An air conditioner that runs without cooling your Tallahassee home can quickly become frustrating during the summer. An incorrect thermostat setting, restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or a failing mechanical component may cause warm air from the vents. Allowing the system to operate continuously can waste electricity and place additional strain on important parts. Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical provides professional air conditioning repair to identify the cause and restore dependable cooling.
Start With the Thermostat
Before assuming the system needs a major repair, confirm that the thermostat is set to “cool.” The selected temperature should be lower than the current indoor temperature. The fan setting should usually be set to “auto.”
When the fan is set to “on,” the blower continues circulating air even when the outdoor unit is not actively cooling. Air coming from the vents may feel warm between cooling cycles, even if the system is otherwise operating normally.
Weak batteries, damaged wiring, or an inaccurate thermostat can also interfere with system operation. If the settings appear correct but the air remains warm, our Peaden Pros can test the thermostat and its connection to the cooling equipment.
Check for Restricted Airflow
Your AC system needs consistent airflow to remove heat and distribute cooled air throughout the home. A clogged air filter can reduce airflow, make the system run longer, and contribute to weak cooling.
Replace the filter if it appears dirty, bent, or heavily coated with dust. You should also keep supply vents and return grilles open and unobstructed. Furniture, curtains, rugs, and storage items can restrict airflow when placed too close to vents. Other airflow problems may include:
- A dirty evaporator coil
- Damaged or leaking ductwork
- A failing blower motor
- Blocked return ducts
- Closed or disconnected dampers
Restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. If you see ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil, turn the system off and contact a Peaden Pro. Continuing to run the AC may cause additional damage.
Refrigerant Problems Require Professional Repair
Refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and carries it outdoors. When the system has a refrigerant leak, it may run continuously while producing little or no cool air. Possible signs of a refrigerant issue include:
- Ice on copper refrigerant lines
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Longer cooling cycles
- Higher electricity bills
- Weak cooling throughout the home
Refrigerant does not normally disappear during regular operation. A low charge generally indicates a leak that needs to be located and repaired. Adding more refrigerant without correcting the leak only provides a temporary result. Our Peaden Pros can inspect the system, repair the problem when possible, and restore the proper refrigerant level.
Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical provides air conditioning repair throughout Tallahassee, FL. Our Peaden Pros can diagnose airflow, refrigerant, electrical, and mechanical problems before they lead to a larger breakdown. Homeowners can also take advantage of a waived dispatch charge with repair. Schedule service when your AC blows warm air, runs longer than usual, or cannot reach the thermostat setting.