9 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Isn’t Blowing Cool Air

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably think of your air conditioner as a necessary evil. It’s something that you only really appreciate when it’s working properly. But what do you do when your ac unit does not produce cold air?

Here are nine possible reasons why your AC unit is not blowing cold air, and what you can do about it.

1. The thermostat settings are set incorrectly

Is your air conditioner struggling to keep up with the heat? Before calling a professional, check the thermostat settings. It may be set to heat instead of cool, or it could be set incorrectly.

A simple adjustment can make all the difference in getting that air conditioner blowing cold air again. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it’s set properly and that the schedule is current. And don’t forget to switch it from fan mode back to auto – otherwise, it may just be blowing warm air.

Of course, if adjusting the thermostat settings doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to call in a pro to take a closer look at your cooling system and address any potential issues.

2. Clogged or dirty filters

When was the last time you changed the air filter in your AC unit? If the answer is “I can’t remember” or “never,” it’s probably time to replace it.

A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, meaning your unit has to work harder and longer to cool your home. Fortunately, checking and changing the dirty air filter is a simple task that any homeowner can handle. Simply shut off the power, remove the old air filter, and insert a new one. It’s that easy!

Don’t forget to check and replace dirty air filters regularly – at least once every three months – for optimal air conditioner performance. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when your HVAC system is cooling properly.

3. Faulty compressor

If your ac system is running, but not blowing cold air, the culprit may be a malfunctioning compressor.

The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the system, so when it’s not working properly, your unit can’t effectively cool your home. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue.

First, make sure that the compressor’s power switch and tripped circuit breaker are both turned on. Then, check for any loose wires and tighten them if necessary.

If those steps don’t solve the problem, it may be time to call in a professional to inspect and potentially replace the compressor.

Don’t sweat it – with proper maintenance and quick action, you’ll have cold air flowing again in no time.

4. Low/empty refrigerant in the system

One possible reason for warm air coming from your air conditioner is low or empty refrigerant. Refrigerant helps remove heat from the air, and without enough in your system, your air conditioning system can’t do its job effectively.

This problem can often be fixed by simply adding more refrigerant, but it’s important to find and address any refrigerant leak in the system as well otherwise you’ll just continue to lose refrigerant.

Keep an eye on your air conditioning unit’s performance and schedule regular maintenance to prevent this issue from happening again. In the meantime, make sure to adjust your thermostat accordingly to compensate for less efficient cooling. It may be a temporary inconvenience, but addressing the refrigerant issue will ensure that you have a fully functioning ac unit for years to come.

5. The condenser coil is dirty or clogged

One potential issue with your air conditioner could be that the condenser coils are dirty or clogged. The condenser, also known as the outdoor unit is responsible for releasing heat outside, so if it’s not able to do its job properly, your air conditioner will have a hard time producing cold air.

The best solution to this problem is to schedule regular cleaning and maintenance for your central air conditioning unit, which can help prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the condenser coils.

However, if you notice that the coil has become seriously dirty or clogged, you may need to hire a professional to clean it properly and get your unit back on track.

Don’t let a dirty condenser coil stand in the way of cool comfort in your home – address the issue as soon as possible.

6 . The fan motor or blade is damaged or faulty

Is your air conditioner blowing warm air? The problem could be with the fan motor or blade. If your unit isn’t properly circulating air, it won’t be able to cool it effectively.

The good news is that replacing a damaged or faulty fan motor or blade is typically a pretty straightforward fix for an HVAC technician. However, keep in mind that if the damage is extensive, it may be worth considering buying a new air conditioner altogether. In any case, addressing this issue promptly can help ensure that you stay cool and comfortable all summer long.

7. The evaporator coil is dirty or frozen

Evaporator coils, also known as indoor unit, plays a crucial role in cooling your home. If this coil becomes dirty or frozen, it won’t be able to effectively absorb heat from inside your house.

This can cause your air conditioner to blow warm air instead of cold air. Thankfully, cleaning or thawing the frozen evaporator coil is relatively simple and can be done with a little bit of DIY know-how.

First, make sure your air conditioner is turned off and the power cable is disconnected. Then, use an evaporator coil cleaner or diluted bleach solution to clean off any dirt, debris, or ice buildup that may be blocking airflow. If the evaporator coil is frozen, you can use a hair dryer on low heat to carefully thaw out the frost buildup. However, if you’re unsure about how to properly clean or thaw the evaporator coil, it’s best to call in an HVAC professional for assistance. Taking care of this issue promptly will help ensure that your ac unit starts blowing cold air again in no time.

8. The ductwork is leaking or not properly sized

Check your ductwork for any leaks or improper sizing. Your air conditioner may be running properly, but if the air ducts are not sealed correctly or not enough air being pushed through them, cold air can escape before it reaches your living space.

Luckily, repairing duct system leaks and sizing issues can usually be resolved with professional help. So if you’re noticing uneven air passing or hot spots in your home, it’s worth considering whether your ductwork is to blame and addressing the problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could end up wasting energy and money on a cooling system that just can’t keep up with the demands of your home. As always, consulting a qualified HVAC professional will ensure that your solutions are both effective and safe.

9. The AC unit is old or faulty

Is your ac not blowing cold air like it used to? It could be due to a variety of factors. If your air conditioner is old, it may not be able to keep up with the current demand for cold air. It may also simply be faulty or in need of some maintenance. Another possibility is that your cooling system is simply old and may need to be replaced altogether. Whatever the issue may be, addressing it sooner rather than later can help keep your home cool during those sweltering summer months.

If your air conditioners aren’t blowing cold air like they used to, don’t panic. There are many potential causes for this problem and Devard’s is here to help you diagnose and fix the issue. Our team of experienced HVAC technicians can help you get your home comfortable again in no time. So if you’re experiencing problems with your central air conditioner, don’t hesitate to give us a call today.