In the middle of a sweltering summer, it’s extremely frustrating when your air conditioner has been running all day but the house still isn’t getting cool, leaving you hot and sweaty with no end in sight. In this situation, you may find yourself reaching for the phone to call an HVAC contractor — while a technician can certainly help you out, there are some things you can try on your own before you call the professionals.
At Genuine Comfort, we want our customers to have the tools they need to troubleshoot their HVAC problems by themselves, so they can save time and money on repairs. If your home isn’t getting cool, keep reading to learn the most common reasons this can happen, some simple solutions to try, and when to call a professional.
Possible Reasons Your Home Isn’t Getting Cool
1. Thermostat Issues
Start by checking the thermostat settings. If it’s set to “fan” instead of “cool”, your system will circulate room-temperature air without cooling it first. If it’s malfunctioning or dead, it won’t communicate properly with the HVAC system, resulting in performance issues. Reset the thermostat, replace its batteries, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat if you haven’t already.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
When the air filters are dirty or clogged, it reduces airflow and restricts cooling. Over time, this can cause the system to overwork or even freeze the evaporator coil. Luckily, this is simple to fix — all you need to do is replace your filter as often as the manufacturer recommends, typically every 90 days. This is especially important during times of peak AC usage.
3. Refrigerant Problems
Refrigerant problems are another possible reason your home isn’t getting cool. The refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air, and when its levels are low due to leaks or improper charging, it can result in warm air blowing, ice on the coils, or hissing sounds.
Issues with your refrigerant require attention from a licensed HVAC technician. They can locate the leak, fix it, and recharge the refrigerant, ensuring your home can stay cool throughout the summer.
4. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Unit
Step outside and take a look at your condenser unit. If it’s clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, heat can’t properly escape, which means the system can’t cool efficiently. Turn off the unit and carefully clean the area around it to make sure it can run properly. It’s also a good idea to schedule annual condenser unit maintenance to prevent these types of issues.
5. Leaky or Damaged Ductwork
If your home isn’t getting cool, your ductwork may be leaky or damaged, allowing conditioned air to escape into the attic or walls before it reaches the living spaces and resulting in uneven cooling across rooms. Professional duct inspection can help you know for sure, and sealing/repair services can get your system back on track.
6. Undersized or Aging System
If you experience consistent cooling problems, your HVAC system may be too small for your home’s square footage. It could also be nearing the end of its lifespan, causing it to struggle to keep up with demand. In these cases, it’s a smart idea to have an HVAC professional come over and assess whether it’s time for an upgrade.
7. Electrical or Sensor Problems
Electrical problems, including faulty capacitors, tripped breakers, or malfunctioning sensors, can prevent proper AC function by causing the system to shut off prematurely or fail to start. Some of these issues can be reset, but for safety reasons, electrical problems should always be diagnosed and addressed by a pro.
8. Air Leaks or Insufficient Insulation
Poor insulation or drafty doors or windows can undermine AC performance, making your house feel like it’s not getting cool even if the system is running properly. Consider weatherproofing, adding attic insulation, or sealing leaks to prevent cool air from escaping.
Call Genuine Comfort if Your Home Isn’t Getting Cool
If typical troubleshooting measures don’t fix the problem, it’s time to call the professionals at Genuine Comfort. We can accurately diagnose and repair more complicated AC issues, helping you stay cool all summer long.
Preventative maintenance is another valuable service we provide. When we get the chance to regularly examine your system and inspect each of its components, we can catch potential problems early, preventing them from becoming major malfunctions.
If your home isn’t getting cool, contact Genuine Comfort today to schedule an AC service or get a quote.
Follow Us