Is Your AC Not Cooling Well? Here Are a Few Things You Can Try to Do

Table of Contents

1. Clean Your Air Filters
2. Check Your Thermostat
3. Clean Your AC’s Outside Unit
4. AC Not Cooling Well
5. Replace the Compressor
6. Notice Other Issues

Chances are, you’ve had your AC blow out hot air instead of cooling your room at least once in your life. You’ve probably tried to turn it off and on multiple times, toggle around a few buttons, and even let it “rest” for days on end before realizing that it won’t budge. This is a very common issue that can become quite frustrating, especially during summertime. There are numerous reasons why your air conditioning unit may not be functioning as well as it should be, which is why getting to the root of the problem can be quite challenging. Fortunately, we are here to help you out. Here are some reasons why your AC may not be cooling your room well and what you should do to fix it.

Clean Your Air Filters

Dirty air filters are the most common reason behind a window or split AC that isn’t cooling. Allowing your AC’s air filters to accumulate dirt, grime, and dust, until they’re clogged can result in numerous problems. For instance, it can get in the way of a thermostat’s functions and efficient operations. Unclean filters may also result in the blocking of warm and cool air passage within the ducts. The evaporator coil may also freeze, which would prevent cool air from passing from the outlet.

If you’ve had to replace your filters before, make sure that they’re washable or reusable. These types of air filters are called electrostatic filters. If they’re washable, turn your AC unit off so you don’t allow unclean air to circulate around the room while you clean the filter. Then, take your air filter out. Some air conditioning units have several filters, so be sure to check all vents and remove them all.

If there is plenty of dust build-up, you may want to use a hand vacuum to reduce the amount of grime. Clean the dust on the frame with a microfiber cloth. Thoroughly wash your air filters in a deep sink and then let them sit dry. If they’ll need more than a rinse, fill up a flat bin with water and vinegar (1:1 ratio), and let them soak for an hour. Rinse gently when done. Avoid using too much pressure on the air filters as they’re delicate and may break easily. After they’ve dried, reinstall them into your AC unit. Replacing the air filters may also be an option.

Check Your Thermostat

If your air conditioning unit isn’t cooling still, you need to check the AC’s thermostat. If there’s an issue with the thermostat, you may notice that your AC blows out cool air as soon as you turn it on, and then slowly shifts to lukewarm air as you leave it open. Many people leave their thermostats set to “on.” An easy fix would be making sure that it’s always set to “auto” mode instead. This way, the AC’s fan will only work when the air inside is being cooled.

Clean Your AC’s Outside Unit

Understanding each compartment’s function is crucial before learning how to clean your AC’s outside unit. The evaporator, located inside, absorbs heat from indoor air and transfers it to the external condenser unit. Accumulation of dirt and dust can impede heat transfer, particularly in hot climates like Singapore. While cleaning the outside unit can be challenging, technicians from aircon servicing companies in Singapore recommend leaving it to experts to save time and effort and avoid complications. However, if you prefer DIY, you can follow these instructions.

AC Not Cooling Well

Before you start, you need to pull the plug connector at the power box to disconnect the AC condenser’s service. You can also go to the main breaker panel and flip the air conditioning unit’s breaker switch off. Once you’re done, remove the unit’s screws with a screwdriver with a socket or a cordless drill. Work your way from the backside, removing each panel carefully to avoid damaging the condenser’s fins. Make sure to remove each panel in order to put them back in easily. Use a hose with a spray nozzle to spray the water on the fins from the top. Never rinse the fins straight ahead. You also need a brush with soft bristles to brush up and down the fins (avoid brushing side to side). Put the panels back in the right order. Don’t tighten the screws until you’ve made sure that all the panels are placed correctly. Some units’ designs may require you to install the flat panels after you’ve already inserted the ones in the corner.

Replace the Compressor

Besides blowing out warm air, there are various other tell-tale signs of a damaged compressor. For example, you may notice strange sounds coming from the outside condensing unit, the unit may shake when you start it, the circuit breaker may keep tripping, or the compressor may not even turn on at all. If you think your compressor may be damaged, you need to call an AC servicing provider to find out for sure. If it’s damaged, you’ll need to get it replaced.

Notice Other Issues

If you’ve checked your thermostat, making sure that your compressor is in optimum condition, and tried cleaning your AC’s inside and outside units but the issue still persists, then the motor may be faulty. There isn’t a way to know for sure if your AC’s motor is malfunctioning unless you’re a professional. You may also want to brace yourself for a replacement if the motor isn’t working. If you’ve been noticing any other problems, such as having your AC run periodically or intermittently, buzzing, rattling, or humming sounds, still outside fans, slow rotating blades, or having trouble turning your AC on or off, then these may be signs that your motor isn’t working properly. In this case, there isn’t much you can do other than contact a servicing professional.

Experiencing Issues with your AC’s cooling capabilities is no surprising occurrence. This is a very common problem that most people experience, at least once in their lifetime. There are several reasons why this may be happening.

Thank you for reading!