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What is more frustrating in the heat of the summer than an air conditioner that isn't doing its job? After all, we count on our AC to run properly and make the interior of our home or business comfortable no matter what it is like outside. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before calling in a professional for repairs.
These are some common and known AC issues that cause AC not to blow cold air:
- Leaked or low refrigerant levels
- Broken compressor
- Dirty filter
- Faulty thermostat
- Ice in the outer unit
- Blocked drain pipe
- Dirty evaporator coils
Safety Caution: Do not try to fix AC, electricity, or refrigerant issues if you're not a certified professional. Always consult and hire an AC professional to fix your AC.
Disclaimer: This is not a DIY guide. Only for informational purposes. Always read your AC manual and follow AC professionals' advice.
Reasons Why Your AC is Not Blowing Cold Air
Before we list the possible reasons your AC is not blowing cold air, take a look at this overview image on how the AC works. Might help to solve the issue!
A refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels
A refrigerant leak or low refrigerant levels could be causing your AC unit not to blow cold air. This is the most common reason for an AC system not blowing cold air. If this is the case, the refrigerant levels in your system are low and need to be replenished so that it can begin cooling properly again.
If you suspect that your AC unit is not blowing cold air due to a refrigerant leak, you will need to have the unit inspected by a professional AC technician. They will be able to locate and repair the leak so that your system is able to run efficiently again.
Compressor has broken
The compressor's main job is to pressurize and vaporize the refrigerant in order to move it through the system. When the compressor breaks, it can put a serious damper on your AC system.
Compressors can fail for several reasons. One of the most common reasons is due to wear and tear over time. The compressor is an important part of your AC system, and if it breaks down, it can be very difficult to repair or replace.
If your compressor breaks down, it's important to get it repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. You may need to contact a professional to get it repaired.
Dirty filter
Another common cause of an AC that is not blowing cold air is a dirty filter. The filter is located in the AC unit inside your home. Because your AC system circulates air through the filter every time it runs, if it's dusty or clogged with dirt and debris, this will restrict airflow and make your system work harder to produce cool air.
The filter should be changed frequently. Don't be tempted to bypass the filter or keep it dirty, as this can lead to more serious problems with your system, like clogged and damaged coils.
If you suspect that your AC filter is dirty or blocked, the first step is to change or clean it. After replacing the filter, check to see if your AC is blowing cold air as normal.
Faulty thermostat
If the dirty filter is not the problem, a faulty thermostat can cause a wide range of problems with the AC, including poor cooling and hot air coming out.
If this is the case, you will need to replace your thermostat in order to restore the proper operation of your AC unit. Depending on the type of thermostat that you have and the complexity of its installation, this may require professional assistance.
Ice in the Outer AC Unit
One possible reason why your air conditioning unit may not be working is that there is ice buildup in the outer unit of your AC. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including severe weather conditions or improper maintenance of the unit.
To address this issue, you will need to identify the source of the problem and take steps to correct it. This may involve clearing any ice buildup in the outer unit, regulating your AC temperature settings, scheduling regular maintenance appointments with a professional HVAC technician, or purchasing an air conditioner that is better equipped to handle extreme weather conditions.
Drain Pipe is Blocked
A blocked drain pipe will not be able to remove the condensation water from your AC's inner unit. This may send a signal to your AC to stop generating cool refrigerant to avoid any leakage issues.
Block drain pipe happens because dirt and particles accumulate in the condensate pan over time and block the water from draining properly.
To fix this problem, you need to first locate the condensate drip line on your AC unit. Once you have located it, you should carefully clear any debris or blockages from the drain pipe.
Once you have cleared the drain pipe, check if your AC is still not cooling properly.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
One possible cause of a lack of cold air coming from your AC system is dirty evaporator coils. These are the coils located inside your home unit that run the cool refrigerant that is blown throughout the rest of your house. Over time, these coils can accumulate grime and dust, which prevents them from working properly and effectively cooling your home.
If the evaporator coils are dirty, they will not be able to absorb heat properly and this can cause warm air to blow from the AC unit. Cleaning the coils on a regular basis can help prevent this issue.
What to Do if Your AC is Not Blowing Cold Air
If your AC is not blowing cold air, it can be a serious issue that needs a consult from an HVAC professional. You can do the basic filter, drain pipe, and coil checks yourself if your AC seller allows this. Always read your AC manual before doing anything yourself. Some ACs may still include toxic refrigerants and ACs run on electricity so there's always a chance for a major injury.