When your air conditioner stops cooling, it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, especially in the sweltering heat of Texas and Oklahoma. Whether it’s the middle of summer or a particularly hot spring day, your AC unit is meant to provide relief from high temperatures. Unfortunately, many homeowners find themselves in a situation where their AC isn’t doing its job. If you’re facing this issue, understanding the possible reasons why your AC stops cooling and knowing how to fix it quickly can save you time, money, and stress.
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons why an air conditioner stops cooling effectively is a dirty or clogged air filter. Over time, air filters accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which restricts airflow to the system. When airflow is obstructed, the system struggles to circulate cool air throughout your home, leading to warmer indoor temperatures.
How to Fix It: Check and replace your air filter if it appears dirty or clogged. Most filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, especially during the hot months when your AC is in heavy use. If you’re unsure how to replace it or what type of filter to use, consult your owner’s manual or reach out to a professional HVAC technician from a trusted company like Advanced Cooling.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the fluid responsible for absorbing heat and cooling the air inside your home. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant due to a leak or improper charging, the system can’t properly cool the air, and you might notice warm air blowing from the vents.
How to Fix It: Identifying and fixing a refrigerant leak is not something homeowners should attempt themselves, as it requires specialized knowledge and equipment. A qualified technician will be able to locate the leak, repair it, and recharge the refrigerant to the proper level. If your AC system is low on refrigerant, it’s essential to act quickly because running an AC unit with low refrigerant can damage the compressor and lead to costly repairs.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils absorb the heat from the air, and when they freeze, they can no longer perform this function. A frozen evaporator coil can cause your AC to blow warm air instead of cool air. Freezing can occur for a variety of reasons, such as dirty air filters, low refrigerant levels, or poor airflow.
How to Fix It: If you notice ice forming on your evaporator coils (or if you see frost on the inside of the AC unit), turn off your air conditioner immediately. Allow it to thaw for several hours. Once thawed, check the air filter and replace it if necessary. If the problem persists, it may be due to low refrigerant or another underlying issue, in which case you should call an HVAC technician for further inspection.
Thermostat Issues
A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, causing your AC unit to not turn on or not cool effectively. This issue can arise from a dirty thermostat sensor, faulty wiring, or even incorrect thermostat settings.
How to Fix It: First, make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If the settings appear correct, try replacing the batteries if it’s a battery-powered thermostat. For issues such as faulty wiring or malfunctioning sensors, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician who can diagnose and repair the issue.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located on the outside of your AC unit, and they release the heat absorbed from your home into the outside air. If these coils become dirty or clogged with debris like leaves, dirt, or grass, they can’t effectively release the heat, which causes your air conditioner to stop cooling.
How to Fix It: Turn off the AC unit and carefully clean the condenser coils. Use a soft brush or vacuum with a coil-cleaning attachment to remove any debris. If you’re unsure how to clean the coils safely or if the buildup is extensive, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional cleaning.
Blower Fan Malfunctions
The blower fan is responsible for circulating cool air throughout your home. If the fan motor is malfunctioning or the fan blades are damaged, the system may blow warm or lukewarm air.
How to Fix It: If you suspect an issue with the blower fan, it’s best to consult a professional HVAC technician. They can inspect the fan motor, blades, and related components to determine whether the fan needs repair or replacement.
Electrical Issues
Your air conditioner relies on various electrical components, such as fuses, capacitors, and circuit boards, to operate. A failure in any of these components can cause the AC unit to stop working properly, leading to warm air blowing from the vents.
How to Fix It: Electrical issues should always be handled by a trained professional to avoid further damage or potential safety hazards. A licensed technician can diagnose electrical problems, replace faulty components, and get your system running smoothly again.
When to Call a Professional
While some issues can be easily fixed by homeowners, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician. If you’ve checked the filter, cleaned the coils, and ensured the thermostat is working correctly, but your AC is still not cooling, it’s time to contact an expert. A technician from Advanced Cooling can perform a thorough inspection of your system, identify the root cause of the problem, and recommend the best course of action to restore your AC’s performance.
Conclusion
Your air conditioner is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially in the hot and humid climates of Texas and Oklahoma. By understanding the common causes of AC failure and knowing how to address them, you can take the right steps to restore your system quickly and efficiently. If you’re facing more complex issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional HVAC technician to ensure your AC unit is up and running as soon as possible. Advanced Cooling is here to help with all your heating and cooling needs, offering fast, affordable, and reliable service to keep you cool year-round.
Advanced Cooling is the premier choice for HVAC services in Texas and Oklahoma. With a team of highly trained and certified technicians, we have the expertise to handle all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched, and we always go above and beyond to ensure that your experience with us is positive. We use only the highest quality parts and equipment to ensure that your HVAC system is running at peak performance. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and flexible scheduling to fit your needs. Choose Advanced Cooling for all of your HVAC needs in Texas and Oklahoma.
