It's no fun when your air conditioner doesn't cool, but it can happen. You've sweat through a sleepless night...or slogged through a sweltering July afternoon. It's going to happen, but it won't be in the dead of winter when it does. Despite turning down the thermostat multiple times, the AC won't blow cold enough air on the hottest day of the summer. That's why air conditioner service is important for preventative maintenance.

An air conditioning system is more than just the outside condenser unit. Split-system air conditioners typically have numerous moving components, including an indoor air handler unit (furnace or fan coil), an evaporator coil, an air filter, a thermostat, and copper tubing to connect the indoor and outdoor units. So there are a number of answers to the question “Why is my air conditioner not cooling the house?” But fear not. In the event that your cooling system isn't working, it doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace the entire system or pay for expensive AC repairs for Split Ac not cooling.

There are times when you'll need professional air conditioner service from your local Home Care Need dealer, while most homeowners are capable of performing some basic troubleshooting.

Can you tell me why my air conditioner isn't blowing cold air?

There are a variety of reasons why your air conditioner may not be lowering the temperature in your home, ranging from a simple issue like an incorrect thermostat or a dirty filter to a more complex issue requiring replacement components. On our troubleshoot an air conditioner page, we'll provide you with some tips on how to check out some items before you call a professional. 

INACCURATE SETTING OF THE THERMOSTAT

You should first check your thermostat settings if you notice your home getting a little hotter than usual. Make sure the thermostat is set to cool. If it is set to cool, make sure the temperature has not been changed. When it is off, set to heat, or set to constant fan (sometimes simply labeled "on"), switch it back to cooling mode. Once the system turns on, wait a few minutes, then look for cold air blowing through the registers. If it does, the problem is resolved. Move on to the next troubleshooting tip - checking the air filter.

AIR FILTER THAT IS DIRTY

An air filter may be installed in or around the indoor air handler unit of your AC system to catch dirt, dust, and other airborne particles. This keeps the system's components clean and more efficient, as well as the air in your home cleaner. In extreme cases, a dirty air filter can cause the system to shut down entirely. Dirty air filters can block airflow and reduce cooling in your home. 

You should locate the air filter of your system, turn it off, remove it and inspect it if your thermostat checks out but you still don't have cool air. It will be necessary to dig deeper to find the problem if, after checking that your air filter is clean, your central Split Ac not cooling your home.