It is often that we come across problems that are confusing such as your HVAC running but not cooling. There could be various reasons of this. Some small issues can be DIYed, but some other complicated issues require a professional HVAC repair service for solving them. So, let’s take a look at what you can do if your HVAC unit is running but not cooling.
Clean The Filter
To clean the filter, you first need to turn off the unit. Although air filters are mostly located at the front but depending on your unit it may vary. Take out the filter and clean it with a garden hose. You can use a pressure washer as well but be careful. Plus, invest in high-quality washable filters that last up to 15 years.
In addition to that, if you observe some dirt and dust around the coils make sure that you clean them as well. When you are done, ensure that everything is dry and turn the unit on. Apart from dirt and dust, ice formation can also reduce the performance of the coils. Adjust the temperature above room temperature to defrost the ice. After defrosting, the cooling shall return.
Check The HVAC Interior
Next, you need to check the condenser and evaporator coils. Dust accumulation can also restrict their functioning. Such components require unrestrictive airflow to perform effectively and efficiently. Once the airflow is back to normal, the cooling shall return and, in some cases, improve as well. Cleaning the HVAC interior is necessary as it prevents the components such as the compressor from overheating. This can lead to expensive repairs.
Check The Ductwork
Most homeowners tend to ignore the ductwork while servicing the HVAC unit. The ductwork is responsible for distributing cool air around the house. If it is clogged, the cool air might escape resulting in uneven cooling. However, the good news is that dirty ductwork does not harm the air conditioner. But that does not mean that you should ignore it completely. Cleaning it is as necessary as other HVAC-related components.
Check For Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks can also be the cause of your HVAC not cooling. These leaks can be due to shoddy servicing or a pipe being cracked while installation. Whatever the reason maybe a leaking refrigerant can only be controlled by a professional. If the refrigerant level in your HVAC unit is lower than required, it will put an immense burden on the compressor as well as the entire unit. Therefore, if the HVAC unit is not cooling, you might want to check it for refrigerant leaks.
Check The Thermostat Settings
Improper thermostat settings constitute a large portion of HVAC units not cooling. It is amongst the first things you should check. Ensure that the temperature of the unit is below room temperature. If it happens to be above, the compressor will not engage and as a result, the HVAC unit will not cool. However, if the temperature is right, you need to check if the thermostat needs calibration. For that, you will need to call in a professional.
A Bad Compressor
Even though compressors are tough and rigid components and will last nearly a decade if the HVAC unit is maintained properly, they can give up as well, especially if your unit is old. A bad compressor will regularly trip and not produce enough cool air. While turning on the unit, you should immediately receive cool air or hear a click sound once the compressor engages. If it doesn’t, you might have a bad compressor needing replacement.
Bear in mind that compressors are expensive. You should only opt for a compressor that is compatible with your HVAC unit along with the refrigerant. If either of the two is a mismatch, you can forget cooling. If your AC is old, you should also consider buying a new HVAC system.
Final Word
In the end, your HVAC not cooling might be due to a simple reason such as a dirty air filter. Or, it could also be a bad compressor. If the issue is too complicated to resolve, you should not take your chances and entrust air conditioner repair services Plainview to fix the issue. Moreover, schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC to avoid issues in the future.
