When an AC unit is not cooling your space like it used to, it can get uncomfortable fast. Before panicking or buying something new, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide from Oasic AC Services on what to check first. Think of this as what a technician might walk you through in person, but laid out in simple words, so you understand exactly what’s going on.
Why Might Your Air Conditioning Unit Not Cooling Properly?
Sometimes the reason is simple. Other times, it’s a deeper issue. Here are the usual suspects:
- Dirty or clogged air filter
- Obstructed condenser (outdoor) unit
- Low refrigerant or refrigerant leak
- Blocked or leaky air ducts
- Electrical or thermostat problems
- Wrong size / capacity for the space
Below, each one is explained in a way that helps you check (or know when to ask us) quickly.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
This is the easiest thing to check—and often the culprit.
- Your system pulls air through a filter. If the filter’s clogged, less cool air gets through. The system works harder and delivers less cooling.
- Pull out the filter. If it’s dark, dusty, blocked—replace it.
- A clean filter improves airflow and helps with temperature drop.
If after changing the filter your aircon still isn’t cooling well, move on to the next checks.
2. Obstructed Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor unit (the condenser) must breathe easily. If it’s blocked, heat can’t escape.
- Look around the outdoor unit: shrubs, dirt, leaves, debris—these all cut airflow.
- Gently clear debris or trim foliage so at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit.
- Also inspect the fins (thin metal slats). If they’re bent or blocked, cooling efficiency drops.
If cleaning doesn’t help, the issue might lie deeper.
3. Low Refrigerant or Leak
Your AC needs refrigerant (the “cooling fluid”) to absorb heat indoors and release it outdoors.
- If refrigerant is low, cooling drops drastically.
- A leak may allow refrigerant to escape over time.
- Only a licensed technician should handle refrigerant—detecting leaks, recharging, making repairs.
When an aircon not cooling problem persists after basic checks, this is one of the more likely causes.
4. Blocked or Leaky Air Ducts — and how to clean air ducts
Even if everything in your unit works, poorly performing ductwork can ruin the system’s output.
- If ducts are blocked by dust, mold, or debris—or if they’re leaky—cool air leaks out before it gets to your rooms.
- You might feel cool air near the unit, but in your far rooms it’s weak or warm.
- That’s where how to clean air ducts comes in: cleaning, sealing, and inspecting ductwork dramatically improves airflow.
How to clean air ducts properly involves:
- Sealing leaks and gaps so cool air doesn’t escape prematurely.
- Vacuuming or brushing out dust, mold, or debris inside duct passages.
- Checking for mold growth or moisture damage, which may require replacing sections.
- Ensuring duct insulation is intact and fits snugly.
Note: The U.S. EPA doesn’t recommend duct cleaning routinely—only when needed (visible mold, pests, excessive dust). But when your AC is not cooling well and you suspect duct issues, a professional cleaning plus sealing often helps recover lost cooling.
5. Electrical or Thermostat Problems
Sometimes cooling fails even though airflow and refrigerant are okay—because of control or power issues.
- Thermostat issues: If the thermostat reading is wrong or wiring is faulty, the system may not run when it should.
- Electrical faults: Loose wiring, failed capacitors, or broken switches can hamper compressor or fan performance.
- Faulty sensors: Some ACs use sensors to regulate temperature. If these fail, the system may misbehave.
These checks generally require a technician’s tools. If your system passes the airflow and duct checks yet still doesn’t cool, this might be the root cause.
6. Incorrect Unit Size or Poor Design
If the AC was never sized properly (too small or too large), cooling may always be weak.
- Undersized units can’t handle heat loads on hot days.
- Oversized units cool quickly but don’t dehumidify well, making rooms feel clammy.
- Duct layout, insulation of rooms, window exposure—all influence how effective your unit is.
If your setup is mismatched, a repair may help temporarily—but a full solution might call for AC Replacement or better planning.
What You Can Check First—Your DIY “Walk-Through”
Here’s a quick checklist you can run through:
When you go through these, you’ll often find at least one weak point. Fixing it may restore much of your lost cooling.
Why Oasic AC Services Is the Right Team to Call
When your DIY checks don’t fully restore cooling—or you want assurance that everything’s safe and efficient—Oasic AC Services steps in. Here’s why homes and businesses trust us:
- Our technicians know why is my AC not cooling and systematically rule out issues.
- We handle AC Repair, AC Installation, AC Maintenance, and AC Replacement.
- We can diagnose refrigerant leaks, fix wiring problems, seal ductwork, or custom-size a replacement system.
- If your property is in Kentwood, we serve via Air Conditioning Heating Services in Kentwood, LA.
- For clients in Covington, we offer coverage under Air Conditioning Heating Services in Covington, LA.
- We also help those in Ponchatoula via Air Conditioning Heating Services in Ponchatoula, LA.
- For Madisonville area, see Air Conditioning and Heating Services in Madisonville, LA.
Whenever an AC is not cooling, we bring the tools, experience, and solutions you need.
Contact Oasis AC Services for AC Services!
If your aircon not cooling like it used to, don’t panic. Work through the simple checks above—filter, outdoor unit, thermostat, ductwork (especially how to clean air ducts)—and you may fix a big part of the problem yourself. If you still notice weak cooling or suspect a hidden leak or design issue, call Oasic AC Services.
Let us make your space cool and comfortable again. Call us today at (225) 414-0708 or visit our Contact Page to schedule service.
We’re ready to get your AC running right again, whether that means repair, maintenance, or replacement.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How often should I clean or inspect my ducts?
A: Unless you see mold, pests, or heavy dust, ducts don’t need cleaning yearly. The U.S. EPA recommends cleaning as needed, not on a fixed schedule.
Q: Will fixing ducts always solve cooling issues?
A: No, if your filter, refrigerant, or electrical parts are faulty, duct work alone won’t restore full cooling. It’s a combination of factors.
Q: Can I just top up refrigerant myself?
A: No. Handling refrigerant requires certification and proper gauges. Mistakes can damage equipment or violate regulations.
Q: What if my thermostat seems okay but cooling is still weak?
A: Then likely the issue lies elsewhere, airflow, ducts, or mechanical parts. Let a technician measure system performance.
Q: When should I consider AC replacement instead of repair?
A: If your unit is old (10–15 years), performance is poor, repairs become frequent, or energy costs are high, replacement may offer better return.
