dealing with other HVAC issues, get in touch with our Rhino Air HVAC specialists. Call us 24/7 for emergencies at (818) 535-8888 or fill out the form to get a free estimate for HVAC services.