Why You Should Turn Off Your AC When It’s Not Cooling
It’s a hot day, and your AC is running—but your house isn’t getting any cooler. Sound familiar? When your air conditioner isn’t doing its job, your first instinct might be to let it keep running in hopes it “catches up.” But that could actually make the problem worse.
At Quality Comfort Home Services, we often hear from Cincinnati homeowners dealing with this exact issue. Here’s why turning off your AC when it’s not cooling is the best first move.
1. You Could Damage the System
If your AC continues to run without properly cooling, you risk damaging the compressor—one of the most expensive parts of your system. A malfunctioning unit can cause it to overheat or work overtime, leading to breakdowns that might have been preventable with a simple shutoff.
2. You Might Have a Frozen Coil
One of the most common reasons an AC stops cooling is a frozen evaporator coil. When this happens, ice builds up inside the unit and blocks airflow. The longer the system runs in this condition, the worse the freeze gets. Turning off your system and setting the fan to “On” can help speed up the thawing process and prevent further issues.
3. It Wastes Energy (and $$$)
An AC that isn’t cooling is still drawing power. That means your electric bill is going up, but your comfort level isn’t. Shutting the unit down until it can be inspected saves you from wasting energy and money.
4. It Can Help Your Technician Diagnose the Problem Faster
Letting the system continue to run can mask the root cause of the issue. Turning it off right away preserves the system in its current state, giving your HVAC technician a clearer look at what went wrong—and how to fix it. In instances where the system is frozen, the technician cannot diagnose the problem until it is thawed.
READ MORE: Common AC Repair Issues & Costs
What To Do If Your AC Isn’t Cooling
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Turn the thermostat to “Off.”
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Switch the fan setting to “On” to help melt any ice.
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Check the air filter—replace it if it’s dirty.
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Inspect the thermostat settings to make sure it’s set to cool.
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Call a licensed HVAC technician for a full system diagnosis.
At Quality Comfort, we help Cincinnati homeowners stay cool with fast, honest, and reliable AC repair. If your system’s not cooling, don’t wait—give us a call and we’ll get your home back to comfortable in no time.
The Importance of AC Maintenance
Routine air conditioner maintenance can catch these issues before they turn into costly repairs. During a maintenance visit, an HVAC technician will inspect the evaporator coil, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condensate drain line, and much more. Preventative maintenance helps ensure your system runs efficiently, reducing the chances of major breakdowns.
Call Quality Comfort for AC Repair
If you’re in the Cincinnati area and need professional HVAC assistance, Quality Comfort Home Services is here to help. Contact us today to schedule air conditioning repair.
