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Why Is My AC Running But Not Cooling?

Troubleshooting Tips For When Your AC Won’t Deliver Cool Air

The San Antonio heat can be brutal, leaving you to suffer if you find that your AC is running but not cooling your home. This common issue can be frustrating, but understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot the problem and find a solution!

Our team at Wright AC Services put this guide together to explore reasons why your AC might be running but not blowing cold air and what you can do about it.

How Can Your AC Can Run Without Giving Cool Air?

It’s entirely possible for your AC to be running but not providing cool air due to disruptions in its cooling cycle. While the system might appear to be functioning — with fans spinning and the unit humming — the intricate balance required for cooling can be thrown off by various factors.

Essentially, the AC might be operational in the sense that it’s on and moving air, but it fails to deliver the desired cooling effect because it isn’t completing the necessary cycle to lower the air temperature.

Common Causes And Solutions For Your AC Not Blowing Cold Air

Your AC has one job — to deliver a cool airflow that keeps your home comfortable. When this doesn’t happen, there could be several factors at play. Let’s explore common AC issues and their solutions, helping you to correct cooling concerns.

1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as your thermostat settings. If your thermostat is not set to “cool” or if the temperature is set higher than your current room temperature, your AC won’t blow cold air.

The solution is to double-check your thermostat settings and fix any mistakes. If your thermostat is set to “cool” but the AC is not turning on or still failing to cool your home, you might have a faulty thermostat that needs professional attention.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels Or Leaks

Refrigerant is crucial for your AC to cool your home. It cycles between the condenser and evaporator coils, absorbing and releasing heat. If your system has low refrigerant levels or a leak, it won’t be able to cool efficiently.

Low refrigerant or leaks should only be handled by professionals. Contact our team at Wright AC Services to inspect your system, fix any leaks and refill the refrigerant.

3. Clogged Air Filters

Airflow is vital for your AC to function correctly. Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow, causing your system to freeze and stop cooling. To prevent this issue, regularly check and replace your air filters. Ideally, this should occur every one to three months, depending on usage and the specific needs of your system.

4. Debris Or Dirt On The Condenser Unit

Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit can accumulate dirt, leaves and other debris. This buildup can block the heat exchange process, making it hard for your AC to cool your home.

Keep the area around your condenser unit clean and clear of debris. Regularly inspect and clean the unit to ensure it functions properly. If you’re unsure how to do this, our technicians can help during a maintenance visit.

5. Electrical Problems

Your AC system relies on various electrical components, including wiring, breakers and circuits. Electrical issues can prevent your AC from cooling even if it seems to be running.

If your system won’t provide cool air, check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. If everything seems fine but your AC still isn’t cooling, it might be an electrical issue that needs a professional’s expertise. Our team at Wright AC Services can diagnose and fix these problems safely.

6. Blower Fan Or Condenser Fan Issues

Your AC system has two main fans — the blower fan inside your home that circulates air and the condenser fan outside that helps release heat. If either of these fans isn’t working correctly, your AC won’t cool efficiently.

If you suspect a fan issue, it’s best to have a professional inspect and repair it. Our experienced technicians can quickly identify and resolve fan problems to restore your AC’s cooling performance.

Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Problems with your AC don’t just put you at risk for a lack of cold air — they can also cause your unit to provide hot air. This can happen when there are disruptions in the cooling process.

Instead of absorbing and expelling heat outside, the AC system might be malfunctioning, causing it to circulate warm air instead.

This could happen if the system’s heat exchange process is compromised, causing it to absorb warm air from the outside and push it through your home. Essentially, the AC is still running, but instead of cooling, it’s inadvertently working against itself, leading to the production of hot air.

If you’re dealing with this problem, reach out to our team for expert solutions!

Get In Touch To Schedule Your San Antonio AC Repair

Understanding why your AC is running but not cooling can help you troubleshoot and address the problem, but if you’re experiencing persistent problems, don’t hesitate to contact Wright AC Services!

With our commitment to customer satisfaction and years of experience, we’re here to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable. Call us today for any AC repair needs in San Antonio!

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