Especially in the hot days of summer, there is nothing worse than feeling lukewarm air coming out of your air conditioning system. A functioning AC is essential for maintaining a comfortable space, but your home can quickly become unlivable when it stops working. When this happens, it can be natural to want to troubleshoot the issue yourself before calling a qualified heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician.
There are many potential reasons why an AC may not be blowing cold air. This can range from your thermostat being set incorrectly to power issues. No matter the cause, Complete Air Mechanical is here to help. This helpful blog will cover some of the most likely culprits for warm or tepid air and provide a starting point for fixing them.
10 Reasons Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
Here are 10 of the most common reasons why your AC unit may not be blowing ice-cold air.
1. Thermostat Issues
The first thing you should do is ensure your thermostat is set correctly. Sometimes thermostats may be set to fan, heat, or another setting that may impact your AC unit not blowing cold air.
What to do: Make sure your thermostat is set to cool, and the temperature is at an ideal setting. After checking your settings, wait for a few minutes for your unit to kick back on to cool your home. If it is set correctly or still blowing warm air, move on to the next step.
2. Clogged Air Filter
The air filter is usually found in or near the indoor handler unit. Its job is to collect dirt, dust, and other airborne particles that you may have otherwise been exposed to. Over time, the buildup of these particles can restrict airflow and diminish AC performance. You may want to clean out or replace this filter to see if it is the culprit of your issue.
What to do: Before you remove the filter, make sure your AC unit is off. Once you inspect it and put in a new filter, go ahead and turn on your air again to see if it is now blowing cold air. If not, please move on to the next step.
3. Blocked Air Vents
Blocked or closed air vents can restrict airflow, making it difficult for your AC to cool your home evenly. Household objects such as rugs, furniture, or boxes can easily obstruct an outflow vent, especially floor vents.
What to do: To identify and fix this potential issue, check around your house and ensure all vents are open and unobstructed to allow proper air circulation.
4. Evaporator Coil Issues
An evaporator coil’s main function is to absorb the heat and moisture from the air. When evaporator coils have issues, it can impact the temperature in your home. This coil is also prone to freezing when the unit gets too low in temperature.
The signs of a frozen evaporator coil include:
- Your home is hotter than the thermostat is set to
- Higher than normal utility bills
- Frost on this inside of your unit
What to do: Frozen or non-functioning evaporator coils are best handled by professionals. If you think your evaporator coil needs troubleshooting, please call an HVAC professional.
5. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in your outdoor unit can accumulate dirt and debris over time, reducing their ability to release heat. Regular cleaning of these coils can improve your AC’s efficiency and cooling power.
What to do: This is another task that is usually best left to an air conditioning professional.
6. Power Issue or a Blown Fuse
Your unit may have a power issue that is causing your AC not to blow cold air. This could be due to a tripped breaker or a blown fuse.
What to do: You could resolve this by resetting your breaker. From there, you will want to turn the AC on again to see if it is still blowing warm air.
7. Leaking or Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical in your unit that is essential for keeping the air cool. But as systems age or become damaged, refrigerant leaks can develop. Your unit may need a refrigerant recharge to run properly, or it may have a refrigerant leak that needs to be repaired.
What to do: If you think your unit may be low on refrigerant, please reach out to an HVAC professional.
8. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your AC system and is responsible for circulating refrigerant. If it fails or malfunctions, your AC won’t be able to cool the air effectively.
What to do: A faulty compressor usually requires professional repair or replacement.
9. Aging System
An AC system nearing the end of its lifespan may struggle to cool your home effectively. If your system is over 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement with a more efficient and reliable unit.
What to do: A high-quality HVAC service provider can thoroughly inspect your system and provide recommendations for repair or replacement of an aging system.
10. Insufficient Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your AC system in top shape. Neglecting routine maintenance, including issues mentioned above, such as cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical components, can reduce efficiency and cooling performance.
What to do: Perform any regular upkeep you can do yourself, such as replacing filters, and schedule annual AC maintenance with quality HVAC professionals.
What To Do Next If Your AC Is Still Not Blowing Cold Air
If you have gone through all the troubleshooting steps and you are still dealing with warm or insufficiently cool air, it’s time to call the pros. Since 1992, Complete Air Mechanical has been a family-owned and operated company dedicated to helping our clients find solutions to any AC problem and get a cool, comfortable living space. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) “CARE” Program, with an A+ Rating and an unsurpassed reputation for quality and reliable service.
Complete Air Mechanical Is Here To Help
At Complete Air Mechanical, we have experienced HVAC professionals who can ensure energy efficiency for your home or business. We provide service in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties, and offer financing options.
Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.