As another Pacific Northwest summer rolls around, homeowners can’t afford to have a faulty AC. By investing in AC maintenance early, you can ensure your home is cool and comfortable throughout the year. Common AC issues, such as an air conditioner running but not cooling, can end up leading to a total failure, which is why professional AC maintenance services are so essential for Portland residents.
Top 7 Reasons Why Your AC Is Running but Not Cooling
When the weather gets hot, you need your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to be in optimum condition. By looking for an AC tune-up nearby, you can spot frequent HVAC issues before they spiral out of control.
One of the most common issues in older Portland homes is when an AC is on and unable to blow cold air. There are a few key reasons why this malfunction may be happening. Because diagnosing an AC problem can be challenging, it’s essential to reach out for professional help as soon as you notice signs of an issue.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
When a filter is clogged, it prevents proper airflow and reduces the amount of cold air that can reach your rooms. Left untreated, the filter can also increase the odds of your evaporator coils freezing.
You’ll notice if you have clogged AC filters because there will be reduced air flow, higher energy bills, and more frequent overheating. The best way to fix this is by changing the AC filter. While each manufacturer has different specifications, this should generally be done every 30 to 90 days.
2. Thermostat Issues
If your thermostat isn’t sensing the temperature or communicating appropriately with the AC, you might not feel any cold air. Additionally, the thermostat setting may have been changed to the wrong setting.
To troubleshoot, start by checking the thermostat settings. It should be set to cool mode and at the right temperature. You can also try cleaning off the sensors or resetting the system.
You can tell if this is the problem by changing the temperature setting. Your thermostat may be responsible for the issue if the AC doesn’t kick on right away. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, you may need your thermostat repaired or replaced.
3. Refrigerant Leaks or Low Levels
Refrigerant is responsible for transferring heat out of your home, so low refrigerant levels force the AC to work harder to circulate refrigerant and cool your home. Besides noticing the AC not cooling, you may also encounter other signs, like the AC making noise, longer cooling times, and higher energy bills.
The best way to fix this problem is by scheduling AC maintenance. An HVAC technician can diagnose refrigerant-related issues by checking system pressures and performance. If a leak is confirmed and repaired, the system can be recharged to the correct level. This type of service is automatically included in our AC maintenance plan.
4. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
When your AC condenser is dirty, it makes the AC work harder to reach the same temperature. Eventually, the condenser may even freeze and stop cooling your home entirely.
Besides noticing the AC blowing warm air, you may also notice higher energy bills and weakened performance. Ice may start to build up on the coil if it freezes. When the ice starts to melt, you may also see puddles of water forming around the coils.
The best way to fix this is by searching for an AC tune-up nearby and scheduling a professional cleaning for your condenser coils.
5. Electrical Issues or Tripped Breakers
Many central AC systems use separate breakers for the indoor and outdoor components. If the breaker for the outdoor unit trips, the fan may still run, but no cooling will occur.
When this happens, there may be unusual noises or burning smells. Your AC performance may also decline.
To troubleshoot the problem, check to see if the circuit breaker is flipped. If it immediately trips after you turn it on again, you should call for a professional right away. Electrical problems can lead to fire hazards and electrocutions, so they should always be dealt with by a professional.
6. Aging or Undersized AC Units
An undersized or aging AC won’t achieve the best performance level, especially on the hottest days of the year. Often, you’ll notice that these ACs stay on for extended periods of time because they can’t keep up. You may also experience a weaker level of performance and a lack of cold air.
The only way to fix aging and undersized AC units is with AC replacements. Our experienced HVAC technicians can calculate the ideal capacity for your home and help you choose the best AC model. Afterward, consistent AC unit maintenance can help your new device last as long as possible.
When To Call for Professional AC Services in the Portland Metro
If your AC broke on a hot day, you shouldn’t wait to schedule AC unit maintenance and repairs. Any time HVAC malfunctions can potentially harm your health, safety, or comfort, you should reach out for help right away.
Additionally, you should call for professional AC maintenance services if you’re dealing with a complex issue. If the problem isn’t easy to diagnose, such as a dirty air filter, you should get an experienced HVAC technician to check out your AC and tell you what is wrong with it.
When a problem occurs, you don’t have to swelter in the heat as you wait for a technician. At Central Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency HVAC repair in the Portland Metro area. Our team has fully equipped trucks, state-of-the-art equipment, and around-the-clock availability, so we’re ready to go as soon as a disaster strikes.
Additionally, our HVAC technicians can help you avoid costly AC repairs and unexpected breakdowns through timely maintenance. With our AC maintenance plan, you can get two seasonal HVAC tune-ups per year and prevent major problems. By ensuring your AC is functioning at its best, you can also improve the AC’s performance and reduce the amount you spend on energy costs.
Book Your AC Repairs Today
While there are many reasons why an AC will run but not blow cold air, the right AC maintenance and repairs can help find and fix the problem. You can avoid future breakdowns by performing basic HVAC checks, scheduling a routine AC maintenance service, and calling for professional repairs when a major problem occurs.
Learn more about the right AC maintenance plan and keep your family cool this summer. Book your next tune-up appointment today!
