Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling?

The cooling season here in Texas extends well beyond the end of summer.

With temperatures forecast in the 90s this month and the 80s through most of October in the Austin area, your central air conditioner (AC) will work hard to keep you comfortable in sizzling fall heat.

A failed cooling system is the last thing you need in hot weather. Did you schedule preventative maintenance for your air conditioner this year? It is never too late for a tune-up.

Let our expert heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians at AiRCO Mechanical maintain your cooling system in Round Rock and help you avoid costly and inconvenient equipment breakdowns.

Air Conditioner Problems in Austin

One of the most frustrating issues you may experience with your air conditioner is a lack of cool air. The system may turn on and run but not provide any relief from the heat because the airflow is weak or feels lukewarm.

Your air conditioner may fail to cool while running because of these problems:

• Your indoor evaporator coils or outdoor condenser coils may be dirty. Cleaning them may restore the unit’s ability to generate cool air. 
• A clogged condensate drain could be the culprit. 
• Your air conditioner may have a refrigerant leak.  
• Your compressor may be dirty or malfunctioning.

Your ductwork likely is the problem if cool air blows from some but not all air vents. Cool air may be escaping an air duct through a hole or tear. That escaped air is present in your home—possibly in your attic, basement, or between the walls—but is not effectively cooling your living space.

Feeling muggy? A broken AC might struggle to balance the humidity inside your Round Rock home. Our experts at AiRCO Mechanical can restore comfort and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by ensuring that your air conditioner both cools and dehumidifies your home at peak efficiency.

DIY Air Conditioning Fixes

Consider incorporating these easy do-it-yourself solutions into your preventative maintenance routine:

• Check your thermostat. Switch it to automatic if it is on fan. The fan setting allows the blower to run continuously, circulating air that is not cooled. 
• A dirty filter can restrict airflow and impede cooling. Inspect the air filter every month for debris and replace it at least every three months. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a clean filter can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Less energy saves money. 
• Clean any debris, fallen leaves, or overgrown plants from around or on top of your outdoor unit.
• Check air vent registers. Open them if they are closed. 

Your Air Conditioner In 100-Degree Temperatures

Give your air conditioner a little TLC while it cools your Round Rock home. Take a few simple steps to reduce heat and humidity in your home so your cooling system will not have to work as hard:

• Hang your laundry to dry outdoors, and avoid using a dryer.
• Cook outdoors or make dinners that do not require an oven.   
• Turn on a fan to help circulate air.
• Use your dehumidifier.
• Set your programmable thermostat to dial the temperature up a few degrees when you are not home.
• Shower quickly and keep the steam to a minimum.

Call the Air Conditioning Experts

Our team at AiRCO Mechanical will help you keep cool in your Round Rock, TX, home. We offer solutions to keep your air conditioner operating at peak efficiency. Call us at 512.537.1234 or request service online.