Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling the House?

Air conditioning is crucial in and around Las Vegas to control interior temperatures and get you through those mid-summer days. Unfortunately, several things can go wrong with an AC unit that can diminish its cooling power. 

The cause and potential solution of your air conditioning malfunction will vary depending on precisely what you’re experiencing. For example, you may notice:

• Your AC comes on, but the air coming out of the vents is warm or even hot
• Your AC will not come on at all
• Your AC is creating cool air, but your home is still too warm 

What Should I Do If My AC Is on, but the Air Isn’t Cool?

Put your hand next to one of your HVAC registers when you hear the AC running. There should be cool air blowing through the vents, not warm or hot air.

In this situation, the first thing to do is to ensure that the thermostat hasn’t been accidentally changed to “heat” or “fan” instead of AC. If your thermostat is on the wrong setting, changing it back to “cool” should fix the problem. 

Unfortunately, however, getting to the bottom of your AC issues isn’t always so simple. So, here is a list of other things you should do:

1. Change your air filter.A dirty filter will restrict air flow and make it more difficult for your AC unit to cool your home. If this is the problem, you should notice an improvement immediately after installing a clean filter.
2. Go outside and look at the compressor unit.This is the big piece of machinery outside that most people think of as the AC unit. Visually inspect the compressor to see if bushes, vines, or debris are blocking or obstructing it. When air intake is blocked, your AC may not be able to produce cool air. 
3. Inspect the unit for dust or debris. Look for dust or dirt on the housing, compressor, or evaporator coils, which are the thin metal ridges inside the unit. 
4. Clean according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. You can gently clean your AC components using gentle cleaning solvents according to your user’s manual. Dilute the solution and use a brush to gently work any stubborn dirt off the coils. The air conditioner will need to be turned off and disconnected from its power source before you begin cleaning.

If you follow these steps and still don’t get cold air, the problem is probably with the unit itself. The most common causes are either low refrigerant or a failing or a burnt-out compressor unit. Both issues may cause a reduction in performance over time and eventually complete AC failure. 

Fortunately, these are also relatively standard repairs. Contact a licensed air conditioning professional if you’re in need of more advanced home air conditioning repair service. They should be able to confirm the cause of the problem and replace the part or recharge the refrigerant, often the same day you call..

Call (928) 263-8698 Today or Book Online for Heating and Cooling Service!

What Should I Do If My AC Won’t Come On?

If your AC fails to come on, start with a few simple steps:

1. Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than your current room temperature.
2. Replace the batteries on your thermostat.
3. Check the circuit breaker box and look for any circuits that have been tripped. A tripped circuit means your AC isn’t getting power. Reset the switch, then try your AC again.
4. Check for AC freezing.Some older units might not be able to handle the heat. If you see ice on your AC, switch to the “fan” setting on your thermostat. Wait a few hours, and this should start to defrost the unit. Once it is defrosted, try to turn it back on and see if you get cool air. Also, check and clean your air filter to improve airflow and reduce the potential for AC freeze.

If none of these steps get your AC working again, the problem is likely a faulty component that needs to be replaced. Call a professional and they should be able to help you diagnose your problem.

What If My AC Is Working, but My House Is Still Warm?

Some AC problems don’t fall into either category above. For example, your air conditioner may be running and producing some cooler air. Unfortunately, though, even after you’ve gone through all the standard troubleshooting steps, your home is still uncomfortably warm. You may even notice only one room in your house not cooling.

In this case, start by checking your registers to make sure they’re open and allowing for free air movement. If they are unobstructed, your problem could be: 

• Leaking vents: The metal tubing behind your walls and ceilings that funnel the cool air throughout your home need to be airtight to prevent energy losses. If warm air is getting in where it shouldn’t be because of a compromised vent, your system may be unable to cool your house sufficiently.
• A system that is too small: Your air conditioner should be powerful enough to keep the inside of your house about 20 to 25 degrees cooler than the outside temperatures. If it cannot do this, it may be too small for the size of your home.

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Do I Need a Professional to Fix My AC Issues?

It is always a good idea to try and get your AC working on your own before calling a professional. If the issue can be resolved as quickly as changing the filter or replacing your thermostat batteries, you can avoid the expense of a service call by performing these tasks yourself.

However, sometimes there are more complicated issues and will require the assistance of an HVAC technician. A service visit from one of Ambient Edge’s highly trained technicians can help diagnose the specific reason why your AC is not cooling your home sufficiently.

We can perform most necessary repairs on the spot to restore your cool air quickly. Or, if your system is too small or worn out to keep up, we will discuss the pros and cons of replacing your AC with a more efficient model. 

Got HVAC or AC Problems? Call (928) 263-8698 or Schedule Service Online!

Get Your Las Vegas Air Conditioning Unit Fixed Today

An air conditioner that doesn’t cool your house isn’t much of an air conditioner. So let the experts at Ambient Edge help you today! We offer fast repair calls, NATE-certified technicians, flat-rate estimates, and the best service in Las Vegas. We also have 24/7 emergency repairs available. 

Don’t settle for a less experienced company – call or fill out the online form to contact us and speak with one of our service experts today.