It’s not uncommon to run into problems as you get your AC ready for the summer. While you may think you don’t need to worry about some minor problems with your AC unit, they can easily turn into bigger, more expensive issues as time goes on.

If your AC is running but not cooling the house, there could be several issues. Some problems are easily fixable, while others should be left to the expertise of an HVAC technician.

Take a look at some of the reasons your AC isn’t cooling the house down and the various methods you can use to fix these issues and keep your home cool during the summer.

AC Problems You Can Fix Yourself

If your house is not staying cool during the summer months, there are possible fixes that you can handle yourself. You can attempt DIY AC repair methods if you notice any of the following problems:

Improper Thermostat Settings

One reason your AC isn’t cooling the house could be because of improper thermostat settings. Did you know that a simple thermostat setting can make the AC blow warm air, even if you have it set on “cool?”

Check to see if the fan is set to “on” or “auto.” The “on” setting means the blower will continue running even when the air isn’t being conditioned. This setting is appropriate if you want continual airflow, but it means the air blowing from the vents will feel warm at times.

To prevent this, change the thermostat to “auto.” The “auto” setting means the fan will only turn on when the inside temperature increases and the AC needs to produce cool air through the vents. This will ensure you receive properly conditioned air, and it can also help with your energy bills as it stops the AC from running continuously.

Dirty Air Filter

Another easy fix that you can handle yourself is replacing the air filter. When the air filter gets too dirty, it can cause the AC to run inefficiently, leading to a warmer home and compromised comfort. Even if the AC is running, clogged air filters could restrict airflow, preventing the house from cooling down, no matter how long the unit runs.

To test this, feel the airflow from different vents. If the airflow from your vents feels weak, a dirty filter is likely causing inconsistency within the system. This problem can also cause the AC to overheat, so it’s wise to replace a dirty air filter as soon as possible.

Dirty Outdoor Unit

The portion of your air conditioning unit sitting outside is responsible for exhausting heat to the exterior. If debris clogs or overcrowds the standing unit, the air conditioner will struggle to cool your home.

There are two main things you need to do to put an end to this problem:

1. Gently Hose Down the Unit: Dirt, dust, mud, or other contaminants can get into the system and harm the inner parts of the AC unit. To fix this, use your hose to clean the unit. Don’t worry about the water, as AC units are waterproof.
2. Clean Up Around the Unit: It’s essential to make sure the area around the AC unit is free of potential blockages. Clean up any objects in or around the unit that can affect airflow. Some of the most common objects include:
   • Grass
   • Leaves
   • Sticks
   • Plants and Bushes
   • Weeds
   • Snow
   • Lawn Furniture

AC Problems to Leave to a Professional

If your AC is on but the house isn’t cooling down, and all of the above tips didn’t help, you likely have a bigger problem on your hands. Some issues can only be handled by a professional AC technician. You’ll need professional air conditioning repairs if you are experiencing any of the following problems:

Low Refrigerant Charge

Refrigerant is the key to air conditioning as it turns warm air cool. Low refrigerant could be a significant reason your AC is not cooling your house down. If your system develops a leak, it may not have enough refrigerant to absorb heat from the air.

Signs of a low refrigerant charge include:

• Ice buildup on the indoor evaporator coil
• Bubbling or hissing noises
• AC that can’t keep up on hot days but works fine at night

If you notice these signs, you’ll need to contact a professional to inspect and service your AC unit. Technicians need to be certified to handle refrigerants, which can be hard to come by since R-22 (Freon) is being phased out.

Contact a professional company that can help restore your refrigerant needs.

Faulty or Broken Parts

Even if certain parts of the AC unit break, the system may appear to run fine—until you take a closer look. To see if your air conditioning system isn’t efficiently cooling your home, check the outdoor unit to see if the big condenser fan is spinning when the unit is on.

If the fan is not spinning, the motor may have given out. A professional AC technician will need to disassemble the machine, replace any broken components, and get your unit up and running again.

The compressor, which is also located in the outdoor unit, is also known for breaking. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive air conditioning component. If your compressor breaks, it may be more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner entirely.

Undersized Unit

If your AC is running but not cooling down the house, the unit itself might be improperly sized or installed. When the air conditioner is too small for your home, it can run all day without ever reaching the target temperature.

While you can improve the unit’s performance by adding insulation and sealing leaky windows and doors, it won’t fix the inefficiency of your AC system. The only way you can fix an improperly sized AC is by replacing it.

Our AC technicians at GAC Services can help you shop for a properly sized air conditioning unit and install it for you. Tell us your budget, and we’ll inspect your home and help you find the best AC unit to fit your needs.

Contact us today for air conditioning services in Gaithersburg, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Carroll County, and Howard County.