It’s a typical day in Argyle, TX, and you notice that while your AC unit is running, it’s not cooling. In fact, it’s blowing hot air. So you search “AC repair near me” online and ask the technician, “Do I turn my AC off if it’s not cooling?” We often hear this question from concerned homeowners who want to avoid damaging their systems. And it might not be a bad idea in some cases. But the reality is that there could be a number of reasons why you’re experiencing these issues — including some that are easy to fix.
Sadly, this is a common struggle for homeowners during the summer and can start as early as April as outside temperatures begin to climb. Needless to say, a working system is a must.
Do I Turn My AC Off If It’s Not Cooling? It Could Be One of These 3 Simple Reasons
1. Clogged air filters — Air filters remove dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other particles to keep your home’s air clean and safe to breathe. They also ensure that critical airflow cycles to and from your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable year-round. Clogged air filters force the unit to work significantly harder and can lead to other problems, such as hot air rather than cooling. Generally, most air filter manufacturers, like General Electric, Filtrete, HEPA, and Honeywell, and HVAC companies, recommend changing your air filter every three months. But a lot of that depends on the size and quality of your air filter.
2. The thermostat is set wrong — Kids can bump into the thermostat and accidentally turn it off, switch the settings to heat, or push the set temperature a little higher than you prefer. Maybe you accidentally bumped into it. The point is that the fix to all that hot air blowing from the vents might be as simple as pushing a few buttons rather than shutting down your AC completely.
3. A tripped breaker — If your AC isn’t cooling, it’s possible that a power outage or surge tripped the breaker and caused the outdoor unit to lose power. All you have to do is go to your breaker box, find the tripped breaker, and switch it back to the “on” position. Your AC should return to normal in a few minutes.
You Could Have a Refrigerant Leak
If your AC still isn’t cooling your home after troubleshooting the above steps, then yes, definitely turn it off. Leaving it running can damage components and turn a potentially small fix into an expensive HVAC repair in Argyle, TX. It can also waste a ton of energy. Here are a few more complicated reasons why your AC might be in this spot:
1. Low refrigerant — Refrigerant is an internal liquid that aids your AC unit in blowing cold air. Without it, you’ll only get hot air. An easy way to spot low refrigerant is if you’re not getting any cold air inside your home and the coils on the outdoor unit are frozen. There could also be a leak, so you definitely want to shut the AC off if this is the case.
2. Dirty evaporator coils or clogged condensate line — Just like your AC air filter, your system’s evaporator coils and condensate line can become dirty and clogged over time. This restricts their ability to cool the air inside your home properly and remove humid air, hence the reason why you’re getting hot air instead.
3. Bad compressor — A compressor is the heartbeat of your air conditioner. So if it’s not working properly, the odds are high that you won’t have any hot air blowing from your vents. A skilled HVAC contractor or searching “air conditioning repair near me” can lead to a proper diagnosis and tips on what to do next.
Call A&A Air in Argyle, TX, Today to Help Solve Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling.
It can be frustrating when your air conditioner is on the fritz. It’s even more alarming when you know that HVAC companies in Lantana and surrounding communities are a dime a dozen but are often too busy to schedule your service call quickly. At A&A Air, we take your family’s comfort seriously. We know our job inside and out and respond promptly.
All you need to do is give us a call today!
We proudly serve Argyle, TX, and surrounding areas. You can email us at customercare@AAair.net or call 972-951-1320