Air conditioning in your home can provide many benefits, including improved air quality, increased comfort, and decreased energy costs. Air conditioning systems work by circulating cooled air throughout the house. This air can help to improve the air quality by cooling and dehumidifying the air. It can also help increase comfort by cooling down hot rooms and removing moisture from the air, which can help reduce allergens. Most importantly, an efficient air conditioner can provide a calm sanctuary during the summer months when temperatures are high.
However, if you run into AC, not cooling the house, it can make for some miserable indoor temperatures. If your AC suddenly stops cooling, there are several potential causes. Keep reading to learn what can cause an AC to stop cooling a house.
Damaged Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is an essential component of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for transferring heat from the refrigerant to the outside environment. If your AC condenser unit is damaged, it may not be able to properly cool the house. This means that the air inside the house will be much warmer than usual, and it may be difficult to sleep or be comfortable. You may also notice an increase in your energy bills, as the AC will work much harder than usual to cool the house. If you believe your AC condenser unit is damaged, it is essential to call a professional to come and look at it.
Dirty Air Filter
If your AC unit isn't cooling your home like it used to, it might be because your air filter is dirty or clogged. A clogged or dirty air filter can prevent adequate airflow to your equipment and cause your AC unit to work harder. Eventually, a dirty air filter can cause your system to stop cooling completely. Aside from decreased system performance, a dirty filter can also allow dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens to circulate in your home and impact your indoor air quality.
Be sure to change your air filter regularly to prevent your AC unit from cooling. Most experts suggest varying your filters at least every three months. However, if you have pets or live in an area with high amounts of allergens, you might need to change your filter more frequently. You can also clean your air filter if it's visibly dirty. If you're unsure how to change or clean your air filter, consult your AC unit's owner's manual or contact your local HVAC technician.
Low Refrigerant Levels
A low refrigerant level is a common problem with air conditioners. It can cause the AC to stop cooling the house thoroughly. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by a leak in the system. The most common place for a leak is at the compressor. If the compressor goes out, the Freon will escape from the system. Other causes of a Freon leak can be age-related deterioration of seals and hoses or damage caused by pets or pests. If you suspect
If your AC has low refrigerant levels, have it inspected by a professional to find and fix the leak.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Most air conditioning systems have a set of evaporator coils that sit inside the house, typically in the basement or crawlspace. These coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home and transferring it outside. When they become frozen, however, they can no longer do their job correctly. This will cause your AC unit to work much harder than necessary and eventually break down completely.
There are a few things that can cause your evaporator coils to freeze up. One of the most common reasons is a lack of airflow around the rings. This can be caused by dirty filters, obstructed vents, or furniture blocking the vents. Another possibility is that there is too much moisture in the air, which can happen when there's been recent high humidity or if you have a leaky roof or windows. Finally, if your AC system is old or not properly maintained, it may not be able to handle the cooling load during hot weather conditions.
Overall, it is essential to have a functioning AC unit to keep your house cool. If your AC unit stops working, several potential causes should be investigated to get the unit working again. A qualified HVAC technician can help diagnose your team and resolve any issues.