Why Your AC Isn’t Cooling and What to Do

There are few things in life that can strike absolute terror in your heart. Whether it’s a scary movie or the dreaded phone call from a relative you haven’t spoken to in months, the fear you get when you wake up to your thermostat reading 80 degrees cannot be compared.

So, what do you do when it feels hotter inside your home than outside? Instead of cursing out your AC system, there are plenty of things you can do before you call the experts at Hickory Sheet Metal. Thanks to nearly 100 years of experience in the community, we know that a busted AC is a quick way to ruin your day.

Still, you can feel empowered to fix your own problems or have the knowledge necessary to make the right call when the issue is outside of your capabilities. Let’s help you out!

Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Yes, that’s a wonderful question when you’re already sweating and breaking out all the fans. So, it’s best to start with the simplest possibilities.

First, check your thermostat. Make sure it is set to “cool” and that the temperature setting is below the current indoor temperature. Also check the fan setting. Setting the fan to “on” can cause it to circulate air even when the AC is not actively cooling. Using “auto” allows the fan to operate with the cooling cycle.

Next, inspect your air filter. A heavily clogged filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system. That can reduce cooling performance and create additional strain on the equipment.

The problem could also be outside. Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris around the outdoor unit can restrict airflow. You can clear obvious debris from around the equipment, but leave internal cleaning and repairs to an HVAC professional.

Other causes are less homeowner-friendly. Low refrigerant, electrical failures, control problems, damaged components, or other mechanical issues require professional diagnosis. Obviously, that’s where we come in.

AC Troubleshooting You Can Do Before Making the Call

A little AC troubleshooting can help you rule out simple problems and give your HVAC technician useful information if you eventually need service.

Check your electrical panel to see whether the AC breaker has tripped. If it has, you can reset it once. If the breaker trips again, stop there and call an HVAC professional. Repeatedly resetting a breaker without identifying the underlying problem is not a good troubleshooting strategy.

Walk through your home and check the supply vents, too. Make sure they are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, curtains, or other objects.

Then listen to the system. Is the indoor fan running? Is the outdoor unit operating? Is airflow unusually weak? Do you hear grinding, buzzing, banging, or other unfamiliar sounds?

These observations can help narrow down what is happening.

When an Air Conditioner Not Working Needs Professional Attention

There is a point where DIY troubleshooting should end, and that’s probably before you want to take a hammer to your thermostat.

Call an HVAC professional if your system continues blowing warm air, repeatedly trips a breaker, produces unusual noises or odors, develops ice, has extremely weak airflow, refuses to turn on, or runs continuously without bringing your home to the desired temperature.

Avoid opening equipment panels or attempting electrical, refrigerant, or mechanical repairs yourself. Modern heating and cooling systems contain components that require specialized tools, training, and knowledge to diagnose safely.

At Hickory Sheet Metal, residential HVAC repair and maintenance are part of the full-service capabilities we have developed during nearly a century in the mechanical contracting business. Our factory-trained technicians work with equipment from major manufacturers including Trane, Lennox, Carrier, and Mitsubishi. We also hold NATE Certified Technician credentials.

Stay Cool with Hickory Sheet Metal

When your AC quits cooling, you want more than guesses. You want someone who can find the problem and explain what needs to happen next.

Hickory Sheet Metal has served the Hickory area since 1928, providing residential and commercial HVAC service with an emphasis on quality workmanship, fair pricing, and responsive customer service.

If you have checked the thermostat, filter, breaker, vents, and outdoor unit and your home is still getting warmer, give Hickory Sheet Metal a call. We’ll help you get to the bottom of the problem and get your home comfortable again.