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AC Not Cooling Enough
in Spokane, WA
Spokane summers regularly push past 100 degrees, and an AC that can't keep up makes those weeks miserable. Most of the time the system is low on refrigerant or the indoor coil is so dirty it can't move heat out of the house. If you ignore it, the compressor works harder than it should and burns out faster, which is a much bigger fix.
Quick Answer
When an AC runs but can't cool the house, it usually means low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or an undersized unit struggling in Spokane's July heat. A tech needs to check the refrigerant charge and measure airflow. If the coil is clogged, cleaning it often brings the system back. Call (509) 472-2017 before the next heat wave hits.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- The thermostat is set to 72 but the house sits at 80 or higher all afternoon
- Air coming out of the vents feels cool but not cold
- The AC runs almost constantly without cycling off
- Utility bills jump in July even though you haven't changed how you use the system
- The outdoor unit runs but you hear it working harder than usual
- Rooms far from the air handler are noticeably warmer than the rest of the house
Root Causes
What Causes AC Not Cooling Enough?
Low Refrigerant Charge
Refrigerant is the fluid that carries heat out of your home. When the system is low, it can't move enough heat, so the house stays warm even with the AC running all day. Spokane's temperature swings between seasons can stress older copper refrigerant lines and cause small leaks over time.
The Fix
Refrigerant Leak Repair and Recharge
A tech finds the leak, repairs the line or fitting, and recharges the system to the correct level. Just adding refrigerant without fixing the leak means you'll be back in the same spot next summer.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil sits inside the air handler and pulls heat out of the air. When it gets coated in dust and debris, it can't absorb heat, so the air comes out barely cool. Homes in the Spokane Valley with unpaved driveways or nearby fields tend to pull in more dust, which clogs coils faster.
The Fix
Evaporator Coil Cleaning
A tech removes the coil access panel and cleans the coil with a foaming cleaner. It's not a fast job but it makes a noticeable difference in how well the system cools.
Undersized AC Unit
Many Spokane homes built in the 1970s and 1980s had small AC units installed as an afterthought. A unit that was barely big enough then is definitely too small now if rooms have been added or windows replaced with larger ones.
The Fix
System Sizing Assessment and Replacement
A contractor runs a load calculation to find the right size for your home. Replacing an undersized unit with a properly sized one solves the problem for good instead of just managing it.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Low Refrigerant Charge | Dirty Evaporator Coil | Undersized AC Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerant lines outside have frost or ice on them | |||
| Airflow from vents feels weak even with a clean filter | |||
| System can't keep up on days over 95 degrees but works fine on mild days | |||
| System was recently serviced but still won't cool properly | |||
| Coil access panel shows visible gray buildup on the fins |
Free Inspection
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