If you’ve walked through your house and felt more warmth than chill, you’re not imagining it. When your AC is working but is not cooling, there are a handful of reasons that could be behind it. Some are simple fixes, and others call for a professional. Let’s take a closer look.
Start With the Obvious: Airflow Problems
Airflow is a big deal when it comes to cooling your home. Without proper circulation, even the best systems will struggle. If the AC is running but not cooling, the first thing to check is how freely air is moving through your system.
Check the Air Filter First
A clogged air filter is one of the most common reasons why your AC may not be blowing cold air. Filters pick up everything from dust to pet dander, and over time, they restrict airflow. When the air can’t pass through easily, your system starts to overwork. Swapping the air filter out regularly is an easy and inexpensive fix that can have a big impact.
Blocked Vents and Dirty Ducts
Blocked or closed vents limit the cool air reaching your rooms. In some homes, furniture or toys end up in front of vents, choking off airflow without anyone noticing. The same goes for ducts that are full of debris or dust. If the ductwork has leaks or is clogged, you might hear the system running but feel nothing cool coming out.
Cooling System Components That May Be Failing
Once you’ve ruled out airflow issues, it’s time to dig into the parts that actually cool the air. A lot happens behind the scenes in your AC system, and when one piece slips, it affects the whole house.
Low Refrigerant or a Refrigerant Leak
Your AC system depends on refrigerant to cool air. If there’s a leak or if the refrigerant level is low, your system will blow warm or lukewarm air. This is one of the most likely reasons why your AC is not blowing cold air while running. Refrigerant leaks aren’t always visible, but a pro can check for them with the right tools.
Ice on the Evaporator Coil
It might sound odd, but freezing can keep your system from cooling your house properly. When the evaporator coil gets too cold, ice forms and blocks airflow. As a result, you might find that the AC is working but is not cooling, and you may even notice frost forming on the pipes. This often points to poor airflow or refrigerant issues.
Dirty Condenser or Broken Compressor
Outside, your condenser coil and compressor are hard at work removing heat from your home. If the condenser is covered in dust or brush, or if the compressor isn’t cycling correctly, this could be why the AC is running but not cooling. Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear and call a technician if the compressor seems to be struggling.
Electrical and Control Problems to Watch For
Sometimes, the problem has nothing to do with cooling capacity and everything to do with power or controls. These issues can be frustrating because the system might seem like it’s working.
Circuit Breaker or Blown Fuse
A partially tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse can cause part of your system to shut down while the fan keeps blowing. That leads to confusion because air still moves, but it’s not cool. Resetting the breaker or replacing a fuse might bring everything back to normal.
Thermostat Issues and Programming Problems
The thermostat acts like the brain of your AC system. If it’s misreading the room temperature, the system might shut off cooling too soon. Programmable thermostats can sometimes reset or glitch after power loss. Double-check that it’s set to “cool,” and replace the batteries if needed.
Mechanical Failure or Wear and Tear
Your air conditioner has moving parts that wear down over time. The capacitor, contactor, fan motor, or even a clogged drainage pipe can cause performance issues. If the AC is working but is not cooling, and you’ve tried basic checks, it could be a part failure. These components are best left to a technician to inspect safely.
Indoor Air Quality Can Affect Cooling, Too
Humidity levels inside your home can change how effective your cooling system feels. If there’s high humidity, your system has to work harder. You might feel warm even when the air temperature is technically cooler. Addressing this might involve checking the air handler, duct system, or the overall airflow strategy in your house.
Mold, Debris, and Other Unseen Problems
Things like mold buildup or excess dust in the ducts can impact your comfort without you noticing right away. Debris can clog small parts of the system, and mold growth can reduce indoor air quality while also straining your AC. These are good reasons to schedule routine maintenance.
How Long Should It Take to Cool a House From 80 to 72?
If you’re wondering how long it should take to cool a house from 80 to 72, it depends a bit on your home’s size and layout. In a typical, well-maintained system, that temperature drop should take about two to three hours. This also depends on a few other factors, like how hot it is outside, the insulation in your home, how many windows you have, and how efficient your AC system is overall.
If you’re not seeing that kind of progress, it could be possible that something’s off. Either the system is undersized, airflow is restricted, or there’s a deeper issue preventing proper cooling. If your AC is running but not cooling after an hour, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Stop Guessing Why Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
At a certain point, the do-it-yourself list runs out. If you’re still asking yourself why your AC may not be blowing cold air, there’s a good chance it’s time to have it looked at. Replacing parts like a capacitor, adjusting refrigerant pressure, or fixing a faulty valve is best handled by someone trained in AC repair.
Call the Experts for Air Conditioner Repair in Wausau, WI!
Our technicians have hands-on experience with all types of home cooling systems and use modern tools to diagnose and fix problems quickly. We’ll walk you through what’s going on and explain the repair in plain terms.
Call the Experts for Air Conditioner Repair in Wausau, WI!
If your AC is running but not cooling, call the team that Central Wisconsin has trusted since 1994. PGA Inc. provides high-quality air conditioner repair in Wausau, WI, and the surrounding areas for all types of residential systems.
Contact us today to schedule your service, and let’s get your home cooling again! Comfort shouldn’t be complicated, and it doesn’t have to be.
