As the days get warmer, there are few things more frustrating than hearing your air conditioner running while feeling little to no cool air circulating through your home. When your AC isn’t working properly, it can leave you puzzled and uncomfortable during the cooling season. If so, you may be wondering if it’s a simple fix or whether you’ll need a more comprehensive A/C repair in Edmonton. In this short blog with Weiss-Johnson, let’s break down some of the most common reasons why your cooling system might be struggling to deliver consistent cooling, despite running.
#1: Dirty Air Filter
While it may seem like a small issue, a clogged air filter can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s performance. The air filter is responsible for catching dirt, dust, and other contaminants before they circulate throughout the rest of the home. That said, these disposable filters eventually fill up and must be changed out every few months to ensure proper airflow and filtration.
Before calling in a professional, homeowners can check their air filter and replace it if needed. If your AC still isn’t working after replacing the filter, it may indicate deeper issues in the system. In such cases, it’s best to call in a professional HVAC technician to inspect your system, diagnose the problem, and perform A/C repair in Edmonton.
#2: Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are among the most common causes of poor cooling performance and must be addressed promptly. Refrigerant is a chemical substance within the air conditioning system that’s responsible for absorbing and transferring heat from warm air to the outdoors. If refrigerant levels get too low, the system won’t be able to cool the air efficiently—leading to an AC that’s on but struggles to work to its full capacity. If left unchecked, low refrigerant levels can damage your compressor and eventually cause complete system failure.
Refrigerant handling and diagnosing require specialized equipment and proper licensing to be performed safely. Even minor refrigerant leaks require professional repair, and a technician can help prevent future problems by inspecting all connections and sealing any leaks found.
#3: Debris Blocking Condenser Coils
The condenser unit is the outdoor part of your air conditioner, responsible for releasing the heat absorbed by the refrigerant back into the outdoor environment. Around the exterior of the unit is the condenser coil, which helps this transfer process. If you take a closer look at this coil, you’ll find rows of metal fins, which are responsible for increasing the surface area during this process. Over time, leaves, dirt, grass, and other debris can get trapped here.
If you suspect your air conditioning system isn’t working because the condenser unit is blocked, it’s easy to check. Take a walk outside to your condenser unit and inspect the condenser unit’s fins. If you notice any buildup, it’s time for a cleaning.
Before you begin, turn off the unit’s switch to ensure it’s powered down. Then, clean off the fins with a vacuum to remove any debris. Accessing the fins thoroughly may require disassembling the unit in some cases. To ensure safe handling, this should only be done by a qualified HVAC professional.
Why Call a Professional
Air conditioner issues aren’t always obvious or safe for homeowners to identify on their own. While this list is a good starting point, it doesn’t cover every scenario. There are many different reasons why your air conditioner isn’t working properly, including a failing condenser unit, an undersized air system, or even a frozen evaporator coil. That’s why we always recommend seeking out a professional HVAC technician for assistance, who can properly inspect your system, diagnose issues, and perform comprehensive A/C repair in Edmonton.
AC Problems? Call Weiss-Johnson
While no one enjoys being caught without reliable home cooling, Weiss-Johnson is here to help. With nearly 50 years of keeping our city comfortable, we’re your trusted partner for HVAC scheduled maintenance, comprehensive installations, and emergency AC repair in Edmonton. Request a quote for your AC servicing today.
