Why Your Frigidaire Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling (And How To Fix It)

Summer is here and you’re likely relying on your air conditioner to keep things cool. But when your Frigidaire AC suddenly stops blowing cold air, it can be incredibly frustrating. A non-cooling air conditioner fails at doing its one job during the hottest time of year.

Before you go scrambling to call an HVAC technician, there are several common problems you can troubleshoot yourself. In many cases, you can get your Frigidaire air conditioner cooling again with minimal effort.

This article will walk you through the top reasons a Frigidaire AC won’t cool properly, along with actionable tips to get it up and running. We’ll cover everything from incorrect settings, clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, frozen coils, broken parts, and much more.

With some basic diagnostic steps, you can zero in on the issue and determine whether it’s a quick DIY fix or requires professional repair. Let’s start by going over the most common causes when a Frigidaire air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air.

Common Causes For A Non-Cooling Frigidaire AC

When trying to diagnose why your Frigidaire AC unit isn’t cooling properly, there are several key problem areas to check. Here are the most common reasons a Frigidaire air conditioner won’t blow cold air:

• Incorrect Temperature Setting – If the thermostat is set too high or not in “cool” mode, then the AC won’t know to start cooling. Always make sure the thermostat is set below room temperature and in either “cool” or “auto” mode.
• AC Unit Undersized – An air conditioner that’s too small for the space won’t be able to keep up with the cooling demand. Double check that your Frigidaire AC has the appropriate BTU capacity for the square footage of your room.
• Clogged Air Filter – A blocked filter prevents proper airflow through the AC system. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the filter and impede performance.
• Dirty Condenser Coils – For effective heat transfer, the condenser coils must be clean. Dirty coils block airflow and reduce cooling capacity.
• Blocked Outdoor Unit – If the outdoor condenser unit is covered by grass or debris, it can’t expel heat properly. Proper airflow around the unit is key.
• Refrigerant Leak – Low refrigerant levels due to a leak will directly affect the AC’s ability to cool. Signs of a leak include bubbling noises or pooling water.
• Frozen Evaporator Coil – A dirty filter or low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coil to freeze over, blocking airflow completely.
• Faulty Control Board – The control board regulates power to components. If it fails, the compressor and fans won’t function.
• Broken Compressor – The compressor pumps refrigerant through the AC system. If it burns out, the unit won’t cool at all.
• Bad Thermistor – This sensor monitors air temperature and communicates conditions to the control board. If it’s faulty, the AC won’t respond properly.
• Burnt Out Fan Motor – The fan motor turns the blower fan to circulate air. If burnt out, airflow will be greatly reduced.
• Failed Run Capacitor – The run capacitor provides power to the compressor. A failed capacitor will prevent the compressor from running.

Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Now that you know the most common culprits, here is a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and diagnose your Frigidaire AC when it’s not cooling:

1. Verify The Temperature Setting

• Check that the thermostat is set to “cool” mode and the temperature is lowered below the current room temperature.
• Make sure the system is not accidentally set to “off” or in fan-only mode.
• For a smart thermostat, ensure it is not malfunctioning or set incorrectly in the app.

2. Check AC Unit Size

• Look at the BTU rating for your Frigidaire AC model and square footage of the room.
• Confirm the unit has the proper capacity for the size of space being cooled.
• If undersized, consider upgrading to a larger capacity AC unit.

3. Inspect The Air Filter

• Slide out the filter and check for dirt buildup and debris clogging airflow.
• Try cleaning the filter by hosing off dust and particles.
• If the filter is too clogged, go ahead and replace it with a new one.

4. Clean The Condenser Coils

• Turn off power to the AC unit and remove any debris/leaves around it.
• Use a garden hose on gentle spray to rinse dirt from the condenser coils.
• Use a coil cleaner or mild soap solution for stuck-on grime.

5. Ensure Proper Airflow Around Unit

• Clear any grass, leaves, or dirt that may be blocking the outdoor condenser unit.
• Cut back bushes or branches that have grown around the unit.
• Make sure nothing is obstructing airflow to the sides or top.

6. Check for Refrigerant Leaks

• Call an HVAC technician to do a thorough leak test if low refrigerant is suspected.
• Signs of leaks include bubbling noises, pooling water, reduced cooling, or high utility bills.
• Any leaks must be repaired before recharging the AC system with new refrigerant.

7. Defrost Frozen Evaporator Coil

• If the coil is frosted or caked with ice, the AC needs to be shut off to defrost.
• A dirty air filter is usually the cause of evaporator coil freezing.
• Replace the filter and monitor to prevent re-freezing after use.

8. Test the Control Board

• Turn off power to the AC unit before removing the control board cover.
• Use a multimeter to check for power going to the control board.
• If it’s getting power but the AC still isn’t functioning, the board is likely faulty.
• Replace the failing control board with an exact replacement part.

9. Inspect the Compressor

• Listen for odd noises coming from the compressor. Knocking or grinding noises can indicate a problem.
• The compressor should be warm to the touch when operating. If it’s room temperature, it may be seized up.
• Have a technician diagnose the compressor. Replacement is complex and needs vacuuming/recharging.

10. Check the Thermistor

• Unplug the AC unit and remove the thermistor from the control board.
• Test it with a multimeter to check for proper continuity readings.
• If the thermistor is not functioning, replace it with an equivalent OEM part.

11. Verify Fan Motor Operation

• With the AC unplugged, try to spin the blower fan blades manually. They should move freely.
• If seized up or stiff, it indicates a seized fan motor that needs replacement.
• Fan motors can burn out from electrical shorts – have an HVAC technician verify.

12. Test the Run Capacitor

• Locate and remove the run capacitor connected to the compressor.
• Check it with a multimeter tester for continuity.
• If no continuity, it means the capacitor is burnt out and must be replaced.

Read more:

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When To Call An HVAC Technician

While many heating and cooling issues can be DIY repairs, there are certain Frigidaire air conditioner problems that require a professional. Call an HVAC technician for:

• Refrigerant Leaks – Only certified techs can legally handle refrigerant. Leaks require specialized tools to detect, repair, and recharge the AC system.
• Compressor Failure – If the compressor is making odd noises, overheating, or seized up, a pro will be needed to confirm failure and replace the compressor.
• Evaporator Coil Damage – If the evaporator coil is icing up frequently or has sustained damage, an HVAC technician should assess and replace the coil if needed.
• Control Board Replacement – While you can test a control board with a multimeter, only a qualified technician has the knowledge to safely replace it.
• New AC Installation – If your current AC unit is undersized or you need additional cooling zones, contact a reputable HVAC company to install new air conditioning systems properly.
• Complex Electrical Issues – Any electrical shorts, burned out components, or wiring problems are best handled by licensed HVAC professionals.
• Overall AC Tune-Ups – To keep your Frigidaire air conditioner running optimally, have a yearly tune-up done by a certified technician.

While DIY repairs can save money, more complex issues require the expertise of a trained HVAC technician to safely diagnose and fix the problem. Don’t take risks trying to repair sophisticated components on your own.

Conclusion

Having an air conditioner that’s not cooling can make your home uncomfortable in warm weather. Before calling for expensive HVAC service, take the time to troubleshoot the most common DIY fixes. Issues like incorrect settings, a dirty filter, debris buildup, or frozen coils can often be quickly remedied.

Follow the step-by-step guide to methodically diagnose the issue. In many cases, you can get your Frigidaire AC blowing cold air again with minimal time and effort. Just take it one step at a time.

Catching small problems early before they turn into larger failures can save you money and frustration in the long run. With a properly functioning AC unit, you’ll keep cool and comfortable even during the hottest summer months.

Of course, for more complex repairs involving refrigerant, electrical, or mechanical issues – rely on the expertise of a qualified technician. They have the specialized tools and knowledge to get your AC back up and running when DIY efforts aren’t enough. But don’t overlook simpler solutions that you can troubleshoot yourself.