Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling? Common Causes & Solutions in Pflugerville

Summers in Pflugerville are hot and humid. The daily average highest temperature recorded is above 31°C, making air conditioning systems a necessity. Learn from air conditioner repair Pflugerville services common causes and solutions, if your air conditioner is not cooling properly. 

Why My Air Conditioner is not Cooling?

Dirty air filters are the most common reason for your air conditioner not cooling properly. Leaking refrigerant and clogged condenser or evaporator coils are also the reason behind reduced system efficiency. Pflugerville summer storms can cause power surges that damage the electrical components of an AC unit. Moreover, an undersized or oversized air conditioner or a leaky ductwork can also be the reason behind improper cooling of your air conditioner. For most of these reasons, get your AC unit inspected and repaired. 

6 Common Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner is Not Cooling Properly

Here are 6 common reasons why your Pflugerville air conditioner is not cooling properly:

1. Dirty Air Filters 

Dirty air filters are the most common reason for your air conditioner not cooling the house. In Pflugerville, filters clog fast, mostly due to the Cedar Pollen season (from early December through mid-February) of Central Texas, or because of the limestone dust from local soil and construction. So it’s very common for you to experience improper air conditioner cooling. 

The Solution: Air conditioner repair Pflugerville experts suggest changing your dirty air filters once a month (especially during the peak pollen season). Also, depending on the local conditions, they recommend MERV 8-11 filters. For example, a MERV 11 filter can remove up to 95% of airborne particles, and it’s best for seasonal allergies. 

2. Low or Leaking Refrigerant

In Pflugerville’s hot and muggy weather, air conditioners run for long hours to beat the heat, causing damage to your HVAC system over time. Eventually, the refrigerant might leak and decrease in amount below what is required. For instance, in general, a cooling system requires 2-4 pounds per ton of capacity. And if that drops, you will feel the air conditioner is not cooling properly and the room feels warm. 

The Solution: You need an EPA-certified technician to refill the refrigerant and repair the leak. Also, get your system inspected annually by professionals before every summer. Do not run your AC at a low refrigerant level or you might cause damage to your compressor. An AC compressor is the most expensive to replace ($800-$2,380 for central AC). 

3. Dirty Condenser or Evaporator Coils 

In Pflugerville, there are approximately 3,128 public trees with 18% of them being live oak. Heavy debris from the mature oak trees and the high pollen counts can clog the coils or outdoor units, reducing the efficiency of a system. And then, you might feel the air conditioner not cooling but the fan is running. 

The Solution: Every month, inspect your outdoor unit and gently clean it with a garden hose. Remove seeds, leaves, and grass cripplings. Also, during the spring/summer season, clear 2-3 feet around the outdoor unit. Trim back oak branches and vegetation. Moreover, an annual coil cleaning is required by air conditioner repair Pflugerville professionals. 

4. Electrical Problems 

Your air conditioning system has different electrical components (contactors, fuses, relays, and circuit boards). When one of them fails, your air conditioner struggles to cool properly, or it might shut off unexpectedly. This is especially common in Pflugerville during the summer storms. For instance, high-wind thunderstorms in Pflugerville can cause power surges that damage electrical parts. 

The Solution: If you suspect your AC is not cooling properly after a summer storm, get your wiring and electrical components inspected. And it is best if you install a surge protector for your AC unit for Pflugerville summers. 

5. Oversized or Undersized Units 

From 2010 to 2020, Pflugerville’s population increased from 46,936 to 65,191, indicating significant residential growth. Homeowners expanded their living spaces through sunroof additions, garage conversions, and second-story expansions. However, with these modifications, the AC unit is now undersized for the additional square footage. 

Or if you’ve recently installed an AC unit that’s comparatively bigger than your last one with no modifications in your house structure. Then, this can also be the reason behind your AC unit not cooling properly. An oversized AC unit might cause issues like short cycling and poor dehumidification in humid months. 

The Solution: Hire a local HVAC professional for a Manual J load calculation before installing an AC unit or whenever you expand your house. This will determine the correct cooling capacity your home requires. The technician will take into account items like the height and area of your house, the number of windows and exterior doors, the number of occupants, and many other factors. 

6. Ductwork Leaks in Attics 

According to a study, attic temperature can reach from 150 to 160°F during a hot day in Texas. When that happens, the extreme heat degrades duct sealant and insulation faster. With leaky ductwork, you may notice certain rooms feel warmer or cooler than others. Also, when 20-30% of cooled air escapes through leaks, it’ll result in wasted energy and higher utility bills. 

The Solution: Get your ductwork inspected professionally with thermal imaging technology. Use mastic sealant over a leak. It remains flexible and can bear even 200°C of temperature. Also, consider replacing the duct insulation with R-8 insulation, which is designed to withstand Central Texas Attic conditions. 

Hire Grande Air Solutions to Bring Your Comfort Back:

If you suspect your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly in Pflugerville, get your system inspected for the reasons mentioned above. Or see if you can troubleshoot the issue on your own. For instance, you can change the dirty air filters. Also, an annual inspection is mandatory for the smooth working of your AC unit. And monthly maintenance can save you from costly repairs later on. 

Ensure your Pflugerville home stays comfortable throughout the scorching summers and get your system inspected by HVAC professionals like the techs at Grande Air Solution for long-term fixes! Call (512) 677-4424 to schedule a visit!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is my air filter dirty or clogged?

A restricted filter blocks airflow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze and preventing the system from cooling your home effectively.

Are the outdoor condenser coils dirty?

Dirt and debris on the exterior unit prevent heat from escaping, which forces the system to work harder without actually lowering the temperature.

Is the thermostat set correctly?

A simple setting error or a dying battery can prevent the AC from triggering the cooling cycle, even if the fan is running.

Is there a refrigerant leak?

Low refrigerant levels due to a leak will significantly reduce cooling capacity and can eventually lead to a total compressor failure.

Is the outdoor unit losing power?

A tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse can shut down the compressor while the indoor fan continues to blow warm air.