Have you encountered a situation where your Air Conditioner is not cooling but the fan is working properly? You’re not alone, and this is one of the most common Air Conditioner issues faced by users, especially during the peak summer season. The Air Conditioner will start, the fan will spin correctly, and air will be blowing from the vents, but the room will not be cooling.
If your AC is not cooling but the fan working problem is driving you crazy, don’t worry. In this guide, we aim to walk you through the most common causes of the problem and possible fixes for you to attempt before consulting a professional.
Let’s fix your cooling problem step by step.
Why isn’t your AC cooling when the fan is working?
Generally, when AC is not cooling but the fan is working, it tries to explain that the cooling process is interrupted, while the system of airflow is working. Air conditioners need refrigerant, coils, compressors, and appropriate airflow in order for them to extract heat from your home.
If any of these components fail, you will begin to face the irritating problem of the AC not cooling with a working fan.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
One of the most common reasons for AC not cooling but fan working is a dirty air filter.
Why It Happens:
Usually, an air filter catches dust, dirt, and allergens. After some time, it gets choked and obstructs the airflow. Then, the evaporator gets frozen, and your AC unit won’t work.
Signs:
- Weak airflow from vents
- Ice formations on coils
- Higher electricity bills
Fix:
- Turn off your AC
- Remove and inspect the air filter
- Clean or replace it if dirty
It is recommended that AC filters be changed every 1-3 months in order to avoid the AC not cooling, fan working problem.
2. The Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect
Sometimes, the solution may be easier than you thought. It is possible that you may have forgotten that your thermostat is set on “Fan Only” instead of “Cool.” That will cause you to experience an issue with the “AC not cooling but fan working” problem.
Fix:
- Ensure thermostat is set to Cool Mode
- Lower the temperature setting
- Replace old batteries
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat as needed
Many panic when they encounter AC not cooling but the fan working issue. The thermostat settings should be the first thing you should consider.
3. Dirty or Blocked Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor device will have to release heat out of your house. This means if there’s dirt, leaves, and so on accumulated on it, then your AC will not cool but your fan will work.
Signs:
- Warm air from vents
- The outdoor unit feels extremely hot
- Loud noises outside
Fix:
- Switch off the power to the AC
- Remove Debris Around the Unit
- Gently rinse condenser coils using a hose
Cleaning the outdoor unit can quickly resolve the problem of the AC not cooling but the fan working.
4. Low Refrigerant Levels
It is the refrigerant that cools the air. If there is any leakage, your AC will keep running and won’t cool as it should, which leads to the very common complaint of AC not cooling but the fan working.
Signs
- Ice on refrigerant lines
- Hissing sounds
- AC runs continuously without cooling.
Fixes:
Low refrigerant calls for expert repair. A certified HVAC technician will:
- Leak detection
- Repair broken lines
- Recharge refrigerant
Specifically, if your AC is not cooling but the fan is working and basic cleaning has not resolved the issue, then the refrigerant levels should be checked.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Another major cause of AC not cooling but the fan running is frozen coils.
Why It Happens:
- Dirty Air Filter
- Low refrigerant
- Poor airflow
Signs:
- Ice on indoor unit
- Water leakage during melting of ice
- Weak cooling
Fix:
- Turn off AC immediately
- Let coils thaw completely
- Replace air filter
- Call a technician if freezing continues
Ignoring the frozen coils can cause the AC not cooling but fan working issue.
6. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your AC system, and when your compressor fails, you will feel the effect since the AC will blow air, but the system will not cool, thus AC not cooling but fan working.
Signs:
- Clicking sounds
- Outdoor unit not starting
- AC runs but the room stays warm
Fix:
Problems concerning compressors must be treated by experts. Sometimes replacement may be required.
If your unit is more than 10-12 years old, a malfunctioning compressor could be a possible cause for the “AC not cooling, but fan is working” situation.
7. Leaky or Damaged Duct
Central air conditioning systems, for instance, use ducts to circulate cool air around the house. As such, if there is cooling, there is a feeling of the AC not cooling but the fan working.
Signs:
- Uneven Cooling
- High energy bills
- Weak airflow in particular rooms
Fix:
- Inspect visible ductwork
- Use duct sealant to seal small leaks
- For significant duct repairs, it is best to call professionals
Proper sealing of the ducts ensures efficiency. Proper sealing of the ducts resolves the AC not cooling but fan working issue.
8. Electrical or Capacitor Issues
Various electrical components help control how your AC operates. If a capacitor is faulty, the AC unit may not cool but fan works.
Signs:
- AC will not start
- Buzzing noises
- System shuts off randomly
Fix:
An electrician is always needed to fix electric problems because of safety considerations.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
In order to avoid the hassle of AC not cooling but fan working again, follow these maintenance tips:
Monthly:
Check and replace air filters
Every 3-6 Months:
- Clean outdoor condenser
- Check thermostat settings
Annually:
- Schedule professional AC servicing
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical components
The risk of AC not cooling, yet fan is working, is significantly reduced by regular maintenance, especially during peak summer.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
In order to avoid the hassle of AC not cooling but fan working again, follow these maintenance tips:
Monthly:
- Check and replace air filters
- Every 3-6 Months
- Clean outdoor condenser
- Check thermostat settings
Annually
- Schedule professional AC servicing
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical components
The risk of AC not cooling, yet fan is working, is significantly reduced by regular maintenance, especially during peak summer.
When to Call a Professional?
You should contact an expert in HVAC if:
- Suspected of Refrigerant Leak
- Compressor is not working
- Electrical components fail
- AC repeatedly freezes
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the AC not cooling, but the fan works problem, then the safest option is hiring a professional.
Final Thoughts
It is quite stressful to deal with an AC not cooling but fan working, most especially during days of extreme weather. Nonetheless, in most circumstances, the reasons are not as intricate as people think; they only lie in minor problems.
Based on the above, by understanding the reasons and how to fix them, you can easily and quickly improve the comfort in your house.
When still experiencing AC not cooling but fan working problems, don’t hesitate in seeking professional help. This is to avoid extensive damages and AC replacements.
For more home maintenance guides and troubleshooting tips, please visit:
👉 https://homemaintenanceblog.site/
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