At Microcare, we know that cooling is very important in Dubai heat. When your AC is running but not cooling, you feel uncomfortable and worry about high bills. In this guide, we explain the common reasons your AC may not cool and simple solutions.
1. Thermostat Setting Is Wrong
Sometimes the problem is simple. The thermostat might be in “heat” mode or at too high a temperature.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode.
- Check that the temperature is lower than the room temperature.
- If the thermostat is old or not working, the AC may not know to cool.
Solution: Set mode to cool and a low temperature. If needed, we can install a new thermostat.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
The air filter cleans dust from the air. When the filter is dirty, the air cannot flow into the system.
- A blocked filter slows airflow.
- This makes your AC work harder and cool less.
- A frozen evaporator coil can happen when air can’t move well across it
Solution: Check the filter every month. Replace or clean the filter if it has dust.
3. Condenser Unit Blocked or Dirty (Outdoor Unit)
The outdoor unit helps release heat from your home. If it is dirty or blocked, heat cannot escape.
- Leaves, grass, or dirt can cover the coils.
- This stops airflow and makes the unit less effective.
Solution: Clear debris around the outdoor unit. Use a soft hose to gently clean the coils. Keep at least 2 feet (60 cm) clear space around it.
4. Low Refrigerant or Leak
Refrigerant is the cooling fluid in AC systems. If levels are low, the AC cannot cool well.
- A leak can lower refrigerant over time.
- Air may be warm, and coils may ice over
Solution: Only a licensed technician can fix refrigerant issues. Call us to check for leaks and refill refrigerant safely.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coil
If air cannot flow well or refrigerant is low, the evaporator coil can freeze.
- Ice forms on the coil.
- The AC may blow air, but it will not be cool.
- Often caused by a dirty filter or low refrigerant
Solution: Turn off AC to let the ice melt. Clean or change the filter. If freezing returns, call us to inspect coils and airflow.
6. Leaky or Bad Ducts
Air ducts carry cooled air from the indoor unit into rooms. If ducts are damaged or leaky, cold air escapes.
- Leaks reduce airflow by 20–30% before air reaches rooms.
- This causes uneven cooling and higher bills
Solution: Have ducts checked and sealed by professionals. Proper duct sealing helps cool all rooms evenly.
7. Weak Airflow or Blocked Vents
Vents must be open and clean for good airflow.
- Vents blocked by furniture or dust reduce cooling.
- Undersized or blocked return vents force the blower fan to work harder and may reduce cooling
Solution: Make sure supply and return vents are open and clean. Don’t close too many vents at once.
8. Faulty Compressor or Electrical Problems
The compressor pumps refrigerant through the system. If it fails, cooling stops.
- A bad compressor may hum or click but blow warm air.
- Electrical parts like capacitors or relays can fail and prevent cooling
Solution: Electrical and compressor faults require a trained technician. If your AC runs but does not cool, we can inspect and replace parts safely.
9. Tripped Breaker or Blown Fuse
If the AC power trips, it may run but cool poorly or stop.
- A breaker may trip due to overload or faulty parts.
- Fuses can blow and cut power to parts like compressors or fans
Solution: Check your electrical panel. Reset any tripped breaker. If the AC trips again, contact us for an electrical check.
10. Wrong AC Size or Old System
Every home needs the right size AC.
- If too small, the system runs constantly and still can’t cool.
- If too large, it cycles on and off too fast, not removing humidity properly (ApplianceTeacher).
An old AC, older than 10–15 years, may lose efficiency and struggle to cool even after repairs.
Solution: We can help check if your AC matches the size of your space. If the AC is very old or needs many repairs, a new, efficient system may be best.
🛠 DIY Checks You Can Do
Here are quick checks you can do now:
- Set thermostat to cool and choose a lower temperature.
- Look at the air filter. Replace or clean if dusty.
- Check the outdoor unit for dirt or blockage.
- Make sure all vents are open and not blocked.
- Reset the circuit breaker if it has tripped.
- Turn off AC if coils are frozen. Allow ice to melt.
When to Call Microcare for Help
You can try simple fixes at home. But some problems need professional help. Call us at Microcare when:
✅ You see ice on coils again after you thaw them.
✅ AC still runs but does not cool after filter cleaning.
✅ You hear strange noises or suspect a leak.
✅ Thermostat is not working or AC trips breakers.
✅ You want a full check, regular cleaning, or service.
We offer fast, expert AC repair and maintenance across Dubai.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Cooling Issues
To keep your AC working well:
- Change or clean the filter every 1–2 months.
- Keep the outdoor coils clean and free from debris.
- Get a professional service at least once a year.
- Keep ducts sealed and insulated.
- Make sure thermostat works and is clean.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat to save energy.
Summary Table
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Wrong thermostat | Set wrong mode or temp | Set to “cool” and lower temp |
Dirty filter | Blocks airflow | Clean or replace filter monthly |
Blocked outdoor unit | Dirt or debris around unit | Clean coils, clear space |
Low refrigerant | Leak in system | Call technician to fix & refill |
Frozen evaporator coil | Bad airflow or low refrigerant | Turn off AC, thaw, clean filter |
Leaky ducts | Air escapes before cooled air | Seal ducts professionally |
Blocked vents | Vent closed or covered | Open and clean vents |
Compressor/Electrical | Broken parts or wiring | Call technician for repair |
Tripped breaker/fuse | Overload or old components | Reset breaker, inspect components |
Oversized/Old AC | Bad size or old wear | Evaluate repair/replace |
Final Words
Sometimes cooling problems are small and easy to fix. But other times they are serious and need a trained hand. At Microcare, We help you fix your AC and keep it running well all year.