What rotten luck! Your AC broke on the hottest day in recent memory, you’ve already got enough going on today, and there’s not much more you can take.
As you look into your options for a possible fix, you might open the door to find the outside unit not running, the AC fan running but not cooling, or — if you have a window air conditioner — it’s not cooling but running.
You might even check your thermostat after power outages to see if there’s a problem — does it need a moment to reset?
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
There are so many variables to the problem of your air conditioner not blowing cold air that it’s a good idea to consult the pros on how best to proceed. Here are some of the most common reasons an AC will stop blowing cold air.
1. Clogged Filter or Damaged Air Ducts
This is one of the top reasons air conditioners stop blowing cold air. It’s important to ensure that nothing impedes airflow through your HVAC system. If it does, your HVAC system has to work much harder, is less efficient, and is more prone to failure.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser is the part of your HVAC system that facilitates heat transfer, and if the coils are dirty, your air conditioner may not blow cold air. A professional needs to clean the fins, realign them, and double-check that your HVAC system is running at the proper pressure and temperature.
3. Broken Compressor
If your AC compressor is broken, it needs to be replaced. The compressor is the part of the system that pressurizes the refrigerant and sends it through the components of your HVAC system so that it can do its job and cool your home. If it’s broken, your air conditioner may not be able to blow cold air.
4. Thermostat Problems
The thermostat is the part of your HVAC system that calls for action from the rest of the components.
Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air even though you’ve set the temp correctly? Sometimes the thermostat’s batteries die, and it can’t communicate properly with the rest of the system. Other times it’s faulty and simply can’t do its job right.
5. AC Unit Too Small
If your AC unit isn’t big enough to cool the room or home where you’ve installed it, you’ll probably notice your air conditioner doesn’t seem to be blowing cold air. This is especially true for window units or in apartments, which are more likely to be measured improperly.
6. Leaked Refrigerant
Even if just a little refrigerant has leaked out of the system, it won’t be able to work as designed, which could result in a lack of cold air.
What Do I Do with an Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
Your dedicated local professionals at Hearn Plumbing Heating & Air in Lake Geauga and Ashtabula can help. When it’s time to call in the local pros, we’re ready! We’ll get there on time, get your AC running smoothly, and get you comfortable again. No sweat!