10 Reasons Your AC Isn't Blowing Cold Air
Home | Blog | 10 Reasons Your AC Isn't Blowing Cold Air
AC not blowing cold air can become an unpleasant surprise. Imagine coming home expecting that now you can relax and hide from the sun, but your AC is not blowing cold air and providing that much-needed coolness. A non-functional unit can become a reason for poor air quality, discomfort, unexpected breakdowns, and even risks to health, especially when talking about respiratory conditions.
Before diving into the troubles you may observe, it is important to grasp how a central AC unit operates. It uses a liquid substance known as freon, which becomes a gas form after absorbing heat. This gas then transfers warmth outdoors and turns back into a liquid. This cycle keeps your home cool.
If your unit functions improperly, here is a guide and the answer to the question: “Why is my AC not blowing cold air.”
Common reasons that may demand calling a specialist or some component replacement include:
Refrigerant Leaking
Leaks are among the frequent concerns since freon is a necessary substance as it flows through the AC system indoor and outdoor coil. If your central AC isn’t functioning rightly, a unit may develop a leak. Therefore, if at some point a problem arises and you are faced with the fact that the AC is not blowing cold air, then there is a possibility that it may demand additional refrigerant.
The concern here may be that such a problem might not only impair performance but can also lead to frozen coils. If you notice such issues, hire an HVAC repair service to get help from a specialist.
Wrongly Calibrated Thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings can be the reason why your AC is not blowing cold. If the cooling goes wrong, the simple solution is to configure your thermostat controls.
If you don’t know how to set the correct settings, call the AC technician for help.
Dirty Filters
Another common challenge is a dirty air filter. The purpose of those devices is to trap pollutants. But over time, it can become clogged which causes restricted airflow in many cases. This may result in ineffective cooling and operation. To avoid the problem, perform regular maintenance.
Dirt in filters also degrades air quality, which can be harmful to residents, pets, and potted plants.
Clogged Registers
The reason why your air conditioner is not blowing cold air may be related to air vents. Clogged registers limit the flow and affect performance. It is always a good idea to have your ducts checked over a period of time to prevent the risk of damage or blockage of a ductwork.
Ice Buildup
If you see ice or you catch some strange gurgling sounds coming from the unit, there may be a leak. If you notice any of these, the best option is to turn off your AC (keep it running may cause damage to the compressor) and contact an AC professional.
Condensate Airflow Switch
Condensate safety switches are designed to remain closed when water flows into the drain and open when overflowing. For the switch to open, it must be properly installed in a suitable place. Poor quality of construction can lead to problems in the future.
Another thing to know is that excess moisture may form as a by-product of the cooling/heating processes. Collecting moisture in an evaporator coil, it is removed through a condensate line into a pipe or condensate pump. If the condensate line becomes blocked or the pump fails, water can overflow.
A Malfunctioning Compressor
This device uses freon to transfer heat. When the substance heats up, it turns into gas. When cooled, it turns into liquid. Also, the cooling substance can only change its shape under the pressure.
The compressor pumps that liquid through the air conditioning system so that when air is blown through it, it becomes even colder. The device repeats this procedure until the temperature reaches a thermostat setting.
If the pump fails, the best you can do is to call an HVAC professional. Pay attention to these signals:
- Strange noises
- Higher electricity bills
- Weak airflow
- Warm air
- Leaks
- Indoor/outdoor condenser unit is too hot
Problems With the Condenser or Evaporator Coil
AC operates in such a way that the evaporator absorbs heat from the inside and then releases it to the condenser. Sometimes the coil may be blocked or fail. In this case, it is necessary to remove the blockage. Otherwise, the air conditioner will struggle to function. The best way to do this is to use a hose and carefully spray the cleaner.
In addition, mold may grow on the indoor evaporator coil over time, especially with constant humidity, which forms when cold surfaces come into contact with moist air. If condensation forms on the AC supply vent, the humidity in the home may be high.
Another problem may be related to a faulty condenser fan. If it does not work properly, the unit cannot remove heat. Turn off your unit and power supply.
Your Ducts Are Leaking
If your air conditioner is on and running, but it's not blowing cool air throughout your home, there may be leaks. Ducts run along the walls and ceilings of the house and are responsible for transporting and distributing cold air. If they are punctured or damaged, the air becomes trapped in the walls. The big nasty surprise here is that all this time you may think your unit is working.
If your air conditioner isn't cooling your home well or isn't blowing cool air, the thermostat may be set incorrectly.
Switching to auto mode can cut your bills, but it can also cause the system to just cycle air around the space instead of actually cooling it. Conversely, if you set the always-on mode, the system will operate around the clock, thereby restoring the flow.
Other Concerns
If the thermostat doesn't show anything, you can replace the battery or fix the electrical issue.
There may also be other issues that could lead to a complex situation:
- Wrong AC size. If the size of a unit is not suitable for your home, for example, due to square footage, poor construction and insulation, and even climate. In these cases, you can replace it or add ductless units.
- Dirty coils. Blocked or damaged components result in insufficient airflow.
- Circuit breaker switching. Turning a circuit breaker on and off is common. This problem most often occurs due to the simultaneous inclusion of many devices or power issues. In this case, check your AC switch on the electrical panel.
- Air handler issues. Another problem with your air conditioner can occur because of a blown fuse or open circuit breaker. In this case, replace or reset it.
Cooperate With Reliable HVAC Experts
A faulty unit can be annoying, especially in the middle of summer, which can leave you with a headache wondering "Why is my AC not blowing cold?"
If there is something you could try to fix yourself, if you have the necessary knowledge or skills, for example changing the filter or checking the thermostat settings, then others require professional attention. Always prioritize regular maintenance, keep your unit running smoothly, and when in doubt, seek help from a company you can trust.
By working with AIRMAKER HVAC INC, you can be confident in the quality of the work performed and enjoy a wide selection of services, be it installation, repair, or replacement of your air conditioner, central heating, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and much more!
You may also be interested in:
How Often Should I Change My Air Filter at Home?
Types of Air Conditioning Units: What You Need to Know Before Making a Purchase