7 reasons your air conditioner is not cooling your home

There is nothing worse than a poorly functioning air conditioning system that doesn’t keep your house cool – especially in the sweltering Aussie heat.  If your air conditioner is blowing out hot air instead of cooling your home, it is time to investigate the issue. We share 7 reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling your home and our top tips to fix it.

Safety first! Before you start any repair, make sure you disconnect your appliance from the power source. An air conditioner is an electrical appliance that needs to be treated with extreme care. In some instances, you may need an AC professional to diagnose issues and safely carry out maintenance and repairs.

Filter needs cleaning

With regular and consistent use, dust can accumulate on your air conditioner filter and coils.  If your filter is left unchecked and dirty, it can restrict air flow and performance. It can also drive up your energy bills and decrease your system’s longevity. Dirty filters can also lead to short cycling, where your air conditioner turns on for a short time and then turns off again.

Solution: We recommend cleaning your filters at the start of each season and monthly during peak times. Check out our handy guide to cleaning your air conditioner filter in just 7 easy steps or watch our YouTube video.

Tip: Is your air conditioner filter worn or damaged? Find your replacement air conditioning filters at Statewide.

Thermostat settings

If your home is getting a little hotter than normal, check your thermostat settings and make sure its set to “cool”. After that, make sure your fan is on the correct setting.  Set to “Auto” mode so that the fan works only when the air is being cooled. When the cycle finishes, your fan will turn off again.

Energy saving tip: To ensure an energy efficient home air conditioner, set the thermostat to the right temperature. The most efficient temperature varies, depending on the season and climate where you live.  As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill. You can check out our top 10 energy saving tips here.

Circuit breakers and fuses

A malfunctioning air conditioner can sometimes be caused by a tripped switch or blown fuse. Circuits can become overloaded if they share a circuit with other home appliances such as fridges and microwaves.

Solution: Check to see if the circuit breaker has been tripped. A tripped switch (located in your home meter box) can be flicked back to position. If the fuse has blown, it will need replacing.

Compressor wear out

The air conditioner compressor is often called the heart of your AC system. Situated within the outdoor unit in a split or ducted system, the compressor’s job consists of circulating the refrigerant needed during the heat exchange process through the coils. If your AC is not reaching the set temperature or blows hot air, or if your compressor is unusually noisy or starts to vibrate, it will need a thorough inspection and possibly replacement.

Solution: A damaged compressor needs replacing. Call a HVAC technician to inspect, diagnose and fix the issue.

Tip: Service your reverse cycle air conditioning system at least twice a year. We recommend at the end of summer and winter. Preventative maintenance will ensure your air conditioner is working at its best and could prevent major problems.

Blocked or dirty condenser unit

Your air conditioning system likely includes an outdoor condenser unit.  If your condenser is blocked with dirt and debris, the efficiency of your unit can be impacted. This causes it to work much harder to pull in air and cool it.

Solution: Clear dust, obstructions, debris and foliage regularly from outdoor units.  

To clean your air conditioner’s condenser coils your will need to turn off all power running to their conditioning unit and turn off at the circuit board. Firstly remove the outer casing and locate the coils. Brush off any surface dirt, debris and grime from the coils and coil fins as this impedes the operation of the coils.

Refrigerant leak

Refrigerant is a chemical that is critical to the cooling process. If there is a refrigerant leak, the unit will lose its cooling power and will not cool down your home sufficiently.  Signs that refrigerant levels are low including poor cooling performance, high indoor humidity, ice on the evaporator colis and a hissing or bubbling noise.

Solution: Call a HVAC technician to diagnose, locate and fix the problem

Undersized air conditioner

An undersized air conditioner that is too small for your home will fail to cool properly. It will run constantly and struggle to get the room cool enough. You may notice inconsistent temperature in the home and higher energy bills.. The extra wear and tear will decrease the lifespan of your air conditioner.

Solution:  You may need to consider replacing your air conditioner or close doors and windows to isolate the air conditioned room(s). Speak to a professional about the best air conditioner to suit your heating and cooling needs. You may also want to check out Canstar’s buying guide, filled with helpful hints so that you can find the right system for you.

Regular maintenance and care will help keep your home cool during the hot summer months. Don’t forget to book in a regular service of your air conditioning system. A professional can often diagnose issues before they become a bigger inconvenience.

For the best energy saving tips for your air conditioner, check out our blog guide.

Need to find air conditioner spare parts? Statewide have got you covered! Easily find new and replacement spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares. We have Australia’s biggest range of air conditioner spares from all leading brands including compressors, filters, remote controls, fan parts, switches and PCB’s. We offer the best prices and fast Australia wide delivery.  Have a question? We love to help! Contact us online or call us on free call 1800 005 220.