If your split air conditioner is not providing reliable and consistent cool air, turn to BVS Home Experts for help. Call us at (281) 609-3650 to schedule service.
When your split AC is cooling only one side of your home, quickly identifying a solution is critical to restoring comfort. Uneven cooling can make some parts of your home unbearably hot and uncomfortable, but it can also indicate a problem with your system that requires professional attention. Continuing to run an air conditioner that isn’t working properly can cause significant damage that may require more expensive repairs or even a total replacement.
Home cooling with a split air conditioner is ideal when you don’t have the space for a traditional central air system. These systems also replace bulky and unattractive window air conditioners, instead splitting the system between indoor and outdoor units. Despite their reliability and longevity—the average split system lasts up to 15 years with proper maintenance—they can still develop problems with uneven cooling.
Your split system can cool unevenly for one of several reasons, most of which we can remedy. Here, the professionals from BVS Home Experts, Katy’s heating and air conditioning experts, explain some of them to help you troubleshoot and identify why you’re experiencing uneven cooling.
Why Your Split AC is Cooling Unevenly
Staying comfortable in the Texas heat requires reliable air conditioning. If your split AC is cooling only one side of your home, it may be due to one of the following issues.
1. Blocked Indoor and Outdoor Units
The first thing to check when the split air conditioner isn’t cooling evenly is whether anything is blocking airflow from the indoor unit. Furniture, wall hangings, and other items can prevent air from flowing freely and cooling the room. Make sure there’s at least six inches of clearance around the unit to keep the air circulating into the space.
2. Closed Vents
If the vents on the indoor unit are not fully open, you will not get consistently cool air throughout your home. Make sure that the vents on the unit are open and free of debris that could stop cold air from flowing out.
3. Incorrect Setting
Check the air conditioner’s settings if some rooms feel warmer than others. Someone may have accidentally turned the unit off or changed the settings so it’s not producing cold air. Also, ensure the unit is set to air conditioning, especially if it is a heat pump, so you aren’t inadvertently heating the space.
Turning the fan setting to “On” rather than “Auto” can also help ensure even cooling. Leaving the fan on ensures air continually circulates throughout your home, supporting more even cooling and eliminating warm spots. The “Auto” setting allows the fan to run only when the unit is actively cooling.
4. Dirty Air Filters
A dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of uneven cooling. When the air filter becomes clogged with dust, pet hair, and other debris, it blocks airflow and keeps the refrigerant from cooling the air. Eventually, the system won’t be able to circulate air effectively, causing uneven cooling and warm spots where the colder air cannot reach.
Dirty air filters can significantly reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency and contribute to more mechanical breakdowns. Keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule keeps this from happening.
5. Dirty Coils
Inside the air conditioning unit, refrigerant runs through evaporator coils. As air flows over the coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat, creating colder air. If the coils are dirty or not working as they should, the unit will struggle to produce cool air, and you may notice the split air conditioner cooling only one side of the room.
Keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that accumulated dirt and debris don’t diminish the air conditioner’s cooling power. During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will clean and inspect the evaporator coils to help ensure even cooling.
6. Damaged Fan Motor
The air conditioning system has a fan to help circulate the cool air throughout your home. When the fan motor malfunctions, it may not have enough power to circulate air, leading to uneven cooling and warm spots. When this happens, you’ll notice that the air gets warmer the further you get from the unit.
7. Incorrect Unit Size
An improperly sized split air conditioning system sized for your home—either too large or too small—can cause uneven cooling. An oversized unit may not run as long as necessary to cool the entire space, creating warm spots. An undersized unit may not produce enough cold air to provide consistent and even cooling.
The solution may be to add additional units. Depending on the capacity of your existing outdoor unit, you may even be able to install an additional indoor split air conditioning unit without investing in more outdoor equipment.
8. Air Leaks
If the doors and windows in your home leak, the uneven cooling problem may not have anything to do with the air conditioner at all. Leaks around doors and windows, as well as inadequate insulation, can allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter the room, resulting in uneven cooling. Sealing those cracks and leaks can help your air conditioning work more efficiently and keep your home comfortable.
Call BVS Home Experts for Help Solving Uneven Cooling Issues Today
If you still have uneven cooling issues after checking the vents and settings and changing the air filter, call BVS Home Experts in Katy, Texas, for help solving the problem. One of our trained and licensed technicians will diagnose the issue and make repairs that keep your home and family comfortable when temperatures rise. If your system is old or you’re experiencing frequent repairs, we’ll help you decide whether to invest in AC repair or replace the entire unit.
When you notice your split AC cooling only one side of your home, trust the experienced professionals of BVS Home Experts to solve the problem. Call them at (281) 609-3650 or book a repair appointment online.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
