If you’ve noticed that your AC is running, but doesn’t seem to be cooling, there are several things that could be at fault. Of course, when it’s an 82-degree, humid summer day in Lake Geneva, WI, the only thing you’ll care about is restoring your air conditioner to normal operation. Fortunately, that’s exactly what our experts at Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric can do.
We’re going to take a closer look at the many reasons why your air conditioner could have stopped blowing cold air. Some of them are quite simple and easy to fix, while others are much more complex. For whatever reason your AC has stopped cooling, though, our professional AC repair team will be able to fix or replace it.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Whether you have a traditional HVAC system or a heat pump, your evaporator coil may have frozen. Sadly, without a working evaporator coil, your cooling system has no way to remove the humidity and warm air from your home. There are several signs to look for if you believe your evaporator coil is frozen:
- Lack of cool air
- Higher utility bills
- Frost on the refrigerant tubing
- Excessive condensate drainage
- Frost on the exterior refrigerant tubing
Regardless of the exact reason why your evaporator coil has frozen, a professional HVAC company can fix it. Keep in mind that this is not something you should ever ignore. Without professional assistance, your evaporator coil will keep freezing, and you might need to replace it altogether.
Dirty Air Filter
The purpose of your AC’s air filter is to remove airborne particles, including dirt and dust. When it’s working properly, your air filter improves your indoor air quality. Additionally, it helps your HVAC system to operate more efficiently.
However, when the filter becomes dirty, it can reduce your cooling and block proper airflow. If you’ve gone a long time without replacing your air filter, it may even cause your entire HVAC system to shut down. To help avoid issues like this in the future, always remember to replace your air filter every one to three months — or even sooner if you have a smoker or a very furry pet in the house.
Thermostat Difficulties
When you notice you’re not getting cool air from your air conditioner, it’s important to check your thermostat. First, check to see that it’s set to Cool. Next, verify that your temperature setting is correct. Finally, make sure the thermostat has a fresh battery. Any of these problems are quickly resolvable so that you can resume receiving cool air.
Refrigerant Leak
Without proper refrigerant levels, your AC could stop producing cool air. Refrigerant assists the indoor and outdoor coils with the process of converting hot air into cold air. When it leaks, it could cause anything from your AC not blowing cool air to your system completely shutting down. Also, pay special attention to bubbling or hissing sounds, along with increased humidity. Common causes of refrigerant leaks include corrosion, mechanical vibrations or improper installation.
Take care of refrigerant leaks right away. The less refrigerant your AC has, the worse your results will be. The leak could even cause your compressor to fail, necessitating an expensive repair or a premature replacement. Leaking refrigerant can harm more than just your AC. Stay alert for any of the following symptoms:
- Eye and skin irritation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Breathing difficulties
- Nausea
Clogged Outdoor Condenser
Another reason you may not be getting any cold air from your AC is that your outside condenser is blocked or clogged. Airborne debris such as grass and dirt can clog your AC’s fins, eventually clogging the coil, too. This will prevent your registers from releasing cool air.
Other problems it could cause are reduced energy efficiency along with damage to your compressor. Sadly, if the trouble reaches this stage, your AC could become very expensive to repair. Always keep an eye on its fins to see if they’re clogged.
Wrongly Sized Air Conditioner
On those rare summer days in Lake Geneva when the temperature reaches 90°F, your air conditioner might begin to struggle. If it does, it’s a good idea to check if you have the right-sized AC for your home. For instance, let’s say you have an air conditioner with 18,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs), which is rated for homes between 480 and 750 square feet. If you house has 1,400 square feet, it requires between 36,000 and 40,000 BTUs.
When your AC is too small for your home, it might have to run almost constantly to cool your space. This means your energy usage will go up, but your cooling system won’t achieve the results you’re looking for. If this happens to you, it’s wise to consider upgrading your air conditioner. Although there will be an initial investment, it will likely pay itself off over time with all the energy you’ll save. To make it easier, we offer financing on approved credit.
It’s important to remember, though, that BTU charts only estimate the size of AC you need. Therefore, our installation team always takes the following into consideration:
- Ceiling height
- Types and sizes of windows
- Sun exposure
- Heat-generating appliances
Malfunctioning Compressor
Your compressor is also known as the heart of your air conditioner. In fact, it’s responsible for moving refrigerant through your AC to cool down your home. If your compressor begins malfunctioning, there could be several different causes. Most of the issues on this list can harm your compressor. For example, even thermostat problems that lead to short cycling could also cause your compressor to stop working properly.
Electrical Problems
Have you considered that the issue could be related to an electrical problem? Whether you have an issue with your wiring or the capacitor, problems with various electric components may prevent proper operation. This could include everything from your AC not blowing cool air to your air conditioner not even starting.
Blocked Ducts or Vents
Your air conditioner’s cooling issues might actually begin with blocked vents or ducts. Check your return ducts and air vents to see if anything is in the way, including furniture, curtains, or other objects. Once every duct and vent has been cleared, you’ll either experience cool air again or find out that there is debris inside your ductwork. If the latter is the case, you’ll need a professional duct inspection and cleaning.
Signs of blocked ducts or vents include:
- Low airflow
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Vents blowing visible dust
Turn to Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric for AC Repairs
We’ve been providing AC repair and installation services to homeowners like you for more than 60 years. We always strive to provide exceptional customer service and have earned several industry awards. Of course, our 25,000+ customers mean even more to us. Our air conditioning services include reliable repairs, comprehensive preventive maintenance and professional AC installations. We also offer ductless mini-splits.
Are you looking for an expert team to repair your AC in Lake Geneva? Reach out to Peck & Weis Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric today.
