Why Is My AC Not Cooling To The Set Temperature

Your air conditioner not cooling to the set temperature can be a frustrating situation. This problem is common with both ducted and ductless air conditioners. There could be several reasons contributing to the problem. Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as replacing the air filter, while in other cases, it could be as complicated and expensive as replacing the compressor. So, let’s discuss the potential causes along with their solutions to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Bad Or Broken Thermostat

The first thing you need to check if your air conditioner is not cooling to the set temperature is a bad or broken thermostat. If you own a relatively old unit, chances are that the thermostat has gone bad. A thermostat monitors the temperature and informs the air conditioner to produce cool air accordingly.

In other words, it serves as the brain of the air conditioning unit. Therefore, if it were to become faulty, it will send incorrect signals to the unit, which will lead to confusion. Thermostats are one of the most important components of air conditioning units. In some cases, it might need some calibration.

Check The Air Filters

All air conditioners come with air filters installed inside. These act as the lungs of the air conditioning unit, preventing toxins and contaminants from entering the house. That said, before the cool air is distributed inside the house, it needs to go through the air filters first.

As a result, the air filters tend to become dirty or clogged over time. This makes it difficult for the filters to perform their job, while the unit struggles to maintain or achieve the desired temperature. As a general rule of thumb, air filters should be cleaned at least once a month.

However, the recommendation may vary based on the manufacturer. To be sure, you should consult the user’s manual to be aware of the maintenance frequency.

Weak Or Faulty Compressor

The compressor plays a crucial role in producing cool air. Even though it is a rigid component that is designed to run for several years but will sooner or later either become weak or simply stop functioning. Unfortunately, a compressor cannot be repaired and you will need to get it replaced, which is not cheap either.

However, if you have a relatively new unit, you should find out the reason behind the compressor giving up. In most cases, there is either a leak or a crack that allows the escape of the refrigerant gas. As a result, the compressor works harder to compensate for the loss of cool air. This not only increases the consumption of electricity but also influences the lifespan of the compressor.

Refrigerant Leak

Then again, a refrigerant leak is less likely to take place if you own a new unit. But sometimes, shoddy installation and maintenance jobs can result in the leakage of the refrigerant gas. This is why, it is important that you opt for a professional when it comes to problems related to the condenser, compressor, and refrigerant leakages.

Furthermore, the thing with refrigerant leaks is they are hard to locate and identify. Even a tiny crack can cause the refrigerant to leak. And since the HVAC unit has run out of gas, it will hardly produce cool air.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils have a significant role to play in the cooling process. If there is something wrong with the evaporator coils such as if it is covered with dirt and grime, it will not be able to function properly. The reason is the accumulation of dirt and grime acts as insulation. Therefore, the evaporator coil will not be able to cool down and reach the desired temperature.

This means that you should make sure that your air conditioner is thoroughly inspected and maintained at least twice a year. This will prevent extreme dirt accumulation and keep the unit running in perfect condition for years to come.

Final Word

That’s all for today about potential AC problems along with their fixes if your air conditioner is not cooling well. If it still does not solve the problem, consult AC repair services Plainview before you play around with the air conditioner, risking injuries or damaging expensive components.