You set your thermostat to below 80 degrees, but it feels like your air conditioning is having a hard time reaching that temperature. The system is running, but it’s blowing warm air. There are several things that could cause this problem. Here are a few common reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling properly and what you can do about it.

1. Switched Thermostat

Sometimes the fan gets switched on instead of the air conditioning. So just double check your thermostat to make sure it is on AUTO or COOL instead of just the fan blowing air 24/7.

2. 2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

You should be replacing your air filters every month during seasons of high usage. If not, a dirty filter reduces air flow and efficiency. The unit will struggle to circulate enough cool air or the evaporator coils will freeze over. If you are not getting enough cool air, check the filters and replace them if they are dirty.

3. Dirty Outside Unit

The air conditioning works by pulling inside air through the intake, absorbing the heat and transferring it to the outside unit (condenser), cooling the air, and pumping it back through the ducts and vents into the house. Unfortunately, the condenser will not be able to dissipate the heat if it is dirty or crowded by debris. So do what you can to remove dried leaves and weeds growing around the unit. You can also spray away dirt with a garden hose on a gentle setting. Do not use a high setting or a power washer, or you can bend the fins and obstruct airflow.

4. Dirty Cooling Coils

The air conditioning has a set of two coils. The indoor coils absorb heat from the air. The outdoor coils transfer heat back to the outside air. If these coils get dirty, it makes heat transfer difficult. The system will not be able to remove heat from the air or transfer it back to the outside. You can try to clean the unit yourself, or you can reach out to a professional for air conditioning installations San Jose, CA.

5. Refrigerant Leak

This substance flows through the indoor and outdoor coils to help them function properly, moving the heat from inside your home to the outside. A leak means your air conditioner is running, but there isn’t enough juice to cool down the air in your home.

6. Leaky Ductwork

The ductwork disperses the cool air through your home. If there is a crack or a leak, the cooled air is dissipating inefficiently. The good news is your air conditioning unit is still running properly. The bad news is you will need to find the leak and patch it with foil tape.

7. An Undersized A/C Unit

Another possible reason why your air conditioning isn’t cooling your home is that installers might have cut corners or miscalculated and the unit is too small. Have a professional come out and measure to determine what size you need for your home. If it is undersized, you might choose to upgrade or repair your air conditioning.

Looking for More Advice?

Call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning at (408) 978-7060. Our professionals have been servicing the Bay Area since 2002. We take great pride in our work and know our success is dependent upon our ability to exceed your expectations. Stop by 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 to talk with one of our experts today.