How to Fix AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

When the weather is over 90°F, nothing inspires panic more than an air conditioner that suddenly stops blowing cold air. There are a few different reasons why an air conditioner stops blowing cold air, and you can troubleshoot some of these causes. If you can’t find out why your AC isn’t working, the right air conditioner repair services can help.

Causes of an AC Not Blowing Cold Air

Before you start troubleshooting common AC issues, it’s a good idea to check to see the last time your AC had routine air conditioning maintenance. If it has been a year or more, you should schedule an air conditioning maintenance appointment. You should also double-check to see if normal maintenance tasks, like filter changes and debris removal, have been done.

If your AC is still not blowing cold air, one of the following causes may be to blame. 

Dirty Air Filter 

When your air filter is clogged, it prevents proper airflow. Without enough airflow, your evaporator coils can freeze. Additionally, clogged filters can end up getting the evaporator coils dirty, which can lead to a frozen AC. Anytime your AC freezes, you’ll stop getting cold air out of your vents. 

Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant leaks are a health hazard and harmful to the environment, so it’s important to get a professional technician to fix them. If the refrigerant is low, it may struggle to transfer heat efficiently. Even if your device is still running, it may be unable to blow cold air. 

Problems With Your Evaporator Coil 

While a dirty air filter can cause issues with your evaporator coil, it can also break down for other reasons. If the evaporator coil isn’t working, your AC will be unable to transfer heat from inside your home to the outside air. You may need to call our HVAC company to find out about your air conditioner replacement and repair options. 

Clogged Drain 

The condensate drain line is supposed to bring moisture away from your AC. If it is clogged, water can back up and trigger an automatic shut-off. Fortunately, this is an easy AC maintenance task because you just have to clean the drain line and remove any clogs. 

Compressor Issues 

If you’re dealing with compressor problems, you may need emergency air conditioning services. Normally, the compressor is supposed to compress refrigerant. When the compressor isn’t working, you may notice a lack of cold air or less air. The AC may also have to stay on for longer than normal to reach the same temperature level. 

How to Fix an AC That Isn’t Blowing Cold Air

In general, you should get an AC inspection and tune-up at least once a year. During this professional AC maintenance visit, the HVAC technician will lubricate moving parts and check for common issues. They’ll also make sure your coils and filters are cleaned. 

Once you know the underlying reason why your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, you can try doing one of the following troubleshooting tasks to fix it.

Check for Power Problems 

If you’ve had a power outage or something has tripped the breaker, your AC may not be getting the power it needs to run. The AC typically has two breakers. When just one breaker is tripped, the air conditioner can keep running but only have warm air. 

Try flipping the breaker switch. If it immediately turns off again, call one of our HVAC technicians to inspect your AC’s electrical components. 

Clean the Return 

A blocked return can prevent your AC from bringing in new air. To troubleshoot this potential cause, make sure the return is clean. No furniture, plants, or other items should be blocking it. 

Change or Clean Your Filters 

Other than checking the return, you should also remove the filter and clean it. While each manufacturer has different specifications, you are generally required to clean your air filter every 30 to 90 days. 

Inspect Your Thermostat 

To check to see if your thermostat is working properly, lower the temperature setting. Your AC should kick on. If your AC isn’t turning on when you change the temperature, your thermostat may be faulty. 

Unfreeze Your AC

If your AC is frozen, don’t try to knock the ice off because this can damage your AC. Instead, you’ll need to wait for your AC to unfreeze. An AC can freeze from overuse, but this can also happen because of a more serious cause. If your air conditioner freezes repeatedly, you may need AC installation and repair services.

Look at the Compressor Coils 

From time to time, your compressor coils can become dirty. After turning off your AC, you can remove the panel to look at them. If they are dirty, you can use a soft-bristle brush or a water hose to clean the coils. Wear gloves because the fins are quite sharp. 

Search for Damaged Ducts and Air Leaks 

Sometimes, you may develop an air leak in your home. Your AC may still be cooling the air properly, but it isn’t reaching you because it’s escaping from duct leaks. To inspect your AC for this problem, pay attention to airflow that’s occurring where it shouldn’t be. Additionally, see if there are leaks around the duct joints and where the ducts connect to each vent.

Get Help With Your AC in 

If you’re struggling with air conditioner repair issues, you’re not alone. Our HVAC technicians have years of experience in helping people like you get the services they need. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air anymore, contact Rogue Valley Cooling today for help, or check out our complete summer AC guide for more information.