Why Is My AC Unit Running but Not Cooling?

Imagine powering on your cooling unit on an 85-degree summer day and breathing in a sigh of relief as you hear the motor release a sweet hum, indicating it’s on the job. You wait for your entire room to fill with the crisp controlled air. But what if you start wondering, “Why is my AC unit running but not cooling?”

Unfortunately, having the fan and blower motor function to no avail is not uncommon and leaves many Los Angeles residents in shock and terror. Luckily, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning helps you find answers and solutions fast. 

No Air Flow Due to Blocked Filters and Ducts

Air filters clean the air, trapping dirt, dust, pet dander, and other contaminants that pass through the meshy surface so it doesn’t settle on internal components (slowing down parts) or reenter your breathing air. 

After a while, the debris builds up, creating an impenetrable wall that allows allergens to stop airflow. Little to no air trickles out of your unit or air duct vents although the air conditioner is running, meaning your filters need replacing or cleaning. If the filters are fine, consider duct cleaning instead.

Warm Air Flow Caused By Dirty Coils 

What if you’re receiving proper airflow, but it’s not the air you want? When something halts the heat transfer process, room-temperature air escapes the vents, meaning the air didn’t receive conditioning in the unit. 

The air handlers suck in warm air, sending it over the evaporator coil that has refrigerant flowing within. The coolant absorbs the hot air, carrying it to the outdoor condenser unit for expulsion. Only cool air left behind rereleases indoors, but with dirty or frozen evaporator coils, the transfer doesn’t take place to cool your home.

So if you’re wondering, “Why is my AC unit running but not cooling?” call a professional to clean or defrost the coils and check refrigerant levels.

Not Enough Cool Air Due to Incorrect Unit Sizes 

Then, there’s the case where your system is blowing cold air, but it’s never enough to cool your home. If this has been an issue since the unit’s installation, you may have an undersized unit. A unit that is too small doesn’t have the appropriate BTU rating to provide enough cooling power to correspond with your home’s total square footage and may overwork to reach your thermostat setting. 

Eventually, parts prematurely decline. Your incapable unit’s lifespan shortens, costing you more in repairs and demanding an earlier replacement. An expert technician can measure your home to find the appropriate BTU rating and match you with the correctly sized unit.

Over 75 Years from a Five-Star Team!

You don’t realize how much your cooling unit does until you wonder, “Why is my AC unit running but not cooling?” Whatever issue arises, Brody Pennell Heating & Air Conditioning has seen it before within our 75 years in the business. So, take advantage of a team rated “The Best of the Southland” from 2021 to 2023 by the LA Times by calling (424) 341-0487 in Los Angeles and nearby areas!