A lack of AC can bring your fun summer to a screeching halt. Providing your system with the repairs it needs can help your home stay safe and cool, but what should you do in the meantime?

In the latest blog post from Rusk Heating & Cooling, we’ll discuss what can cause this issue, if you should turn your AC off when you notice a lack of cooling, and how maintenance can help to prevent future issues. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule AC services in the Greater Cincinnati area.

What Can Keep Your AC From Cooling?

When the scorching heat of summer arrives, your air conditioner becomes your ultimate comfort companion. However, an air conditioner that is running, but not cooling, can be problematic.

Several factors can contribute to your AC not cooling properly, including:

  • Clogged Air Filters: One of the most common culprits behind an underperforming AC is a clogged air filter. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on the filter, restricting airflow and reducing the unit’s cooling efficiency.
  • Refrigerant Leaks: The refrigerant in your AC system is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside. If there is a refrigerant leak, the AC won’t be able to cool the air properly, and you might notice warm or hot air blowing out of the vents.
  • Faulty Compressor: The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner, and if it malfunctions, the AC won’t be able to cool the air effectively. Signs of a faulty compressor include strange noises and increased energy consumption.
  • Dirty Condenser Coils: The condenser coils release heat from the refrigerant to the outside air. If these coils are covered in dirt and grime, they won’t be able to release heat efficiently, leading to reduced cooling performance.
  • Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, the problem might not lie with the AC itself but with the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to inaccurate temperature readings, causing the AC to run incorrectly.

What To Do When Your AC isn’t Cooling

If your AC is not cooling effectively, turning it off temporarily might be a good idea, but the decision depends on the specific situation. Here are some factors to consider:

Check for Obvious Issues

Before deciding to turn off your AC, perform a quick check to see if there are any obvious issues that you can address yourself. Check the thermostat settings, ensure the air filter is clean, and clear any debris around the outdoor unit. Sometimes, there are simple solutions to a lack of AC.

Prevent Further Damage

If your AC is not cooling due to a major issue, such as a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning compressor, allowing it to run continuously may worsen the problem or even damage the unit further. In such cases, turning off the AC can prevent additional damage and save you from potentially costly repairs.

Prevent Energy Waste

If your AC is running but not cooling effectively, it is consuming energy without providing the cool relief you need. Continuing to run the AC in this state would waste electricity without delivering comfort.

Give the AC a Break

Turning off the AC temporarily can give it a chance to cool down and reset. Sometimes, air conditioners experience issues due to overheating or overworking. Giving it a break can be beneficial if the problem is related to thermal overload.

Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried simple troubleshooting steps and the AC is still not cooling properly, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. Turning off the AC until the issue is diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician can be a wise decision.

Temporary Solutions

If it’s sweltering hot and your AC is not cooling, consider temporary alternate cooling methods, like fans or opening windows during cooler parts of the day. 

If your AC is not cooling effectively and simple troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to turn off the AC and call a professional HVAC technician. Running a malfunctioning AC can lead to more significant issues, waste energy, and not provide the comfort you need. 

Prevent AC Issues With Annual Maintenance

Many times, AC issues occur due to a lack of maintenance. All HVAC equipment, including central air conditioners, should receive regular maintenance to keep the system running smoothly and to catch any minor issues that could develop into more serious problems.

Regular AC maintenance should ideally be performed in the spring before you’ve turned your system on for the first time of the year. 

However, maintenance can still be performed at any time, so if spring has passed, be sure to contact Rusk for AC maintenance services in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Contact Rusk Heating & Cooling for AC Services in the Greater Cincinnati Area

At Rusk, our team is proud to provide residents of the Greater Cincinnati area with top-notch cooling services. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.