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Why Is My HVAC Not Cooling?

When the heat of summer descends, you want to make sure you enjoy a cool and refreshing home interior. So, you might be understandably upset if you crank the AC only to have lukewarm air flowing out.

There are several possible reasons why your HVAC may not be delivering the blissfully cool are you crave. In some cases, user error is to blame. Perhaps you’ve accidentally set your system to “on” instead of “auto” so that it keeps running even when the room has reached your set temperature, but it simply stops pumping out cold air.

That one is easy enough to fix on your own, but there might also be a host of mechanical issues to blame. Here are just a few reasons why your HVAC might not be cooling your home and what you can do to address them.

Problems that Could Impact Cold Air Flow

There are a variety of issues that could impact your ability to maintain a cool home interior. Something as simple as a dirty air filter could slow the flow of air, and this can easily be addressed by replacing the filter with a clean one.

You might also have problems that require professional help like a bad compressor or a broken fan motor that need to be replaced. Two of the most common issues are capacitor failure and running low on refrigerant, but luckily, these issues can be addressed by your HVAC professional.

How Long Do HVAC Capacitors Last?

Capacitors are an interesting component of your AC unit. Their job is to ensure that your AC unit has enough power to start up and deliver cool air to your living spaces. Because your AC unit requires a lot of energy to kick on, more than the average home wiring can deliver, the capacitor’s job is to store energy that kicks in whenever your system demands cold air.

Generally speaking, HVAC capacitors are designed to last about 20 years. You might find this strange since the average life of an AC unit is only about 10-15 years. However, factors like extensive use and excessive heat could impact the lifespan of your capacitor.

How Often Does HVAC Need Freon?

Freon is a chemical in your AC unit that cools hot air before it enters your home interior. Over time, it is possible for refrigerant levels to decrease slightly, but it doesn’t get “used up” the same way other mechanical fluids do, so if there’s a significant shortage, it’s often due to a leak.

If your AC isn’t cooling your home, you’ll want to call for a professional inspection, at which point your technician will likely check the freon level (especially if there are telltale signs like ice buildup on the refrigerant line). At this point, the leak can be addressed and the system can be primed with new refrigerant so you can enjoy cool air all summer long.

Air Conditioning Repair in Santa Clarita

Rowland Air has been repairing air conditioners in Santa Clarita, the Antelope Valley and the San Fernando Valley for over 30 years. Give us a call 24/7 and we will make your home comfortable again.