Reason : Your Coils Need To Be Cleaned
Most AC units have two sets of coils:
Over time, both the evaporator and condenser coils can get dirty or grow mold. Both of these coils should be cleaned well at least once a year. Learn the steps for cleaning AC coils.
Control Panel And Cooling System
The control panel is the electrical brain of the window air conditioner, while the compressor and refrigerant are what actually do the work of removing heat from your home. If the control panel or compressor are malfunctioning, youre facing a significantly more complicated repair. Its still possible to do it yourself, but it would take a more detailed walk-through and tutorial. Environmental Protection Agency certification is required to purchase or use the refrigerant itself.
For these reasons, its best to let a pro do the work. But before you pick up the phone, do the arithmetic. Having a pro come out to repair your window AC will likely run $150 to $250. Depending on the size and age of the unit, it may make more sense to replace it than sink time and money into a repair.
Ac Issue #: A Clogged Air Filter
Clean air filter versus clogged air filter
If your AC systems filter is clogged, it will limit the amount of cool air the system can produce. Plus, if the clogged filter isnt changed for some time, it will eventually lead to more costly problems like compressor failure. In both cases, a clogged filter can cause your AC to blow lukewarm and/or hot air.
In contrast, a clean air filter allows for warm air to enter your AC system to be chilled and for the chilled air to leave your AC system. Therefore, a clean filter will push enough cold air out into your home to match your desired temperature.
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Clogged Filter Switching Off The Motor Preventing Cooling Coil To Lower Air Temperature
Every ounce of air that the air conditioner outputs have to go through the air filters. That means that the total airflow can be restricted if the filters are clogged. If the airflow is restricted, many AC parts like compressor, motor, fan, and so forth start to overcompensate to generate more airflow .
In short, dirty filters might sound like a small thing but it leads to serious AC issues. Thats why many air conditioners have a built-in switch that shuts the AC unit down if the filters are too clogged. This will, obviously, result in the air conditioner not working properly and not delivering the cool air output.
In some cases, it makes sense to clean the filter. In more cases, the best way of action is just to replace the clogged filters. MERV 5-12 filters used in AC units are fairly inexpensive you can get a pack of 6 filters for about $60 .
Note: Dirty filters might shut off the compressor before the fan. That will lead to your air conditioner not blowing cold air while still running.
Do It Yourself Options When Ac Unit Not Cooling
Here and common easy DIY solutions when your AC isnt blowing cold air:
Thermostat on the Wrong Setting
- Common Reasons: This may have the easiest solution to your AC not blowing cold air. If your thermostat is set to Fan, it may be constantly running, but the air conditioner is not cooling to the preferred set temperature.
- Popular Solutions: Set the thermostat to Auto and double check the set temperature. The fan will kick on as well as cool the air and keep the temperature in your house down to the degree you prefer.
Dirty Air Filter
- Common Reasons: Have you cleaned or replaced your air filter lately? A dirty air filter could limit the amount of cold air that can filter through and cool your house. Alternatively, it could cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which can also limit the amount of cold air able to filter through and cool your house.
- Popular Solutions: An easy fix and a good preventative measure going forward is to check your air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed.
Dirty Condenser
Blocked Vents Or Air Ducts
Broken AC Fan Motor in the Condenser Unit
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Refrigerant Leak
Bad AC Compressor
Improper Installation / Leaky Air Ducts
Dirty Evaporator Coils
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Ac Not Blowing Cold Air : 8 Common Causes + Fixes
My air conditioner is running but its not blowing cold air. What might be the problem?
When air conditioners malfunction, not blowing cold air is one of the most common problems. There is nothing worst than looking at the AC running but not cooling . Youre spending electricity and sweating in your home at the same time.
About 20-30% of homeowners experience the air conditioner not blowing cold air problem. At first, it might seem like an inconvenience. Every air conditioner has one function to cool your home. It isnt not cooling your home, its not doing its job properly.
Secondly, however, the air conditioner stopping to blow cold air while still running is something to be alarmed about. AC unit not blowing cold air might be an indication of a bigger problem .
If this AC problem is not dealt with properly, running an AC that is not blowing cold air might put your whole AC in danger. When central AC is not blowing cold air, for example, you want to shut it off to prevent further damage to a $3000+ unit.
Fortunately, there are a number of known causes for air conditioners not blowing cold air. They range from power issues to clogged filters, and dirty compressors.
Below, we have summarized the 8 most common causes of why air conditioners stop blowing cold air. Dont worry. Any problem can be fixed, even the malfunctioning AC thats just blowing non-cooled air.
Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly
When you notice your home getting a little hotter than normal, first check the thermostat settings. Be sure it is set to cool. If the thermostat is set to cool, check the temperature setting to be sure someone hasnt changed it. If it is off, set to heat, or set for constant fan , switch it back to cooling operation. After the system kicks on, wait a few minutes, then check for cold air blowing from the registers. If its cold, problem solved! If not, move on to the next troubleshooting tip checking the air filter.
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Diy Solution For Suffocated Outside Units:
You can get rid of any leaves and dirt stuck on the unit by gently cleaning the outside unit with a garden hose set on low flow. Home supply shops also sell coil cleaners if you want a deeper clean.
Also, remove any decorative covers that are on the outside unit to ensure the unit has enough room to breathe out hot air. Likewise, any shrubbery or fencing closer than 2 feet around the outside unit will suffocate it and not give it enough space to dump out the heat.
How Can I Make My Air Conditioner Work Better
You can make your air conditioner work even better by replacing air filters and having an HVAC tune up at least twice in a year. In the spring and in the fall.
Change Air Filters on Time
Air filters are very important in the working of your HVAC system. They screen out dirt and other things you dont want to go in your air conditioner. If they are dirty, they could also be reason for your air conditioner blowing hot air inside and cold air outside.
Its best to change filters at least twice in two months. Its even better to change them more often if your surrounding air is dusty or if you have pets at home.
Stick to Maintenance
If you are to keep your HVAC system better, you need to stick to regular HVAC tune ups. HVAC tune ups are effective if done twice a year. During a tune up, a technician will typically inspect electrical components and wires to ensure they are in good shape.
He will also verify the refrigerant charge and do many more other checks. In short, maintenance tune ups, will ensure that your system is working efficiently.
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Should Ac Condenser Blowing Cold Air
If your air conditioner is blowing cold air, there are a few possible explanations. First, check to make sure that the unit is turned on and that the thermostat is set to cool. If the unit is on and the thermostat is set correctly, its possible that the air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the unit to blow cold air. Another possibility is that the evaporator coils are frozen. This can happen if the air conditioner is running for too long without adequate airflow. The solution is to turn off the unit and allow the coils to thaw. Once theyve thawed, you can turn the unit back on and see if its blowing cold air. If the problem persists, its best to call a professional for help.
Your Outside Hvac Unit Isnt Getting Electricity
Your air conditioning system is made up of two main components the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The indoor unit houses the fan that blows air through your home but it can only blow cool air if the outdoor unit is working.
If the air coming from your vents isnt cool, the circuit breaker may have tripped. Check your circuit breaker and locate the switch that allows electricity to power your outside unit. If the circuit breaker was tripped by the unit, we recommend you call a professional as there could be a problem.
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Professional Solution For Suffocated Outside Units:
Scheduling professional AC maintenance twice a year is great for preventing your outside unit from being suffocated with dirt, leaves or debris. During a maintenance visit, a tech will thoroughly wash your outside units internal and external components to get rid of any grime that could suffocate it.
A side benefit is that annual AC tune-ups also maintain your manufacturers warranty. Manufacturers can void your warranty if you dont have your AC professionally serviced at least once a year.
Professionally-maintained AC units are also less likely to have issues in the summer when you need cold air the most. Its the same idea as having your cars oil changed every 3-6k miles to prevent your car from breaking down in a dire situation.
Contact a Portland HVAC professional to have your AC serviced annually.
Reason : You Have A Refrigerant Leak
Thermostat working just fine? Give your refrigerant a listen. And by listen, we mean keep your ears perked for a distinct hissing noise. This is one of two clear signs of a refrigerant leak. The other is frosted-over evaporator coils on your AC unit, but you wont spot these if your AC is not blowing cold air.
Coolant is the VIP when it comes to your AC units cool air. It moves through the systems indoor and outdoor coils, pulling heat and humidity from the air inside and sending it out. Without enough of this chemical coolant, also known as freon, your AC cant produce cold air.
Coolant doesnt run out unless theres a leak! Freon leaks can be toxic and make people sick, so if you think there might be a problem here, turn off your AC and get this fixed ASAP!
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Examine The Air Filter
While it may sound like a surprise, a dirty air filter can significantly impact your cooling system. That said, its best to consistently check to see if these are dirty, then replace them if needed. While your air filters job is to trap dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, they cant work properly if theyre filled with debris. As an air filter helps to keep these particles out of your home, they also aid in preventing this debris from infiltrating your systems components.
If you have central AC not blowing cold air, take a look at your air filter. But before checking it, make sure your system is powered off. From there, remove the filter and take a look. If everything checks out and the filter looks clean, proceed to the next troubleshooting tip.
Or Is It Your Condenser Fan
This fan in your outdoor unit sends the heat from the coil outside. Without it spinning, your condenser overheats and is shut down by a safety mechanism, usually a high pressure switch, to prevent damage to your AC system.
When this happens your coil is no longer capable of extracting the warm air from your house.
In other words, your condenser fan could easily be responsible for your AC not blowing cold air.
The likeliest scenario is a burnt-out fan motor due to general wear and tear. Sometimes, the simplest fix is a whole new outdoor unit .
The fan could also be damaged. Things like rust, damaged bearings, and debris can halt rotation.
Keep in mind, if your fan isnt getting power, it cant turn.
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Why Is My Ac Blowing Warm Air
There are many possible reasons your air conditioner could be blowing warm air. One of the most common explanations would be that the unit is running low on refrigerant. You may also have a thermostat problem or be dealing with a dirty air filter. Refer to the list above for more information about the other possible causes of an air conditioner blowing warm air.
Reason : Youve Got A Tripped Circuit Breaker
Imagine an AC fix as easy as flipping a switch. Well, if your AC stopped blowing cold air because of a tripped circuit breaker, youre in luck.
AC units usually use two circuit breakers, one inside and one outside. If your outside breaker is tripped, your AC may seem to work just fineonly your AC unit will blow warm air instead of cool. No problem. All you need is a quick breaker reset and youll be good to go.
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What Should I Do If My Ac Is Not Blowing Cold Air
Firstly, check whether the air is blowing around the house. Please look at external condensers later in this section. Does this blow hot air? When a cold air system is needed, the compressor is out and the refrigerant is required. Turn your thermostat down. If you dont want to make another change, then check your filter first.
This is to determine if the issue is simply low flow due to clogged filters. Keep in mind to move things that may block airflow like curtains and furniture. If you dont do this for a while, you should clean out the condenser coil.
If your central air conditioner still doesnt cool your home after youve confirmed that your air filter is safe, youll need to search a little harder to find the source of the problem.
Should The Air From The Condenser Be Warm
If your condenser is operating properly, the air coming out of it should be warm. This is because the condenser is responsible for converting the refrigerant from a gas back into a liquid. As the refrigerant passes through the condenser, it releases heat, which is why the air coming out of the condenser is warm.If the air coming out of your condenser is not warm, there could be a problem with the condenser itself. One possibility is that the condenser coils are dirty, which can reduce the efficiency of the condenser. Another possibility is that the condenser is not getting enough air flow, which can also reduce its efficiency. If you think there may be a problem with your condenser, its best to have it checked by a qualified technician.
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Has Your Ac Actually Reached Its Limit
Were no stranger to days with the temperature approaching the triple digits. Summers here can be hot. And sometimes, it may seem like your air conditioner simply cant keep up.
However, this isnt necessarily a sign that your unit needs to be repaired. On our hottest Texas days, your air conditioner is bound to struggle a bit, especially if you prefer your temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s. Dropping the thermostat lower wont make it any easier for your AC to compensate for the extreme heat, but thats not always something to worry about.
If your system does an adequate job of cooling your house in the mornings and evenings but struggles with the midday heat, it may just mean that the Texas summer is a little beyond your systems capacity.
Air conditioning systems in the Houston area are engineered to hold the indoor temperature to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at a relative humidity of 50 percent when it is 95 or 96 degrees Fahrenheit outside. That calculation is made from an average of how many days engineers expect the outdoor temperature will reach its peak. This is why we like variable speed HVAC systems because it allows us to oversize the system to compensate for those extra hot days.
Dont forget the best practices for keeping your home cool in the summer. The US Department of Energy offers great resources to help you cool your home efficiently with ceiling fans, window treatments, and more.