Air Conditioner - Not Cooling Well / Running Constantly

If your Room Air Conditioner is not cooling properly and/or running continuously, there are a few things you should investigate in an attempt to remedy the concern.
 

Check the Installation

  • Make sure the Air Conditioner is properly sized for the room and not too small. For more information, see our Air Conditioner - Sizing Guidelines article.
  • Make sure nothing is blocking the front of the Air Conditioner. When the appliance is blocked by curtains, blinds or furniture, air flow is restricted and the cooling performance will be affected.

Check the Ambient Temperature (Environment)

  • Check the outdoor temperature. Operating a Room Air Conditioner if the outdoor temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or below will limit the cooling capacity of the unit.
  • Check the indoor temperature. If the room is already 64 degrees Fahrenheit or below, the thermostat cannot turn on the compressor.
  • Consider the temperature of the room when the air conditioner was first turned on. If the room was very hot, it will take longer to cool the room. When heat is stored up in walls, furniture, rugs and draperies, it will take longer to cool the room down. Whenever possible, turn the Air Conditioner on before the room heats up.
    • Make sure your windows are not open, allowing warm air back into the area that is being cooled.

Check the Coils and Air Filter

  • If there is ice on the coils, the outdoor temperature may be below 70 degrees. The best way to prevent ice on the coils is to avoid running the appliance if the outdoor temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is close to 70 or you are unsure of the temperature, you can turn the thermostat to a warmer setting and set the fan switch to the highest position. For more information, see our Air Conditioner - How to Remove Ice on Coils article.
  • Check the outdoor coils (on the rear of the unit) regularly for dirt buildup.  If dirty, vacuum with soft bristle brush.  If they are clogged with dirt or soot, the unit may need to be professionally cleaned.
  • Make sure the air filter has been cleaned in the last 30 days. For more information, see our Air Conditioner - Cleaning the Filter article. Filter removal and location varies depending on the individual model. Download a copy of the Owner's Manual for your specific model for filter removal instructions.

Check the Settings and Operation

  • Check the thermostat setting. The highest setting on a model with a mechanical (knob) dial control will provide maximum cooling. Setting the temperature to a lower setting on a model with electronic, digital controls will provide maximum cooling.
  • If the Air Conditioner is cycling on and off too frequently, the appliance may be oversized for the area being cooled or the filter may need to be cleaned. For more information, see our Air Conditioner - Sizing Guidelines article.

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