Using an air conditioner with cooling issues is frustrating, but there are possible solutions. This article explains solutions for a Bryant air conditioner not cooling.
Table of Contents
Bryant Air Conditioner Not Cooling – How to Fix
The first thing to check is the thermostat; it acts as the control panel for the air conditioner. Ensure the device is turned on and set to Cool operating mode. Setting it to Auto leaves the control to the system, which may cycle it off and on at odd times, making it seem like it is not cooling well. If the thermostat does not work, check its power connection; remove the batteries to see if they need a replacement. This is especially true if the thermostat has been used for a long time.
Positioning the thermostat too close to a cool area can cause it to turn the air conditioner off before it cools the room. It senses the cool air and interprets it as room cooling. Then it turns the cooling system off, causing it not to provide cold air. So, consider relocating the thermostat to another part of the room for better performance.
Lastly, check the thermostat’s wiring. Loose or faulty wiring can cause it to malfunction and stop working as it should. You may not have the skills to check the wiring inside the device, but you can open it to see if there are signs of corrosion and rust or if any wire is out of place. Hire a technician to test the device and replace it if necessary.
However, if the thermostat is in good working condition, check the following:
1. Air Filter
Turn off the air conditioner and remove the air filter for inspection. The filter should be in the indoor unit or air handler. A significant amount of dirt on the filter explains the cooling problem, so replace it. Typically, you should clean the filter every two weeks to keep it in optimum shape and prevent airflow restriction.
If you leave it for longer, it accumulates dirt and keeps the air from flowing through the air conditioning system. Eventually, the air conditioner stops producing cool air due to insufficient air from the room. This may also cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Not all air filters are reusable; some are to be disposed of once used.
Therefore, you must determine the type of filter in your Bryant air conditioner and follow the disposal instructions. Regular maintenance checks keep the filter from clogging and restricting airflow, so ensure you check the unit regularly.
2. Blower
The blower is the fan in the indoor unit that circulates the air inside the house. The fan must run when the air conditioner is on if the system must produce cold air. Otherwise, it may seem as if the air conditioner is not cooling. Check the fan’s functionality and speed from the thermostat. Adjust it to a lower point when the thermostat is set to Cool. Also, set it to Auto instead of On to regulate its operation.
If your air conditioner has a furnace, the fan in the furnace must run when the thermostat is set to Cool. The furnace must be in the On position for the blower to work. If the blower stops working, the air conditioner cannot produce cool air because of the heat. So, test the blower and its motor to ensure they work well.
3. Return Vents
Warm air enters the air conditioner through the return vents for cooling. They must be fully open and unobstructed to allow enough air into the system. If the vents are partially shut, or something blocks them, the air conditioner will not have enough air to cool, reducing the availability of cold air.
Your air conditioner’s cooling problem may stem from this simple error, so check and fix the obstruction issue or open the vents. Also, dirt may clog the return vents and restrict airflow. Therefore, thoroughly clean the vents to remove dirt and improve the air flowing into the system.
4. Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil holds the refrigerant as the gas absorbs the heat in the air. As a result, the coil is always cold, although it does not freeze due to the cycle of warm air that regularly flows into the unit. In other words, the cold air typically comes from the coil after the refrigerant removes the heat, leaving it cool.
However, dirty air conditioner filters can lead to the evaporator coil freezing. When the filter is significantly dirty, it transfers some of it to the coil. The moisture on the coil makes it easy for dirt to stick to it. And when dirt clogs the coil, it traps the cool air from the refrigerant within it, consequently reducing the temperature.
Dirt can come from damaged ductwork as air flows in without filtration. While this is rarely the case, it may also cause the coil to freeze. In addition, a proper lack of airflow due to a clogged filter reduces the availability of warm air to regulate the coil’s temperature, leading to freezing.
Therefore, replace the air filter and clean the evaporator coil. Use a no-rinse coil cleanser to remove dirt and debris from its surface. You do not need to rinse it after cleaning; turn on the fan to dry it afterward. Excessive frost accumulation stops the air conditioner from producing cool air and may eventually damage the coil.
5. Air Conditioner Size
You must install the correct air conditioner size for a room to get the best results. The size of an air conditioner can significantly affect whether or not it cools. Each air conditioning system is sized by capacity, measured in British Thermal Units. So, the square footage of a room corresponds to a specific number of these units.
If you install an air conditioner too small for a house or room, it cannot produce enough air to cool it. Sometimes, you may find the system running longer than it should as it detects pockets of warm air and tries to cool those areas. Therefore, you may need professional services to determine if your air conditioner is too small for your house and how to exchange it for a bigger one.
6. Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is part of the outdoor condenser unit and is responsible for condensing the refrigerant. It also transfers the heat absorbed by the refrigerant into the atmosphere to prevent overheating in the air conditioning system. However, the coil’s location exposes it to the elements, typically getting dirty over time.
When the condenser coil becomes too dirty, the dirt insulates it and prevents efficient heat dissipation from the air conditioner. Consequently, the system overheats and stops producing cool air. Therefore, cleaning and maintaining the condenser unit is crucial to how well the air conditioner functions.
First, check the circuit breaker outside the house; it controls the entire air conditioning system. Ensure all the switches are on and the condenser is running when you turn on the air conditioner. Next, check the disconnect switch mounted next to the unit. It must be in the On position to power the outdoor unit.
When you are sure the breaker and disconnect switch work, turn them off and give the condenser time to cool. It may be hot if the air conditioner has been running non-stop for several hours. While checking the condenser, avoid touching the capacitor or any other electrical connection because it is dangerous.
Remove the grate over the condenser and clean the debris on the coil. Gently clean the coil’s fins to remove smaller debris; a coil cleaning brush should do the job. If you are unsure of properly cleaning the fins, employ the services of a qualified HVAC technician for the job.
7. Refrigerant
When nothing else seems to be the problem and the air conditioner continues to run without producing cold air, you may have a refrigerant leak. Such a leak is a serious problem, so turn the system off and call for professional assistance. Contact the Bryant Service Center to report the issue and request immediate service.
An air conditioner can leak refrigerant if the closed system is compromised. The refrigerant runs through a closed loop and never has to be refilled for as long as the air conditioner is used. If there is a cooling problem and every part of the system is in good working order, you must have a trained HVAC technician to check the refrigerant lines and cooling pipes for possible leaks.
Also, ensure adequate ventilation inside the house because the leak can come from the evaporator coil. Refrigerants can be a health hazard when inhaled in large amounts. You may not immediately detect the leak until the gas fills the room, by which time you may have inhaled an unhealthy amount.
Important Note
The compressor may be faulty, and a faulty compressor cannot properly carry the entire cooling system. A failed compressor is rare unless due to age or poor usage. So, have a technician check the motor to determine whether or not it malfunctions. If so, you may have to replace it.
However, check the cost of a new compressor and compare it to the price of a new Bryant air conditioner. It may be easier to replace an older model because it is less costly than a new compressor. For a newer model, it may be better to replace the compressor because of the price.
Bryant Air Conditioner Intermittently Stops Cooling and Is Temporarily Fixed By Turning Power Off
If your air conditioner suddenly stops cooling and only temporarily resumes working when you turn it off, the system has a problem. It may be as simple as adjusting the thermostat setting or as serious as a low refrigerant level. So, check the thermostat to see if there is an improper temperature and mode setting. Make adjustments to fit the weather and allow the system to run.
1. Power Supply
If the problem persists, check the air conditioner’s power connection. It may be that the power cord is not fully or properly connected to the power outlet. Irregular power flow can interrupt the air conditioner’s functionality and keep it from cooling as it should. But if the power cord is not the issue, check for damage to the cord or power outlet.
You may have to replace the cord if damaged but test the outlet. Use a multi-tester to check how much voltage the air conditioner receives because the problem may stem from there. The unit must be on a dedicated circuit because of the energy demands, and connecting other appliances to the same circuit may lower the power supply. You may need an electrician for this job.
2. Air Conditioner Drain
Check the condensate drain inside the air conditioner. When the appliance runs, it builds moisture that collects and drains through the drain pan and pipe. However, dirt can clog the drain pan and stop the smooth water drainage, causing the condensation to back into the air conditioner. When the water reaches a certain point, it triggers a float switch to turn the air conditioning system off.
Therefore, inspect the drainage system for dirt and debris buildup. Clean the drain pan and clear the drain pipe with a shop vac to remove the dirt clogging it. Flush it with clean water until it runs free and clean. Then turn on the air conditioner and monitor its functionality.
3. Air Filter
As mentioned, the air filter is vital to how the air conditioner functions. It filters the air flowing into the air conditioner and can restrict the airflow when it is clogged. This, in turn, affects the air conditioner by causing overheating, which leads to the unit turning off. Replacing the filter every two months is crucial; you will find it in the indoor unit.
Take the filter out and replace it with one compatible with your unit and with a good MERV rating. You can reuse the filter if it has not been used for longer than one month and is the reusable type. Otherwise, purchase a new one.
4. Evaporator
Dirt can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, and the dirt can come from a dirty air filter. Ensure you replace the filter if the coil freezes and clean the coil with the appropriate cleaning agent. Turn on the fan alone to remove any ice left around the coil and to dry the area. Then you can test the air conditioner to see how well it works.
5. Low Refrigerant Level
When there is a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner will not cool as it should. You will find it with cooling issues and even shutting down in severe cases. You may be unable to detect this leak yourself; only a trained technician can check and fix it. So leave the AC off while you wait for professional assistance.
Bryant Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air Instead of Cold – Fixed
The thermostat mode setting may be incorrectly set. So, check the selected mode of operation to ensure it is set to Cool and the fan is set to Auto. Also, the fan speed must match the Cool mode. Make the adjustments and see if there is an improvement.
You may also check the air filter for signs of clogging. A clogged air filter prevents cold air from flowing out of the air conditioner; it may even stop the system from working if it remains clogged for a long time. Replace the filter and clean the evaporator coil to improve airflow.
Damaged ductwork can let in too much warm air, compromising the cold airflow. So, hire a service agent to check your house’s ductwork to determine whether or not there is a leak. It may require replacing the entire ductwork, but it reduces the strain on the compressor and the entire cooling system.
How Much Square Footage Does a Bryant 3.5 Ton Air Conditioner Cool?
A 3.5-ton Bryant air conditioner cools square footage between 1800 and 2100. If your home is above 2100 square feet, use a 4-ton Bryant air conditioner for the best results. Always buy and install an air conditioner based on the square footage of your house to avoid underperformance and premature air conditioner damage.
Bryant AC Unit Cooling 2 Degrees Below Setting – Solved
The air conditioning system is malfunctioning if it cools below or above the set temperature. Several issues can cause this to happen, such as leaky ductwork, refrigerant issues, a dirty condenser, a defective thermostat, air conditioner size, and the system’s general condition, including the appliance’s age.
Ensure the air conditioner is in optimum condition by cleaning and maintaining it. Regularly check the condensing unit and clean the coil’s fins to remove dirt and debris. Also, remove and replace the air filter once every two months to prevent air restriction, which interferes with the system’s functionality.
If the thermostat malfunctions, replace the batteries and ensure the wiring is intact. You may need professional hands to check and fix the thermostat. And if it is old, replace the thermostat. Furthermore, have a team check and fix the ductwork to stop interfering with the airflow. If the air conditioner is smaller than the room, it may run all the time and constantly drop the set temperature to maintain a cool temperature.
Lastly, test the air conditioner for leaks in the sealed system. That means the system loses refrigerant and cannot maintain the right temperature. Hire technicians to inspect your home and fix these leaks; otherwise, replace the entire air conditioning unit.
Difference Between Dehumidifying and Cooling on a Bryant AC
An air conditioner typically has different operating modes, including Bryant air conditioners. Two of these modes are cooling and dehumidifying modes. You may see the dehumidifying mode labeled as the Dry mode, but the cooling mode is always labeled as Cool.
The cooling mode produces cool air when it runs at the set temperature and works with the fan to circulate the cold air. The dehumidification or dry mode also cools a room and removes moisture from the air. So, the cooling mode does not reduce humidity, but the dehumidification does. The latter mode is best when there is high humidity; it cools and dries the air.
How Many Square Feet Can a Bryant 14 SEER AC Cool?
A Bryant 14 SEER air conditioner can cool a room with a square footage of up to 1600, but you must also check the size. If you install a 4-ton 16 SEER Bryant air conditioner in a 2800 square foot house, it will cool better and faster than a 4-ton 14 SEER Bryant air conditioner in the same space. The SEER rating represents the maximum efficiency your HVAC system can achieve.