HVAC Troubleshooting Guide

When you have a running compressor, but your air conditioning unit is not producing cool air, there are a number of things that could be causing this problem. The first areas that should be checked and cleared can be completed easily and quickly. These are fixes that should be accessible to any home owner, while home owners with more advanced maintenance skills can check out few more DIY options.

Before you decide if you need to call in a professional HVAC technician, discover how to troubleshoot your HVAC on your own when your unit is running but not cooling.

HVAC Troubleshooting: Why Your AC Unit Isn’t Cooling

Before you assume the worst, run through this quick list of common sources of malfunction that can decrease air conditioning efficiency.

To make your diagnostic process easier, first check for simple “fixes” for your AC unit:

Troubleshooting with Basic Maintenance

Regular maintenance will increase the energy efficiency and cooling output of your air conditioner. A poorly running HVAC system can dramatically increase your electrical bill, while simultaneously failing to keep you cool in the summer months. Caring for and cleaning your HVAC unit will also decrease the likelihood of costly repairs and replacements. This will allow your air conditioner to work at its peak in the background without you even noticing.

Cleaning and inspecting each piece of your unit should be done at minimum every other month, and more often if you have thicker filters or during the warm seasons when the HVAC unit is working overtime. Keeping this as a part of your regular HVAC maintenance routine will ensure maximum performance, fewer repair costs, and a longer product life. If these maintenance items are long overdue, simply performing these tasks can increase your heating and cooling efficiency by up to 25%.

If you are not able to incorporate this into your routine, consider hiring a licensed HVAC technician to regularly service and maintain your unit for you.

If you decide to address the issue on your own, here are areas of your unit to address for maintenance tasks.

1. Clean Your Filter

First, turn off the power to your HVAC unit. Your air filter will be located in the air handler cabinet and will be easily accessible from the door on the front. Consider investing in a washable filter. High-quality washable filters may last you up to 15 years, which should last you through the full lifespan of your air conditioning unit.

If you see ice around the coils, simply finish cleaning or replacing your filter, close the unit door, and turn the power back on. Ice is a common sign of excessively diminished airflow and can inhibit your evaporator coil from functioning altogether. Once airflow is reestablished, it should melt within a few hours. This alone may result in a significant increase your air conditioner’s cooling capacity.

2. Clean the HVAC Interior

Next, clean out the condenser, evaporator, filters, and coil. If these are dirty and clogged by debris, airflow within your unit may be restricted, which can severely affect the efficiency of your unit as a whole. Over time, this can lead to an overheated, overworked, and damaged compressor, which can result in costly repairs or even the need to replace your air conditioning system altogether.

3. Check Your Electrical Wiring

Nearly 85% of all HVAC repairs stem from electrical problems. Make sure you examine all the wiring within your unit, especially the wiring connected to an outlet. If you have a tripped breaker or a blown fuse, it is time to bring in an electrician.

4. Check Your Ductwork

The primary function of your ductwork is to deliver and distribute the cooled air your HVAC unit has worked so hard to produce. If your ductwork is cracked or lacks proper sealing, your air conditioning may be dissipating inefficiently around you without you ever feeling cool air.

If this is the case, the good news is that you still most likely have a healthy, well-functioning air conditioning system. Make sure you thoroughly inspect all sealing to ensure your ductwork is efficiently routing your cold air to the proper destination.

5. Check for Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your system. This is the substance that absorbs excess indoor heat and releases it outside. The only job of your refrigerant is to run this constant cycle. But even your refrigerant needs occasional maintenance, or the unit can begin developing small leaks. Leaks may also simply be a result of old age, but if left unmanaged, refrigerant leaks can severely inhibit the ability of your HVAC to function.

So what do you do when your HVAC is running, but not cooling after you have run through all of your do-it-yourself options? If your air conditioning is still not cooling, schedule a technician to check your refrigerant levels.

Work with an HVAC Company

If your system’s performance hasn’t improved after you complete these basic maintenance measures, it may be time to bring in a certified HVAC technician to diagnose the source of your troubles. A knowledgeable, certified technician will work to ensure your air conditioning needs are met and will do so at a fair price.

Ask friends and family members for recommendations and research online reviews of HVAC companies in your area. The best ones will often have a vocal group of supporters in your community. Make sure your HVAC service provider has a 24-hour emergency number and enough staff on hand to give you enough attention even during the most sweltering summer months.