# How to Troubleshoot an AC That’s Not Cooling Enough
Having a malfunctioning AC can be one of the most frustrating things that you have to face. An AC not cooling enough not only disrupts your comfort but can also lead to various health issues, especially if you live in an area with hot and humid weather.
Luckily, troubleshooting an AC that isn’t cooling enough and repairing it are often easy tasks, and you can manage them on your own without the help of an expert.
In this article, we’re going to show you the measures you can take to easily repair an AC without spending a lot of money and time. So, let’s examine these steps in detail.
## Examine the Air Filters
One of the most basic and primary things to do when troubleshooting an AC with cooling issues is to look at the filters.
An AC works effectively when it gets unobstructed access to air, and the air filters help ensure this by trapping dirt and dust particles before they can enter the system. Clogged air filters can reduce the airflow and stop the cooled air from entering the room.
A clean air filter typically looks gray and allows easily visible light from the window through it. But if you can’t see the light, that means the filter has become too clogged with accumulated dust and dirt.
Cleaning or replacing these filters is also relatively easy. All you have to do is remove the old filter, hand-wash it in warm, soapy water and rinse it. Then, repeat the process again, and leave the filter out to dry before putting it back in its place.
If the air filter has become too damaged to be cleaned, you’ll have to replace it. Of course, you must ensure that you get the correct replacement part, so measure the air filter before getting a matching one.
## Check the Thermostat
Another potentially easy fix when your AC isn’t cooling enough is to check the thermostat. If you don’t have an intuitive one, it’s very common to mistakingly set it to an incorrect mode or a wrong temperature, resulting in an ineffective cooling.
If you own an analog thermostat, you can check and adjust the settings by merely rotating the switches. For digital thermostats, all you have to do is to enter the temperature settings with the help of the up and down arrow buttons.
In most cases, the room temperature should be set at a lower temperature than the temperature outside. The difference between the two temperatures is known as the “cooling differential”, and to achieve ideal comfort inside, the differential should be between 2-3 degrees Celsius.
## Check the Refrigerant Level
Low levels of refrigerant can also prevent an AC from cooling effectively with other outward signs such as frost accumulation on the pipes. To keep the amount of refrigerant controlled, the system must feature an expansion valve.
If the valve malfunctions and stops regulating the refrigerant levels, an excessive amount of it will remain in the system, making it difficult for it to cool effectively. To solve this problem, the excess refrigerant must be drained and refilled to the correct level.
This task is a bit trickier than the other solutions mentioned above, and it is best if it is handled by a professional. If you do take the risk to do it yourself, then you must be extremely careful with handling the chemical liquid as it can be very hazardous for you and for the environment.
## Inspect the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit is yet another common source of AC cooling issues. For an AC to work properly, it must have an unrestricted airflow to the outdoor unit. The outdoor fan should also be spinning properly, and when it isn’t, it will cause the AC to become unable to cool the air.
Insects and debris can accumulate over time around the outdoor unit and obstruct the air intake, so it’s essential to check the fan blade and the drains and clean them if necessary.
It’s also recommendable to vacuum the indoor and outdoor unit inlets to get rid of dust and debris buildup.
## Other Potential Solutions
If none of the above steps solve your AC cooling problem, then you may need to look into more complicated issues.
For instance, the evaporator coil of the AC unit may require cleaning, or the fans inside the system may need replacing. In some cases, some of the segments may have corroded, preventing the effective cooling of the air.
In such complicated cases, you’ll undoubtedly need a professional technician to take a look at the system and determine which parts are malfunctioning and require a repair or replacement.
## In Conclusion
Troubleshooting an AC that’s not cooling enough isn’t as difficult a task as most people think it is. If you take the above measures and inspect the filters, thermostat, and the outdoor unit and clean or replace any malfunctioning parts, your AC will be back to working properly in no time.
However, if the issue isn’t something as easy as the above solutions, you’ll need to hire a professional technician to detect and repair any potential issues. If you wish to read more information about `Why is my AC not cooling enough?” click here.
Regardless of the situation you face, keep in mind that if the process of troubleshooting an AC with cooling issues has become too complicated, you can always contact the experienced and professional mechanics at Local Reliable Appliance Repair to help you out. You can reach them at (866) 516-1222. They’re available to provide round-the-clock assistance whenever you need it.
Why is my AC not Cooling Enough?
When your AC is not cooling enough, it can be frustrating and unpleasant. To prevent this issue in the future, it is important to recognize the source of the problem and take appropriate steps to address it. The following are recommendations from local appliance and HVAC technicians in San Diego to help ensure cool air in your home.
Clean Evaporator Coils Regularly
Evaporator coils should be cleaned at least once a year to keep your AC running efficiently and cool your home adequately. Dirty coils lose their ability to absorb heat and can become a bigger problem if not cleaned regularly. To clean them, turn off the power at the breaker box, use a detergent and water solution, and thoroughly clean the evaporator coils.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Replacing air filters is an important part of keeping your AC system running efficiently and avoiding potential indoor air quality issues. Depending on the type of filter and its use, filters should be inspected and replaced at least once every 3-6 months. To check your filter, turn off the power at the breaker box and remove the filter. If the filter looks dirty, replace it with the same size filter.
Seal Air Ducts and Vents
Leaky air ducts and vents can result in significant air loss and decrease the efficiency of your AC system. To check for leaks, inspect all vents and air ducts in your home, as well as any vents to the outdoors. If badly worn or damaged, ducts and vents should be sealed with mastic sealant or mastic tape.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Professional maintenance should be scheduled at least once a year to thoroughly inspect your AC system and make necessary repairs or adjustments. During this visit, a certified technician should lubricate any moving parts and adjust the fan belt tension. They should also check the compressor and blower operations, inspect refrigerant levels and replace any worn out parts.
Call a Professional Technician
If, after all these steps, your AC is still not cooling enough, it may be time to call a professional technician. Local reliable appliance repair services such as (866) 516-1222 can provide expert advice, diagnose the issue, and offer the best solution for your AC needs.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix my AC Not Cooling Enough in San Diego?
Living without air conditioning during a hot summer day can be unbearable. If your AC unit is not providing the cool air you need, you may want to call on the professional repair services in San Diego.
The cost to repair an AC unit varies depending on the diagnosis and the part needing to be replaced. The minimum cost for a repair job can range anywhere from $175 for a simple repair and up to $900 for complex repair. Installation costs for a new AC unit can range from $3,000 or more.
Potential parts needed for repair may include sensors, pumps, motors, valves, ductwork and a cooling coil. The cost of parts and materials can add up very quickly, depending on the issue and the part needed.
For a reliable and professional repair service, call Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222. By utilising their expertise and knowledge, you’ll be able to identify the source of the problem and get your AC unit back up and running in no time.
Are you having trouble with your air conditioning not cooling enough? If so, you should contact Reliable Appliance Repair, a local, family-owned and operated HVAC and appliance repair company in San Diego.
Reliable offers exceptional services and same-day solutions for all your cooling needs. With highly trained technicians who have a minimum of five years of experience in the field, Reliable can diagnose and fix any cooling issue quickly and efficiently.
The company is licensed and insured, offering fair and affordable pricing for their services. Customers can rely on their quality of work and the convenience and efficiency with which they work.
Not only that, but customers can also benefit from Reliable’s personal care and attention to each and every job. With same-day service and quality work, customers can rest assured that their air conditioning needs will be taken care of, quickly and expertly.
For your AC not cooling needs, look no further than Reliable Appliance Repair. Contact us today at (866) 516-1222 for quality services, same-day solutions, and unbeatable customer care. Let us take the hassle out of getting your air conditioner up and running.
FAQ – How to Troubleshoot an AC That’s Not Cooling Enough
Q: Why is my AC not cooling enough?
A: The most common causes of insufficient cooling from an AC system include a dirty air filter, condenser coils in need of cleaning, improperly sized units, or a refrigerant charge that’s too low.
Q: How can I tell if the air filter needs changing?
A: Dirty filters will restrict airflow into a unit, reducing cooling capacity. Typically, the filter can be checked by opening the access panel on the front of the evaporator coil. If the filter looks very dirty, it should be changed.
Q: How can I tell if the evaporator coil needs cleaning?
A: Dust and dirt buildup on the condenser coil can reduce cooling capacity by obscuring its heat-absorbing surface. If dirt has managed to escape the air filter, it could cover the transferring surface of the condenser coil. The coil should be cleaned with a professional grade coil cleaner.
Q: What if my AC is sized too small for my home?
A: If an AC system isn’t large enough to cool your home, it won’t be able to keep up with the demand. A qualified HVAC technician can inspect your unit and provide an objective and honest opinion on whether it is properly sized.
Q: What if the refrigerant charge is too low?
A: If an AC unit isn’t able to keep up with cooling demand, a technician can check the system with specialized tools and add more refrigerant as needed. The excess refrigerant should be recycled in a responsible manner.
If your AC system still doesn’t provide sufficient cooling after ruling out the possible causes above, call a Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 516-1222 for professional advice.