Is your air conditioner running but not cooling your home the way it should? As temperatures climb across West Virginia, a struggling AC system can quickly become more than just an inconvenience—it can disrupt your comfort and spike your energy bills.

At Generation Air Conditioning & Heating, we often receive emergency calls from frustrated homeowners in Shenandoah Junction, Martinsburg, Charles Town, and nearby areas asking the same question:
“Why is my AC not cooling?”

In this post, we’ll break down the five most common reasons your air conditioner isn’t performing—and what you can do to fix it.

1. Dirty Air Filter

A clogged or dirty air filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your system to cool your home efficiently. This causes the AC to run longer and can lead to frozen coils or overheating.



✅ Solution:

Check your air filter. If it’s dusty or blocked, replace it. For best performance, change your filter every 1–3 months—especially during high-use seasons.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is essential for cooling your home. If your system is low, it could be due to a leak. This results in reduced cooling power and often causes the coils to freeze.

✅ Solution:

Contact a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system. Only professionals should handle refrigerant due to EPA regulations and safety concerns.

3. Blocked or Dirty Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser needs clear airflow to release heat. If it’s blocked by debris, dirt, or overgrown landscaping, your system won’t cool effectively.



✅ Solution:

Inspect the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, grass, or debris and trim any nearby plants to ensure at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit.

4. Thermostat Issues

If your thermostat isn’t reading temperatures correctly, it could be causing the system to cycle on and off too quickly—or not turn on at all.



✅ Solution:

Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than your current room temp. If it’s unresponsive or inaccurate, it may need new batteries or replacement.

5. Leaky or Damaged Ductwork

Cool air can escape through leaks in your duct system before it ever reaches your rooms, leading to inconsistent temperatures and reduced efficiency.



✅ Solution:

Have your ductwork inspected by an HVAC professional. Sealing leaks and insulating ducts can significantly improve system performance.

Bonus Tip: Schedule an Annual Tune-Up



Even if your AC seems to be running “okay,” minor issues can grow into major repairs without routine maintenance. Our spring and summer AC tune-ups include:

• Coil cleaning
  
• Refrigerant level checks
  
• Airflow testing
  
• Thermostat calibration
  
• Full system inspection

Serving Shenandoah Junction & All Nearby WV Communities

We proudly help customers stay cool across:

Martinsburg, WV | Shenandoah Junction, WV | Shepherdstown, WV | Harpers Ferry, WV | Kearneysville, WV | Ranson, WV | Charles Town, WV | Hedgesville, WV | Inwood, WV | Spring Mills, WV | Falling Waters, WV | and more.



Don’t Sweat It — Call the AC Experts

If your system isn’t cooling like it should, contact the team at Generation Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ll diagnose the issue quickly and restore your comfort fast.