5 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling and How to Fix it

July 15, 2024

Because Singapore is situated near the Equator, its average year-round temperatures can reach up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. In this sweltering heat, an aircon not blowing cold air is more than just a minor inconvenience; it disrupts your comfort. Aside from that, studies have shown that high temperatures directly affect human behaviour, causing people to become angry and even aggressive.

Since inefficient cooling is among the most common problems of aircon units, it’s important to understand why this happens. After all, getting to the root cause of the issue is the first step to an effective repair.

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Common Causes of Aircon Not Blowing Cold Air

Several factors could be responsible when your air conditioner is not delivering the cold air you need. Here’s a look at the most common causes:

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Incorrectly Set Thermostat

Many of us make this mistake and wait for the air conditioner to cool on end. Always check the AC fan settings. If it is turned ‘ON’, the blower will keep running without cooling your home. Instead change the settings to ‘AUTO’ on your thermostat. This will employ the blower only when the compressor is running. Consequently, the blower will turn ‘OFF’ when your room reaches the desired temperature. Thus, you will save on utility bills too.

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Clogged Air Filter

Air filters that are not cleaned periodically traps airborne particles causing the air conditioning system to wear out. As you may know, dust, dirt, dander etc. trapped in the air filter block free movement of air. It also restricts the amount of warm air that flows over the indoor evaporator coil. The refrigerant moving through the coil thus freezes and becomes chilled blocking the air flow.

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Low Refrigerant

You might be wondering what a refrigerant is! Well, refrigerant is a compound fluid in air conditioning systems that converts warm air into cold air. It shifts from low-pressure gas to high-pressure liquid as it moves between indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condensing unit. The refrigerant is responsible for cooling your room when you set the desired temperature on the thermostat.

Leaking refrigerant causes the evaporator coil to freeze blocking the airflow. If there’s a leak, you will probably hear hissing or bubbling noise from the air conditioner, ice crystals forming outside the refrigerant line, water leaking from the unit or air conditioner not cooling enough during the day but works fine at night.

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Unclean Condenser Unit

A condenser unit is the outdoor piece of your air conditioning system As the indoor evaporator absorbs hot air from inside and transfers to the outside air conditioning unit, the condenser turns the hot air into cold and blows it back to your room. Clean outdoor units regularly to remove cobwebs, debris or bushes that grow around them to ensure smooth flow of air.

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Faulty Condenser Fan or Compressor

The condenser unit has a huge fan on the top. Make sure it is spinning without fail. If the fan motor fails to run, the condenser unit will not exhaust hot air properly, thus recirculating the warm air back to your room.

It is also important to diagnose the working of compressors. Compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. The main function of the compressor is to cool the refrigerant. Experts say if the compressor breaks down then it is time to get a new air conditioner.

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Troubleshooting Steps for Finding Your Air Conditioner Issue

When your air conditioner is running yet you’re still sweating, it’s natural to ask, “Why is my aircon not cold?” Here are some troubleshooting steps you can follow to get to the answer:

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1. Check and Clean the Air Filters

One of the first steps in air conditioner troubleshooting is to check the air filters. Make sure they are not dirty or clogged. Otherwise, this problem can restrict airflow. So, clean or replace them to improve airflow and cooling.

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2. Ensure Proper Thermostat Settings

Incorrect thermostat settings are a common cause of an aircon not cooling effectively. Make sure it's set to the correct temperature and is in cooling mode. Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as adjusting these settings.

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3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit for Debris or Damage

The outdoor unit of your aircon, if blocked by debris or damaged, can impede the cooling process. Clear any obstructions while making sure that the unit is not damaged.

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4. Check for Visible Signs of Refrigerant Leaks

Another air conditioner troubleshooting step you can do is checking for refrigerant leaks. Some signs to watch out for include hissing sounds or ice on the coils.

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5. Reset the Circuit Breaker if Necessary

If your aircon stops working or is not cooling properly, the circuit breaker may have tripped. Check the electrical panel and reset the breaker if it has been tripped. If you don’t know how to do this, we recommend asking a professional technician. They should perform this troubleshooting step for you or even show you how it’s done.

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When to Call an Aircon Professional

While basic aircon maintenance and minor troubleshooting can often be handled independently, there are situations where calling a professional is not just advisable but necessary. Here's when you should consider professional aircon servicing in Singapore:

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Complex Electrical Issues: If you suspect that your aircon's problem lies in its electrical system, it's time to call a professional. Handling complex electrical issues requires expertise to avoid safety risks.
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Refrigerant Handling and Leaks: Dealing with refrigerant requires specific skills and equipment. If you notice signs of a refrigerant leak, such as hissing sounds or ice formation on the coils, professional intervention is crucial for both safety and effective repair.
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Deep Cleaning of Internal Components: Over time, the internal components of your aircon, like the evaporator coils and blower, can accumulate dirt and require a thorough cleaning. Professionals have the tools and knowledge to perform deep cleaning services without damaging these sensitive parts. They’ll even give you tips on how to maintain the efficiency of your unit.
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Repair or Replacement of Major Parts: When it comes to significant issues like a faulty compressor or damaged coils, a professional should handle the repairs or replacement. These are critical components of your aircon, and improper handling can lead to more extensive damage or even complete system failure.

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Aircon Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Unit Cool

Ensuring aircon efficiency, especially in the warm Singapore climate, requires regular attention and maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your aircon in top condition:

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Scheduling Regular Professional Servicing

Regular aircon servicing is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of your unit. Skilled technicians can perform comprehensive checks and even give maintenance and usage tips. Moreover, they’ll ensure that everything from refrigerant levels to electrical components is in optimal condition.

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Regularly Cleaning and Replacing Filters

Air filters trap dust and other particles, and over time, they can become clogged, impairing your aircon's performance. Regular cleaning or replacing these filters is essential for keeping the unit’s airflow and cooling efficiency. This simple step can go a long way in preventing your aircon from not cooling efficiently.

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Quick Tip: Check out our guide on how to prevent mould in aircon units to keep your indoor air healthy and clean.

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Monitoring System Performance for Early Signs of Problems

Keep an eye on how your aircon performs. Monitoring your unit’s performance is an integral part of air conditioner troubleshooting and can save you from more significant, costly repairs down the line. So, if it’s not cooling efficiently or if you’re hearing strange noises, it’s time to call professionals. Expert technicians can help you address potential problems before they escalate.

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Benefits of Regular Aircon Maintenance

Energy Efficiency	Regular maintenance optimizes the aircon's efficiency, lowering energy consumption and reducing electricity bills.
Extended Lifespan	Consistent care identifies and addresses potential issues early, contributing to the air conditioner's longevity.
Improved Air Quality	Cleaning filters regularly prevents the circulation of dust and pollutants, enhancing indoor air quality.
Prevent Costly Repairs	Regular inspections help catch problems before they escalate, avoiding expensive repairs and sudden breakdowns.
Peace of Mind	Maintenance provides reassurance, ensuring your aircon operates reliably and efficiently, especially during peak usage.

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Reliable Aircon Repair in Singapore

In Singapore's warm climate, maintaining your aircon’s performance is key to preventing it from not cooling efficiently. While basic troubleshooting like cleaning filters or checking thermostats can often solve minor cooling issues, persistent problems indicate a need for professional intervention. This is where Sendhelper comes in. We’ll provide expert aircon servicing to effectively diagnose and repair any complex issues. This way, your air conditioner will keep your space comfortably cool.

For reliable, efficient aircon solutions, turn to Sendhelper’s skilled technicians.

Whether you wish to troubleshoot and service your air conditioners to fix immediate problems or sign-up for attractive subscriptions plans for periodic maintenance to keep the health of air conditioners in check, Sendhelper provides the best air conditioning solutions for you. Download the Sendhelper app or website and book aircon servicing now.