When the air conditioner runs but the house stays warm, it is tempting to assume that the entire system needs replacing. At ARP Heat And Air, we start by finding out what is actually going on. In the Coffee Creek area of Edmond, we worked on a residential AC system that had weak airflow and was not cooling the home adequately.
The problem: Weak airflow and a warm home
The system was not providing the cooling the homeowner needed, and airflow was weak. Those symptoms can come from more than one issue. A dirty filter, restricted coil, a blower problem, an electrical fault, or a refrigerant issue can affect performance. A technician needs to check the system rather than select a repair from the symptom alone.
What we found
Our diagnosis for the Coffee Creek system identified a failing capacitor and low refrigerant. A capacitor is an electrical component that helps equipment motors start or run, depending on the system. A failed or weakened capacitor can prevent equipment from operating correctly.
Low refrigerant is another issue that can affect cooling performance. Refrigerant does not get used up like fuel. If the charge is low, the cause should be investigated and the homeowner should understand the options for finding and addressing a leak.
The work and result
We replaced the failing capacitor and recharged the system. After the repair, cooling was restored. Every air conditioner is different, so a system with similar symptoms still needs its own diagnosis. The repair that worked for this home is not automatically the right repair for another.
What to do if your Edmond AC isn’t cooling
Check that your thermostat is set to cooling and that the temperature setting is below the room temperature. If the air filter is accessible, check whether it is dirty and replace it with the correct size and type if needed. Make sure furniture is not blocking return grilles or supply registers.
If the AC has ice on the refrigerant line or equipment, turn cooling off and call for service. Do not chip ice away or open electrical panels. Tell us whether the indoor fan runs, whether the outdoor unit starts, and which rooms are uncomfortable.