Why Is My Home Not Getting Colder With The AC On?

It’s the middle of summer and you’re trying to keep your home as cool as possible, but no matter how high you turn up the AC, it just doesn’t seem to be making a dent. You may be wondering why this is happening, and whether or not there’s anything you can do about it.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why your home isn’t getting colder with the AC on and provide some tips on how to fix the issue.

How Does a Central AC Unit Work?

To understand why your home isn’t getting colder with the AC on, it’s important to first understand how a central AC unit works.

A central AC unit is made up of two parts: an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit contains the compressor, condenser coils, and fans. The indoor unit contains the evaporator coils and blower fan.

The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant goes into the outdoor unit’s condenser coils and fans, where it releases heat into the air outside. The refrigerant then goes into the indoor unit’s evaporator coils and blower fan, where it absorbs heat from the air inside your home. This process continues until your desired temperature is reached.

There are a few reasons why your home might not be getting cold enough with the AC on. Below, we’ll break down these reasons.

Your Filter May Need to Be Replaced

One of the most common reasons why your home isn’t getting cold enough with the AC on is that your filter needs to be replaced.

Your AC unit’s filter helps to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air before it enters the evaporator coils. Over time, the filter can become clogged with these particles, which reduces its ability to remove them from the air. This can cause several issues, including decreased airflow and reduced efficiency.

If you suspect that your filter may be the issue, try replacing it with a new one. We recommend doing this every few months during peak usage periods (such as summer).

There Could Be an Issue with Your Ductwork

Another reason why your home isn’t getting cold enough with the AC on is that there could be an issue with your ductwork.

Your home’s ductwork is responsible for carrying cooled air from your AC unit to the different rooms in your house. If there are any leaks in the ductwork, this can cause cool air to escape before it has a chance to reach your desired temperature.

To check for leaks, take a look at all of the seams and joints in your ductwork. If you see any gaps or cracks, seal them up with mastic sealant or metal tape.

Your AC Unit is Leaking Refrigerant

If your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, this can also cause your home not to get cold enough with the AC on.

Refrigerant is what helps to remove heat from the air inside your home. If there’s a leak in your AC unit, this can cause the refrigerant level to drop, which reduces its ability to remove heat.

If you think that your AC unit may be leaking refrigerant, we recommend calling a professional for help. This is not something that you should try to fix on your own.

Your AC’s Condenser or Evaporator Coil is Broken

If your AC’s condenser or evaporator coil is broken, this can also cause your home not to get cold enough with the AC on.

The coils are responsible for transferring heat from the air inside your home to the outside air (for the condenser) and vice versa (for the evaporator). If they’re broken, this process won’t be able to take place effectively, which can make it difficult to reach your desired temperature.

Your Registers Are Clogged

If your registers are clogged, this can restrict the flow of air from your AC unit, which can make it difficult to cool your home.

To check if your registers are clogged, take a look at them and see if any debris or dust is blocking the opening. If so, use a vacuum to remove it.

Need Help with Your AC Unit?

If you’re having trouble cooling your home with your AC unit, the experts at Access Heating & Air Conditioning can help. We offer a variety of services, including AC repair, replacement, and maintenance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.