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What could cause a central AC unit to run constantly without effectively cooling? 5-year-old Carrier central AC (model 24ABC6) is running non-stop, but the air from the vents is only slightly cool. The home's temperature remains at 80°F despite the thermostat being set to 72°F. The air filter has been replaced and the outdoor unit cleaned, but the issue persists. The refrigerant lines aren't frozen. What are the recommended troubleshooting steps before calling a professional? Could this indicate low refrigerant, or are there other likely causes?
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Hi DarkKnight!
One common issue is low refrigerant, which can reduce the system's cooling capacity and cause it to run non-stop. Since refrigerant levels require a professional to measure and adjust, it’s a good idea to consider other possibilities first.
Ductwork problems, like blockages or leaks, can prevent cool air from reaching certain areas of the house, so inspecting the ducts for issues might be helpful. Also, make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and not giving incorrect readings or miscommunicating with the system. Even though your refrigerant lines aren’t frozen, the evaporator coil could still be dirty, limiting its cooling ability. Checking the blower motor and fan to ensure they’re circulating air efficiently is another step you can take. Sometimes, if an AC is undersized for the space (especially if there have been home modifications), it can struggle to keep up with cooling demands. Since you've already cleaned the outdoor unit, which can often be the culprit if the condenser coils are dirty, the next step would be to check for any electrical issues or internal malfunctions like a faulty expansion valve. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s likely time to call a technician, as the refrigerant or another internal component could be the underlying problem.
Hope this helps!
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