Your AC is running but Not Cooling: Everything You Need to Know

You don't want to discover that your air conditioner is running but not cooling when the St. Louis heat reaches its full blast. We've all experienced that: the house feels like an oven while the AC system hums its song. At Rhymes Heating & Cooling, we understand this well. And what about the good news? We're here to help you put two and two together regarding your AC and, most importantly, to go about it.
 

Common Reasons That Could Stop Your AC from Cooling

Thermostat Problems That Messed Up The Cooling

Sometimes, the problem lies with very simple thermostat settings. If you have set the thermostat to "on" instead of auto, your system will continue blowing out air, not cooling, in between heating cycles; a faulty thermostat and dead batteries could stop the AC from working altogether.

 

Refrigerant Leaks and System Pressure Loss

You know it; the magic happens. And when it absorbs heat, it cools everything down. 'There's a leak; your system runs but makes no cold air. Refrigerant leaks can cause damage to your compressor and can become quite harmful to the environment. This is the stuff you ignore.

 

Electrical Malfunctions in Your HVAC System

A sudden tripped breaker, bad wiring, or blown fuse could cause live sabotage to your system and its efficiency in cooling. If your AC stopped working suddenly or had inconsistent action, it's most likely the electrical problem behind all that. Please leave it to a licensed pro for safety purposes in this case.

 

Poor Airflow or Duct Problems

If the ducts are leaky or blocked, cold air cannot reach the rooms where it is needed. The result is uneven temperatures and high energy bills. The airflow instances may show that your AC is broken when it really isn't.

 

Dirty or Clogged Internal Components

When components like the condenser coils or evaporator are caked with dirt, your system has to work harder, and it may eventually stop cooling altogether. This kind of wear and tear would become cumulative quickly if not professionally cleaned and maintained.

 

Frozen Evaporator or Condenser Coils

And yes, even in the immediate aftermath of a hot Missouri summer, your AC can freeze up. If the coils are covered in ice, it suggests a problem with airflow or refrigerant levels, which means your home is being supplied with less cool air.

 

Age of the System or Wrong Size

If your AC has been in use for more than 10 years or was never sized correctly for your house, it is probably time for a new replacement unit. No amount of repairs can keep an aged or undersized unit up to the modern demands for cooling.

 

Why You Should Not Always Go for DIY Fixes

Of course, sometimes you want to try and troubleshoot things before you call in the pros. But many great AC systems can probably do more harm than good when tinkered with. Refrigerant handling is subject to licensing and must be performed by certified professionals.

 

Here's why it's safer and smarter to leave things up to certified HVAC technicians: 

 

• Electrical repairs can risk life and property without the correct tools and experience.

 

• The process of DIY repairs voids your manufacturer's warranty.

 

• Misdiagnosis of the situation can lead to higher cost damage later.

 

When to Call the Professionals

• You should consult the professionals when your AC unit:

 

• Blows only hot or no air at all.

 

• Ice accumulation is present on the unit or lines.

 

• Makes abnormal noises like hissing or buzzing.

 

• Frequently switches on and off.

 

• Shows sudden peaks in your charges for energy use.

 

These indicate that something's gone wrong. The longer you wait, the worse (and costlier) it can get.

 

Find Reliable HVAC Experts Near You

Here at Rhymes Heating & Cooling, we have kept St. Louis homes cool and comfortable for years. It's not like we throw parts on problems—we get to the real problem underneath it all. Be it a failed component, a refrigerant leak, or a system that has simply looked better in the past, we possess the tools and the know-how to fix it correctly the first time.

 

Stay Cool with Rhymes Heating & Cooling

You deserve to be cool and comfortable in your home—particularly when that Missouri humidity hits. Your air conditioning works, but it just doesn't cool; don't let it get worse and ignore it. Let Rhymes Heating & Cooling handle it today, as well. Call us now!