AC Not Cooling but Not Frozen: Possible Causes and Fixes
No one enjoys being uncomfortably hot in their home, but sometimes the air conditioner can stop cooling the air without freezing up. This issue, while disturbingly common, is fortunately not difficult to diagnose and fix. In this article we’ll discuss the different potential causes and solutions to get your AC back up and running.
Possible Causes
When an AC unit stops cooling but doesn’t freeze, the issue may be related to one of several common occurrences.
Refrigerant Leaks
The most common cause of an AC unit that stops cooling but not freezing is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is essential to the cooling process, so if it escapes the unit, it will have difficulty producing cold air. Refrigerant leaks can occur for several reasons, and if left unresolved, can eventually lead to a full system blockage.
Dirty Air Filter
Another cause of an AC that won’t cool but isn’t frozen is a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter blocks the air from flowing properly, resulting in the air conditioner not cooling efficiently. Fortunately, cleaning or replacing a clogged air filter is usually an easy and uncomplicated process.
Blocked Air Flow
Airflow blockage can also lead to an AC unit not cooling properly. This blockage can be caused by anything blocking the outdoor unit vents, or obstruction of the indoor vents.
Clogged Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in an AC unit is responsible for absorbing the heat and condensation before releasing the air back into the room. If the evaporator coil becomes clogged, this absorption process is inhibited and the result will be an AC unit that won’t cool.
Issues With the Thermostat
Finally, a malfunctioning thermostat can be the cause of an AC unit not cooling efficiently. A thermostat that isn’t set correctly won’t interpret temperatures accurately, and thus won’t send a signal to the AC unit to turn on. Furthermore, a broken thermostat won’t send a signal to get the AC unit to turn on at all.
Fixes
The fixes for an AC unit not cooling but not frozen will depend on the specific cause, but typically involve a simple DIY solution.
Check the Refrigerant
The first step to fixing an AC unit not cooling is to check the refrigerant levels. If they are low, there is likely a leak in the system. Fortunately, a professional can easily check the system and fill the necessary levels of refrigerant.
Change the Air Filter
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of a non-freezing AC unit. Physicians should check their air filters every 3 months, and replace as necessary. It’s important to note that if a filter is more than 30 days old, it should be replaced immediately.
Clear Air Vents
An AC unit that won’t cool may be blocked by external airflow. Physicians should check the outdoor unit for any blockage in the vents, and if present, clear it away. This can be done by using a soft brush, a vacuum, or even a leaf blower.
Clean the Evaporator Coil
If the evaporator coil is clogged, it should be cleaned with a special solution. A professional can do this through a steam cleaning process, followed by drying and reassembling the unit.
Replace Anything Broken
If the thermostat is broken, it should be replaced. A professional can help determine whether the thermostat needs to be replaced or if it just needs to be recalibrated.
If your air conditioner is not cooling, don’t fret–it’s likely an easy fix! Knowing some of the common causes, like a refrigerant leak, dirty air filter, blocked air flow, clogged evaporator coil, and issues with the thermostat, will help you diagnose and rectify the problem. If, however, the problem persists or your home requires more than a simple repair, it may be time to call a local reliable appliance repair company, such as (866) 311-8590. With their help, you’ll soon have a comfortable and cool home again.
AC Not Cooling But Not Frozen: The Best Practices
It can be frustrating when your air conditioner (AC) is not cooling but not frozen. It’s important to take certain preventative measures to ensure your AC can continue to provide high-quality cooling. Here, we outline manufacturer recommendations and best practices from local air conditioning professionals to help you avoid AC not cooling but not frozen issues.
Check the Thermostat
When determining why your AC isn’t cooling, it’s a good idea to check the thermostat. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as adjusting the temperature or replacing the batteries on the thermostat. If you’re not sure how to troubleshoot this issue, contact a local HVAC technician for assistance.
Clean the Air Filter
It’s best practice to regularly clean or replace the air filter on your AC. This helps to ensure that your AC is able to pull in enough air to cool properly. Clogged air filters can cause the AC to experience a frozen evaporator coil and result in inadequate cooling of air.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Free of Debris
Your AC’s outdoor unit should be free of debris like leaves, dirt, or grass. Debris can restrict the airflow and cause the AC’s evaporator coils to become dirty. Be sure to inspect and clean the outdoor unit on a regular basis and call a technician if the debris buildup is too extensive to remove.
Have Regular Maintenance Visits
It’s recommended to schedule routine maintenance visits to have your AC’s coils and air ducts cleaned. This can help to lower your energy bills and decrease the chance of frozen coils. Additionally, regular maintenance visits can also help catch any underlying issues before they become major problems.
Contact a Professional
If you’ve checked all of the above and your AC is still not cooling properly, it’s best to contact a professional. A reliable technician can inspect your AC for any issues and make necessary repairs. They may also be able to offer extra tips and advice to ensure your AC continues to perform optimally.
By taking a few preventative steps, you can help avoid AC not cooling but not frozen issues. If you have any questions about your AC or want to learn more about best practices for your system, we recommend calling Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating at (866) 311-8590.
Average Repair Cost for “AC not Cooling but not Frozen” Issue
If you experience an AC not cooling but not frozen issue in the city of California, we suggest you call Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating for professional advice. The minimum repair or installation cost could be up to 20% higher than normal, but the complex repair or installation price could vary significantly.
When it comes to AC issues, the most common cause is an old or failing compressor. A compressor replacement will likely require the services of a certified technician, and the cost of parts and labor could exceed $500, depending on the make and model of your AC unit. Other parts you should consider replacing are the thermostat, coil, and/or fan motor. These all work together to regulate the cool air.
An AC unit not cooling but not frozen could also stem from low levels of refrigerant, a blocked air flow, or a faulty condenser. If you are having this issue, it is best to have a certified technician examine your unit to diagnose the problem.
Here is an itemized list of parts that could be necessary to repair or replace:
- Compressor– $250 – $1000
- Thermostat – $50 – $100
- Coil – $150 – $190
- Fan motor – $50 – $80
- Refrigerant– $25 – $60
- Condenser– $200 – $500
It is important to be aware that the cost of materials is not included in the repair or installation costs indicated above.
We recommend seeking professional advice from a reliable AC & heating contractor to ensure that your AC is repaired correctly. Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating can help diagnose the issue and provide a more accurate estimate for the parts and labor involved in the repair.
AC not Cooling but Not Frozen: Get Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating
Do you have an air conditioning unit not cooling, yet not freezing? Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating can help! This family-owned company is a California local vendor available for same-day service for appliance and HVAC repairs and installations.
At Reliable, our technicians are highly trained with a minimum of 5 years experience. We understand the most common problems associated with AC not cooling but not frozen and can provide fair and affordable pricing.
Reliable is licensed and insured and offers a 90-day warranty on all services. We provide quality service with customer satisfaction as our top priority. That’s why Reliable has become a trusted name in California for quality appliance and HVAC repairs and installations.
When you need a fast and efficient solution for AC not cooling but not frozen, call Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating for assistance. We provide same-day services, so you don’t have to wait and worry. Get peace of mind with a trusted name and quality service – choose Reliable!
FAQ About AC Not Cooling But Not Frozen
Q1 What Are the Possible Causes When My AC Is Not Cooling But Not Frozen?
A1 Poor airflow, malfunctioning fan or compressor, lack of refrigerant, or blocked air filters may be the culprits when your AC isn’t cooling.
Q2 What Are Possible Fixes for AC Not Cooling But Not Frozen?
A2 Clear any debris from inside and outside the unit, replace or clean the air filter, check for signs of ice or frost and make sure that the vents aren’t blocked. If the problem persists, contact a professional local repair AC to perform a more thorough inspection.
Q3 When Should I Call Local Appliance Repair for AC Not Cooling But Not Frozen?
A3 In the event that your AC unit is still not cooling, it’s best to contact an expert. Local Reliable Appliance Repair offers a quality service and their experienced technicians can inspect the unit to accurately diagnose and fix the issue. Call (866) 311-8590 for more info.