Why Is Your AC Running but Not Cooling?

At Mitch Craig Heating and Cooling, we understand how frustrating it can be when your air conditioner is running, but it’s not cooling your home—whether it’s a sweltering summer day or you need a little extra comfort during the warmer days of spring or fall. Sometimes, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact issue, but with a few easy checks, you might be able to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Let’s go over the most common reasons your AC isn’t cooling and what you can do about it.

1. Check Your Thermostat

The first thing you should check is your thermostat. It might sound obvious, but it’s not uncommon for someone to accidentally set it to “fan” or “heat” instead of “cool.” Also, make sure the temperature setting is correct. If everything seems fine with the thermostat but your AC still isn’t cooling, it’s time to investigate further.

2. Inspect and Change Your Air Filter

Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, making your AC work harder to cool your home. In fact, it can even stop cooling altogether. It’s important to change your air filter at least once every month or two, depending on the season and how much your system is running. Not only will this improve your AC’s efficiency, but it will also help maintain better indoor air quality.

3. Look for Clogged Coils

Your air conditioning system has two sets of coils—an indoor evaporator coil and an outdoor condenser coil. These coils are responsible for transferring heat, so if they get clogged with dirt, debris, or grass clippings, they won’t work effectively. For outdoor coils, you can rinse them off with a hose, but indoor coils should be handled by a professional as they are more delicate.

4. Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your evaporator coil freezes up, your AC will struggle to cool your home. This often happens due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels. If you see ice forming on the coil, turn off your AC and switch the fan to “on” to thaw it out. Once the ice is gone, check to make sure there’s good airflow in your system. If the problem persists, it may be time to call in an expert.

5. Check for Leaking Refrigerant

Your air conditioner relies on refrigerant to absorb and release heat. If your system is low on refrigerant due to a leak, it won’t be able to cool your home efficiently. Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks aren’t a DIY fix—you’ll need a professional to locate the leak, repair it, and recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

6. Examine Your Ductwork for Leaks

Leaky ducts can allow cooled air to escape into areas where it’s not needed, like your attic or crawl spaces. This not only makes your AC work harder but also leaves your home feeling warmer than it should. If you suspect ductwork leaks, it’s a good idea to have them inspected and sealed by a professional to restore proper cooling performance.

7. Evaluate Your AC Unit Size and Age

Sometimes, the problem is with the unit itself. If your air conditioner is too small for your home or if it’s just getting too old, it may not be able to keep up with your cooling needs. In these cases, the best solution is often to replace the unit with a properly sized, energy-efficient system that can keep your home comfortable year-round.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve gone through all these steps and your AC is still running but not cooling, it may be time to call in the pros. You should reach out to a professional if:

• Your refrigerant levels are low or leaking

• Your coils keep freezing up

• There are significant duct leaks

• Your system is outdated or undersized

• Basic troubleshooting hasn’t solved the problem

Having regular maintenance performed on your AC system can also help you avoid many of these issues before they become major problems.

Ready to Get Your AC Back on Track?

Dealing with an air conditioner that’s running but not cooling can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it to keep your home comfortable year-round. By checking your thermostat, air filter, coils, refrigerant, and ductwork, you may be able to troubleshoot and resolve the issue yourself. But if your AC is still not keeping up, it’s time to bring in the professionals.

At Mitch Craig Heating and Cooling, we’re here to help you stay comfortable no matter the season. If your AC needs a little extra attention, give us a call today, and let our experts get your system running like new again!

For more tips on keeping your AC in top shape, check out our articles on signs your AC is on the brink and how to solve common issues when your AC leaks water. At Mitch Craig Heating and Cooling, we’ve got you covered for all your HVAC needs!