Air conditioning is an essential appliance to maintain a comfortable environment, especially during the hottest months. However, sometimes it can fail and not cool properly.
In this article we are going to tell you what are the possible reasons why the air conditioning does not cool and what you should do to solve it.
Reasons why the air conditioner does not cool
lack of soda
The refrigerant is the fluid responsible for absorbing heat from the interior air and releasing it to the outside, thus allowing the cooling of the environment. When there is a leak in the system, the refrigerant level decreases, which reduces the air conditioner's ability to cool the air. This situation not only affects performance, but It can also cause damage to the compressor if not corrected in time.
To solve this problem, some essential aspects must be taken into account such as leak detection and repair, refrigerant recharging and effective maintenance.
A qualified technician should inspect the system to locate and repair any refrigerant leaks. Once the leak is repaired, it is necessary to recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant, according to the manufacturer's specifications. To prevent future leaks, It is advisable to carry out periodic maintenance, in which the coolant level is checked and the system connections and components are inspected.
Dirty filters
Air filters are responsible for trapping particles such as dust, pollen, and dirt from the air circulating through the system. Over time, these filters can accumulate so much dirt that they clog airflow, reducing system efficiency and making it difficult to cool the space.
It is advisable to clean the filters every one or two months, depending on the use of the air conditioning and the level of dust in the environment. Instead of cleaning the filters, some air conditioner models require them to be replaced periodically. Consulting the user manual can help determine the frequency and type of filter needed.
Please note that if the environment is particularly dusty or there are pets in the home, the filters may need to be cleaned or changed more frequently.
Thermostat problems
The thermostat is the brain of the air conditioning system, regulating the temperature and turning the system on or off as needed. If the thermostat is not working properly, may cause the air conditioner to not cool properly or to operate intermittently.
Making sure the thermostat is calibrated correctly can solve incorrect temperature problems. This usually requires the help of a technician. If the thermostat is located in a location where it receives direct sunlight or near heat sources, it may measure a higher temperature than the actual temperature, causing the system to shut down prematurely. Relocating the thermostat to a more appropriate location may improve its performance.
On the other hand, if the thermostat is damaged or outdated, it must be replaced with a new one, preferably digital and programmable.
Dirty condenser or evaporator
The condenser and evaporator are key components in the cooling process. The condenser, located in the outdoor unit, dissipates the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. The evaporator, located in the indoor unit, is where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air. If these components are covered in dirt or dust, their ability to transfer heat is reduced, affecting system efficiency.
Turn off the air conditioning and clean the condenser fins with pressurized water or a soft brush to remove accumulated dust and dirt. Cleaning the evaporator is usually more complicated and may require the intervention of a technician. However, keeping the filters clean can help prevent dirt buildup on this component.
Compressor problems
The compressor is one of the most important parts of the air conditioning, responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. If the compressor fails, the air conditioner will not be able to cool the air since the refrigerant will not move effectively through the system.
Make sure the compressor is receiving proper power. Problems such as insufficient voltage or loose connections can prevent it from working properly. If the compressor makes unusual noises or does not turn on, It is recommended that a technician inspect it to determine if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
Insufficient air conditioning capacity
Each air conditioner has a specific capacity measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) which indicates the size of the space it can cool effectively. If the air conditioner is too small for the space it is in, will not be able to reach the desired temperature, especially on very hot days.
Before purchasing an air conditioner, calculate the capacity needed based on the size of the space you want to cool. There are calculators online that can help you determine how many BTUs you need.
If you already have an air conditioner installed and it cannot adequately cool the room, you may need a unit with greater capacity. If you can't replace the air conditioner, using fans can help better distribute cold air and improve comfort in the space.
Electrical problems that prevent the air conditioning from cooling
If your air conditioning does not cool and you are sure that the system has enough refrigerant gas, the problem could be electrical in origin. A possible cause is a blown fuse or a switch that has been tripped., which interrupts the flow of energy necessary for the system to function properly.
How to check electrical problems:
- First, make sure the unit is properly connected to the power source and that there are no power outages in the area.
- Next, inspect the switches, circuit breakers, and fuses associated with the air conditioner. A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker could be the reason for the failure.
- Visually examine the wiring for visible damage, such as burned or loose wires, that could be causing a power outage.
- For a more detailed inspection, use a multimeter to measure the voltage at different points in the system, including the air conditioning control panel. This will help you identify any abnormalities in the electrical current.
If you do not have experience in electrical work, it is safest to call a specialized technician or a certified electrician. Tampering with electrical installations without proper knowledge can be dangerous.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the reasons why the air conditioning does not cool and the possible solutions.