The San Francisco Bay Area is projected to see temperatures rise significantly over the next 25 years, so local residents should closely monitor their home cooling systems to ensure optimal performance. Most customers notice a decline in AC performance as their equipment approaches the end of its lifespan, typically around the 10-year mark. If you notice that your AC is not cooling like it used to, the issue could be due to a range of factors that happen individually, or multiple problems might occur at the same time.
AC cooling problems can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, such as a failing component or low refrigerant levels that reduce the system’s cooling capacity. Understanding the most common reasons your AC isn’t cooling is important to identify and address issues early, preventing stressful breakdowns. If you encounter a home cooling dilemma, the experienced team at Calvey Heating & Air is available for reliable, professional air conditioning system inspections and repairs when the hot Bay Area summer temperatures strike.
Key Takeaways:
- Some common reasons why your AC isn’t cooling the house like it used to include low refrigerant levels, restricted airflow, and a failing capacitor.
- It’s important to know when to turn off your AC immediately if it’s not cooling and when to leave it on and schedule a professional repair.
- Homeowners should know when to repair their AC and when to replace the entire system.
Common Reasons Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling
If your AC system is not cooling your house, it can quickly turn your home into a hot, uncomfortable space. There are a few common reasons why your air conditioner is not getting cold enough. Some of these issues may also be why your AC isn’t cooling your home whatsoever. Here’s what to check when your AC is not cooling your house like it used to.
Low refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels due to a leak can significantly impair your air conditioner’s ability to cool your home as it should. These leaks may be caused by corroded lines, a faulty pressure relief valve, a cracked heat exchanger, or worn-out seals.
Unusual hissing, bubbling, or gurgling sounds and liquid dripping from or pooling near your air conditioner are signs of a possible refrigerant leak. If you suspect you have a leak or need your refrigerant recharged, contact the experts at Calvey Heating & Air right away.
Dirty evaporator coils
Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing and transferring heat away from your home to help keep it cool. If the coils become dirty, they may eventually freeze, leading to a significant drop in performance, high energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and possible system failure.
Most of the time, evaporator coils get dirty due to damp or humid air, clogged or dirty air filters, mold and mildew growth, or the accumulation of pet hair, pollen, and other airborne particles and dirt. You can remove loose dirt and debris from the coils yourself using a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment, or contact an experienced HVAC company to clean them for you.
A failing capacitor
The capacitor stores the energy your system needs to start and run the motors that power your air conditioner and cool your home. When the capacitor starts to malfunction, you may notice weak airflow, reduced cooling performance, or the AC may not turn on at all.
Signs of a failing capacitor include humming noises coming from your outdoor unit, a leaking or bulging capacitor casing, or short-cycling, which occurs when your AC keeps turning on and off before reaching the pre-set temperature. If you suspect that your capacitor is failing, it’s important to have it replaced by a skilled professional as soon as possible to prevent the fan motor and outdoor compressor from burning out.
Restricted airflow
Airflow restrictions can lead to a range of problems, including uneven cooling, frozen evaporator coils, high energy bills, and premature system failure. Weak airflow is often due to dirty or clogged ductwork, blocked vents and registers, a broken fan motor, or frozen evaporator coils.
If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, start by inspecting and replacing the air filter if it’s dirty and removing any obstructions from your vents and registers, such as area rugs or furniture. If the airflow problem persists, you may need to contact the pros at Calvey Heating & Air to determine the cause and provide a solution.
Should You Turn Off Your AC If It’s Not Cooling?
You may wonder, should I turn off my AC if it’s not cooling or if it’s blowing hot air? There are certain circumstances where you should turn your air conditioner off immediately if it’s not cooling your home. There may also be times when you should leave the AC on and schedule an experienced HVAC technician instead. It’s important to know when to turn your AC off versus when to leave it running and call a pro instead.
Turn it off immediately if:
- The air conditioner keeps short-cycling.
- Water is leaking from the unit.
- The AC makes a loud grinding or hissing noise.
- You smell burning odors when the AC runs.
- Ice forms on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil.
Leave it on, but get a technician scheduled if:
- The air inside your home feels slightly cool, but not cold.
- Weak airflow is coming from the vents.
- The system turns on, but the temperature doesn’t change when you adjust the thermostat.
When Should You Replace an AC System That’s Not Cooling Like It Used To?
Here’s when you should replace an AC system when it doesn’t cool your house as it used to:
- Your system is 10 to 15 years old or older.
- The AC has required recurring professional and DIY repairs, but still isn’t cooling your home as it should.
- Repair costs are 50% or more of the cost of a new unit.
- The system hasn’t been professionally maintained for multiple seasons.
How We Diagnose Underperforming AC Units in San Jose and the Bay Area
At Calvey Heating & Air, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to HVAC services. Here’s how our team of professionals takes extra care to diagnose underperforming AC units in San Jose and the Bay Area:
- Step one: We carefully listen to your concerns before conducting a thorough inspection to evaluate the issue.
- Step two: After inspecting the problem, we make an accurate diagnosis and provide honest recommendations tailored to your unique needs.
- Step three: You’ll receive a free estimate for the repairs.
- Step four: Once you approve the estimate, we use high-quality parts and advanced methods to perform a thorough, long-lasting repair.
- Step five: Our technicians double-check the repair for accuracy and perform a system test to confirm that everything is working correctly.
- Step six: We perform a walkthrough to show you what has been done, answer your questions, and provide post-repair maintenance tips.
Contact Calvey Heating & Air Today!
Calvey Heating & Air offers flat-rate pricing, a 30-day warranty for service calls, and a three-year warranty for new system installations. If your AC isn’t cooling your house and you live in the South Bay, Peninsula, or San Francisco Bay Area, contact us for service today!