During the hot summer months, a faulty or malfunctioning air conditioning system can be a nightmare for your home's comfort levels. One of the most common issues homeowners may encounter with their AC system is failing to blow cold air into their homes.
While there could be several reasons why this issue would occur with your AC, we’ll look at some of the most common causes. Understanding the common causes allows you to take the necessary steps to get your AC system back up and running efficiently.
Problem with your thermostat
Before taking apart your air conditioner or calling in the professionals, check that your thermostat is set correctly. Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” and the temperature setting is at the desired level. If your thermostat is set incorrectly, whether in “heat” or at too high a temperature, this may be why your AC is not blowing cold air.
Your thermostat being set incorrectly is the best-case scenario for your AC not blowing cold air. All you need to do is adjust the thermostat settings to the desired mode and temperature, then check that your AC starts blowing cold air.
Air filters are due for a clean
Another common reason for your AC not performing how it should be is due to dirty or clogged air filters. Your AC’s air filters are responsible for stopping any dirt, dust, or other airborne particles from entering your AC unit and affecting its operation.
However, what can often be the case is that your AC’s filters can begin to accumulate debris and get increasingly dirty to the point where the unit’s cooling performance is hindered.
If you suspect this may be the issue with your AC system, you first need to locate and inspect the air filters. If they are dirty or clogged, you will need to replace or clean them depending on what the manufacturer outlines.
Leaking refrigerant
The refrigerant in your AC is responsible for absorbing heat from the incoming air, cooling it down, and then releasing the air back into the room. If your refrigerant level is low due to a leak or some other issue, this will impact how your AC operates and could be the reason for it blowing hot air.
To repair a refrigerant leak, it is recommended that you get in contact with a professional. A qualified HVAC technician will inspect your system, repair the leak, and refill the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.
Issues with your evaporator coil or condenser
The evaporator coil and condenser are two essential components of an AC system and play a crucial role in cooling your home’s air. If there is a problem with either of these parts, it could be why your AC is not functioning how it should be and not blowing cold air.
The main issue with an AC’s evaporator coil is a build of frost or ice around the coil. This will restrict airflow throughout your AC, prevent efficient heat transfer, and reduce the cooling capacity.
As for the condenser unit, some common issues that could be why your AC is not blowing cold air include restricted air flow, dirty condenser coils, or faulty condenser fans.
If you suspect that either of these components is the route of your AC problems, it’s important to contact an HVAC professional immediately.
Clogged-up or restricted vents
Your AC’s vents (registers, grilles, and returns) have two primary functions: letting hot air into the system and allowing the cold air out into your home. If these vents are clogged or obstructed, the airflow in and out of your AC will be impeded, and the cold air may not reach the desired areas.
A good indication that the issue with your AC might be related to the vents is if the problem is isolated to one room or area in your home. This is because it is unlikely that there’s an issue with all of your vents, so if your AC isn’t blowing cold air anywhere in your home, the problem might be elsewhere.
To determine if the problem is related to your AC’s vents, you must check all vents and registers throughout your home to ensure they are open and unobstructed. Then if required, you can clean or clear the vents, registers, or air ducts to restore proper airflow.
Getting your AC repaired
When your AC fails to blow cold air, it can be a frustrating experience, especially during hot summer days. But, by understanding why this may occur and how to deal with it, you will be more equipped to manage the issue.
If you are unable to identify it or you are unsure how to fix it, we recommend you leave it in the hands of a qualified HVAC technician to ensure a proper diagnosis and repair of your air conditioning system.