Reasons Your House Is Not Cooling and How to Fix Them

Common Reasons Your House Won’t Cool and How to Solve Them

A hot summer day is much less enjoyable when your air conditioner stops working. You expect your home to be a cool escape from the heat, but instead, you walk into a warm, stuffy house. A broken AC can be frustrating, especially during a heatwave in the Clinton, Flemington, or Bridgewater areas. This simple AC troubleshooting guide will help you understand some common AC cooling issues and identify potential causes. You can fix the issue yourself, or you may need professional AC repair and maintenance services.

A woman adjusting the air conditioner with a smartphone on the sofa in Hunterdon County, NJ

How Air Conditioners Work in Your Home

Your air conditioner has a complex job, but the basic idea is simple. It moves heat from inside your house to the outside. This process cools your home and makes it comfortable. Understanding the steps involved can help you identify why your system might not be working correctly. Here’s how it works:

Warm Air Intake: The system pulls warm air from inside your house through a vent. This air passes over a cold evaporator coil.
Heat Transfer: A special fluid called refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil. This refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, causing the air to cool down.
Cool Air Distribution: A fan blows the newly cooled air back into your home through the ductwork.
Heat Expulsion: The refrigerant, now warm, travels to the outdoor unit. Here, a compressor and condenser coil work together to release the heat outside.

8 Reasons Your AC Is Not Cooling the House

There are several reasons an air conditioner is not cooling properly. Some issues are simple fixes, while others require a professional technician. A lack of cool air can stem from dirty filters, low refrigerant, or even a faulty part. Identifying the cause is the first step toward getting your home cool and comfortable again, while also supporting high indoor air quality.

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter is a frequent cause of AC problems. It restricts airflow, preventing your system from cooling your home effectively. This makes your AC work harder, which can increase energy bills and lead to more serious damage over time.

Leaking Ductwork

Holes or gaps in your ductwork can let cool air escape before it reaches your rooms. This means your system is cooling spaces like your attic or crawlspace instead of your living areas, wasting energy and leaving you warm.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Dirty filters or low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. Ice on the coils blocks airflow, so your AC can’t cool the air. You might notice reduced airflow from your vents if your coils are frozen.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from your indoor air. If your system has a leak and the refrigerant level is low, it won’t be able to cool the air properly. This is a job for a professional.

Faulty Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It circulates the refrigerant. If the compressor fails, the cooling cycle stops completely. A broken compressor is a serious issue that requires an expert to fix.

An Older Unit Needs Repair

Like any machine, air conditioners wear out over time. An older unit might have failing parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Regular maintenance can catch these issues before they become major problems.

Thermostat Issues

Sometimes the problem is as simple as a faulty thermostat. If it’s not reading the temperature correctly or sending the right signals to your AC unit, your system won’t turn on or cool as it should.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The outdoor unit’s condenser coils release heat outside. If they are covered in dirt, leaves, or grass clippings, they can’t do their job. This traps heat in the system and prevents it from cooling your home efficiently.

Top Tips for Proper AC Use

To improve air conditioner efficiency and keep your system running smoothly, there are a few simple practices you can follow. Small habits can make a substantial difference in how well your AC performs throughout the hot New Jersey summers. Follow these tips to get the most out of your air conditioner:

Change Filters: Regularly check and change your air filters every 1-3 months. This is one of the easiest ways to maintain good airflow and efficiency.
Use a Programmable Thermostat: A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature for you, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Vents Clear: Make sure furniture, curtains, and other objects are not blocking your air vents. Clear vents allow for better air circulation throughout your home.
Schedule Maintenance: Have a professional technician perform annual maintenance. This helps catch potential issues early and keeps your system in top condition.

Trust Our Experts for AC Repair

If you’ve tried a few simple troubleshooting tips and your air conditioner is still not cooling, it’s time to call in the professionals. Mighty Ducts Heating & Cooling offers reliable AC repair and maintenance services throughout Hunterdon County. Our experienced technicians can diagnose the problem quickly and provide a lasting solution. When you call us, you’ll always speak to a real person. Contact Mighty Ducts Heating & Cooling today to schedule a service call and get your home cool again.