It’s barely noon but your home already feels like an oven.
You’ve tried everything to cool down, from opening the windows to iced drinks, but the heat is unbearable. So, you reach for the remote to turn on the air conditioning.
Your air conditioning comes on but instead of the cold air you expected, warm air starts gushing out.
What do you do when your air conditioning is not cold?
First, if you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic – there are some potentially simple causes for this and solutions you can explore before having to call in the professionals.
Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the common reasons why your air conditioning is not cold and what you can do to get your home cool and comfortable again, before you think about calling for professional help.
Why is my AC running but not getting cold?
Warm air from a running air conditioning unit is not unusual and there are several simple and easily remedied reasons why your air conditioning is not cold.
First, thermostat or remote problems.
If your air conditioning is blowing out warm air, first check your remote to see if it’s set to the wrong mode. Cool mode is normally depicted on your remote with the symbol of a snowflake.
When you use your remote, it’s common to accidentally hit the mode switch button causing it to go into warm mode.
A dirty air filter is the second most common culprit when an air conditioning unit is running but not providing cool air.
The air filter’s primary function is to trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, and other debris, preventing them from entering and clogging the air conditioning internal components.
Over time, air filters can become clogged or dirty, restricting airflow into the system and lowering its cooling efficiency.
Some more complex problems that could require more professional help include low refrigerant levels.
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system. It’s the substance that circulates throughout, absorbing heat to produce cool air. If refrigerant levels are too low, your air conditioning unit will not function properly and blow warm air instead.
Frozen evaporator coils. Your air conditioning can also blow hot air when the evaporator coils, responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home, become too cold and moisture in the air freezes on their surface.
The ice around the coils acts as an insulator, preventing airflow and reducing the cooling capacity of the system.
Should I turn off AC if it’s not cooling?
When faced with an air conditioning unit that’s not cooling properly, many homeowners wonder whether it’s better to keep it running or turn it off.
If you’ve checked the causes listed above such as the remote settings and whether the air filters are dirty but the air conditioning is not cold, experts generally recommend turning off the air conditioning unit.
It’s normally a sign there are other more serious problems with your air conditioning that only a professional HVAC technician can solve.
Continuing to operate a malfunctioning unit can lead to further damage and increased energy costs.
How do you fix an air conditioner that doesn’t get cold?
If you’re a homeowner, preventive maintenance is your best bet.
Schedule for regular checks and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for care and upkeep. Properly done, you’ll help extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit and enjoy reliable cooling for years to come.
Our team HVAC technicians have more than 25 years’ collective experience and all the relevant certifications including F-Gas handling by Refcom.
With our proven expertise, we can quickly and accurately diagnose why your air conditioning is not cold whether it’s an electrical issue, a compressor failure, or even a major refrigerant leak.
Is your air conditioning unit not cooling like it normally does? We can help.
Reach out and let us help make your home cool again.