Why is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?
Nothing can ruin your day more than a home AC unit that stops blowing cold air right in the middle of the summer. With sweltering temperatures, your AC unit provides much-needed relief from the heat and humidity, so when it stops putting out cold air your home can quickly become uncomfortable. If your AC has stopped working properly and is no longer blowing cold air, here are some common causes that may be behind the problem:
Clogged Air Filters
Before you call an AC repair specialist, be sure to check your air filter. A dirty filter that is full of debris will actually end up blocking cold air and prevent your home from cooling properly. You should be changing your air filter every month, so if you have skipped a couple of months, the filter could be the culprit.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Fixing your air conditioner could be as simple as flipping a switch. Most AC units operate on two circuit breakers - one for the inside and one for the outside. If the outside breaker is tripped, the unit will still appear to be working, but it won’t be producing any cold air. Resetting the breaker may be enough to restart the unit and make sure that both circuits are working properly.
Wrong Fan Setting
If you can feel that the air is coming out of the vents, but it isn’t actually cold, you need to go to your thermostat and check your fan setting. The fan switch should be in the “auto” position. This tells the air conditioner to turn off once the home has reached the programmed temperature. When the fan is “On,” it will continue to blow air without cooling it first.
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Malfunctioning Fan Motor
A bad AC motor can prevent cold air from properly flowing throughout your home. If you notice weak airflow, hear rattling noises or observe that the fan simply isn’t starting or stopping properly, it is time to have your fan motor replaced.
Clogged Condensate Drain Lines
The drain lines in your AC unit work to remove condensation that naturally builds up within your conditioner. Typically, the moisture is sent outside the house via a small PVC pipe that empties into your yard. However, this line can become clogged and affect how well your unit operates. You may be able to unclog the line yourself by turning off the unit, locating the cleaning ports, assessing the clog, and using a cleaning solution of water, soap, and vinegar to remove the clog.
Inadequate AC System
Have you noticed that your AC unit is constantly running and increasing your utility bills, but your home never seems to actually feel cool? If so, you could have an undersized unit that simply isn’t powerful enough to service the amount of square footage you need it to. In this case, the only solution is to purchase a properly sized unit.
AC Unit is Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant is an essential component of every AC unit. This chemical works to absorb the heat in your home and release it back out into the atmosphere. If there is a leak and refrigerant levels are low, your home won’t be cooling properly and you may find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat in order to feel comfortable. A refrigerant leak can also cause condenser coils to freeze and produce a hissing or gurgling sounds as air seeps through the coils. Because refrigerant is a dangerous chemical, you will want to call a professional if you suspect a leak.
AC Unit Has Experienced Normal Wear and Tear
Unfortunately, AC units don’t last forever. The average lifespan of a central HVAC system is 15 to 20 years. If your unit has been working to cool your home for more than two decades, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that it isn’t working like new. Normal wear and tear can cause the unit to operate less efficiently and signal that it may be time to install a new system.
The good news is that if your central AC is not blowing cold air, there is probably an easy fix. Restoring your unit and achieving a cooler and more comfortable indoor environment may be as easy as changing your air filter or resetting a circuit. Even more complex fixes that require professional assistance are usually relatively easy for someone with the right skills and experience. Once your problem has been diagnosed, it won’t take long to return your home to normal and enjoy a cool oasis away from the summer heat.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Repair Today
If you suspect that you are experiencing any of the common AC problems above, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We can have a certified service technician at your home as quickly as possible to fix any issues behind your AC not cooling properly. To set up your air conditioning repair today, call our office at (314) 209-7500 or fill out the online form below.
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