People are used to immediate results when it comes to an appliance. You flip the switch and it should start working right away. Think about the lights in your home or your television, when you press the button or flip the switch, you can probably imagine how it’s supposed to react. This instant gratification is important because when a system doesn’t operate exactly as it should, you might start getting worried.
This is normal, but it can be stressful when it has to do with your cooling system. Air conditioning in Cedar Rapids, IA is pretty important, especially when hot temperatures are right around the corner. It feels like heatwaves are coming earlier and earlier each year, which means time is running out.
If you turn your system on and don’t feel any cooling, then be sure to follow our guide to alleviate any panic. It’s going to be okay!
Why No Cooling Happens
When your air conditioner ceases to provide you with cool air, something is wrong. This is the primary objective of your AC system, basically the reason for its invention, and if it’s not providing this crucial benefit then it’s consuming electricity for no reason.
No cooling can happen as a result of many different things. For starters, a refrigerant leak is one of the most common reasons for this type of issue, since refrigerant is necessary for the cooling process. Another reason for an air conditioner not cooling can be due to a failed compressor or dirty coil system, which results in the blower fan pushing lukewarm air into your home. There are more reasons for this type of issue, but none of them should be ignored.
What “No Cooling” Means
How can you tell if your AC is just working slowly or if it’s not cooling? It’s simple!
Set your thermostat to a moderate threshold, like the mid-70s on a warm day. Then wait a few minutes after the system turns on. By that point, your home should be reasonably cool and should meet the temperature setting on your thermostat. If it doesn’t, then something is wrong.
If you put your hand over the vents, you should feel air wafting into your home. This air should be cool. If it’s not cool, or if there’s no airflow, these are all reasons to be concerned since your home can’t possibly be cooled down by your AC if there’s no cool air coming from the ventilation system.
Troubleshooting Your AC
So, what can you do? Here are some steps you can take.
- Call for help. Start by alerting our expert technicians to this issue so we can take a look even if the problem doesn’t last for very long.
- Change out the air filter. Sometimes when the air filter gets clogged, it can inhibit airflow and the cooling potential of your AC.
- Make sure the thermostat is set correctly. Sometimes the solution is simply setting your thermostat to “cooling mode” instead of “heating mode.” If it’s already set to cooling and a reasonable indoor temperature, then there’s likely a problem.
At this point, if nothing else works then shut your system off and await the diagnosis of our team.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.