Is Your AC Not Cooling? Find Out Why
At Air-Tro, we know how upsetting it can be when your AC is not cooling – especially when you live in sunny Monrovia or any of our warm surrounding areas. If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my AC not cooling?”, sadly, you are not alone. Each and every summer, thousands of homeowners face this same dilemma, regardless of whether they have a central air conditioner or a ductless, split system. Let’s take a look at what could be happening and how you can fix this problem – FAST.
Why Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling Even When It’s On
Is your air conditioner humming along, yet the inside of your home is still hot as can be? There are several potential reasons that your AC system might sound like it’s working even when no cold air is being delivered to your interior.
Oftentimes, it could simply be caused by a dirty air filter. This is a very common issue because, over time, dust, debris, and other particles can build up. That buildup will restrict airflow and make it nearly impossible for your system to cool the air the way it should, which means changing the air filter can often make a noticeable difference.
Additionally, low refrigerant is another common cause of cooling issues. Refrigerant, the cooling agent inside your system, can leak out as a result of system age or damage. If this occurs, your AC will struggle to remove heat from your home. If this is your problem, note that refrigerant handling is regulated under EPA guidelines and extra, professional care should be used. You’ll want to consult certified professionals like Air-Tro to troubleshoot and perform repairs.
In other cases, your AC running but not cooling could be caused by electrical problems, including thermostat malfunctions, worn-out sensors, or any other issues with wiring that prevent your system from functioning correctly.
Another common cause of cooling issues is frozen evaporator coils. When this occurs, it is often a result of low refrigerant, dirty filters, or other airflow issues, but whatever the reason, it means that your AC system can’t absorb heat. You’ll be best served to have both the inside and outside units professionally inspected to find and fix the underlying cause.
Central AC Not Cooling Like It Should? Here’s What to Check
For central air conditioners, cooling issues often fall into a few specific categories, including:
- Leaking Ductwork: Even a small leak can rob your home of cooled air, forcing your system to work harder.
- Aging Systems: If your AC is more than 12-15 years old, you could be seeing the effects of reduced efficiency and worn components.
- System Size: Homes in Monrovia with improperly sized systems — either too large or too small — often struggle to stay consistently cool.
- Blocked Outdoor Units: The outdoor condenser needs space to release heat. If it’s clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, performance will suffer.
At Air-Tro, we frequently service homes where ductwork upgrades or system replacements can make all the difference, particularly in older neighborhoods throughout Monrovia, Arcadia, Pasadena, and beyond.
Split AC Not Cooling But Fan Is Running: Specific Signs to Watch For
If you have a split AC system and have noticed the fan is running, but no cold air is coming out, this could mean a few different things.
More often than not, the problem can be found outside. The outdoor unit houses the compressor, and if it’s malfunctioning, the fan inside of it may continue running without producing any cool air. In other cases, thermostat glitches or refrigerant problems may be causing the breakdown.
It could also be due to blocked condenser coils. When dirt builds up on these coils, it prevents the system from properly expelling heat. A professional cleaning and inspection from a top-rated provider like Air-Tro can often bring your system back to optimal performance.
AC Not Working at All? Here’s When You Should Act Quickly
Sometimes, the situation with your AC system is much more serious. If you notice that your AC isn’t working at all — no cool air, no fan, nothing — it’s time to take action. Common warning signs include:
- No Response When You Adjust the Thermostat
- Strange Noises Like Grinding, Squealing, or Clanging
- Ice Buildup on the Refrigerant Lines or Outdoor Unit
- Unusual Smells, Especially Burning or Musty Odors
At Air-Tro, we believe it’s always better to catch and repair a problem early on – before it becomes a more costly fix down the road.
Deciding Between AC Repairs and a Full System Upgrade
When you’re dealing with an AC that is not cooling your house, sometimes repair makes sense — but other times, replacement is the smarter move.
If your unit is relatively new, still under warranty, or the fix is minor, we recommend repairing it. However, if your system is over 10-15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or your energy bills are increasing quickly, upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run.
Air-Tro specializes in both central air conditioner installations and ductless air conditioner upgrades. Whether you live in a historic home in Pasadena or a newer build in Duarte, we’ll tailor a solution that meets your home’s cooling needs perfectly.
Your Trusted Team for Solving AC Cooling Problems
At Air-Tro, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners throughout Monrovia, Arcadia, Sierra Madre, Altadena, La Canada, San Marino, Duarte, Los Angeles, Glendora, Pasadena, Glendale, La Crescenta, Tujunga, and nearby areas keep their homes comfortable year-round.
Whether you have a central air conditioner or a ductless air conditioner, we have the experience, tools, and dedication to get the job done right.
When your AC isn’t cooling the way it should, you deserve fast, reliable service you can trust. Call (626) 357-3535 today to schedule your residential air conditioning service and let us help you stay cool all season long.