Did you know about 90% of US households used air conditioning in 2020 alone? AC is a must-have to keep your home nice and cool, but there will be instances your AC unit will break down and blast hot air instead.
When your AC blows hot air, it’s more than an uncomfortable annoyance. It’s a sign of an issue that could endanger your home or your health if it’s not fixed.
How much trouble you’re in depends on the malfunctioning component within the air conditioning system. Luckily, there are steps you can take to fix the problem before you need to call for expensive help.
Keep reading to discover the possible causes of your AC not blowing cold air and how to fix it.
Electrical Issues
If your AC is not working as it should, it could be due to a blown fuse, tripped breaker, or loose wire. Make sure to check your fuse box or breaker panel to see if a fuse has blown or a breaker has tripped. If so, reset the breaker or replace the fuse and try again.
Your AC unit should also get adequate power to function correctly in its compressor. Low power can lead to a no heat exchange and results in blowing air with the same temperature outdoors.
Check your cables and make sure that it uses the right voltage. If you have a small AC unit, make sure your cables use 110/120V and 220/240V for bigger units. Remember to check if your power cables also have some damage to them.
You should also check for loose wires. AC units have a lot of wires, so it is not uncommon for one to come loose. If you find a loose wire, secure it and try again.
You should also check the built-in overload switch in your AC system and if it needs to reset. Remember to check the power cord and if it fits into the socket.
If your AC unit is not blowing cold air, there is likely a more severe issue, and you will need to call an electrician. Avoid using your AC unit if there are electrical issues, as it can cause a fire.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat needs to have a correct reading of the temperature. If there are problems, it may tell the AC to keep running even when the desired temperature has been reached. It can cause the AC to work harder than necessary and wear out quickly.
Some thermostats may not function if they are low on battery. Check if they require batteries to function and replace them if needed.
Turn your cooling setting down to a low level and see if it will force the system to run some cold air. Some systems also have an automatic setting that you need to override to change the setting.
A mistake in your thermostat’s wiring can also cause your AC unit not to blow any cool air. These problems are usually found in AC units that are newly wired, as someone may have done them without any experience. Make sure to have an expert look at your wiring and see if there are some problems.
Additionally, a faulty thermostat can cause the AC to cycle on and off more than normal, leading to premature wear. If you suspect your thermostat is to blame, it’s best to have it replaced by a professional.
Research and look for the best air conditioning repair service in your area. Make sure they are accessible and can provide you with a reasonable rate for their services.
AC Unit Low on Freon
Freon helps to cool the air inside your AC unit so that the air will be as cold with enough of it. There are a few reasons why your AC unit may be low on Freon, like a leak in the system or if the unit is not sized for your home. It can also happen if the Freon level needs proper charging during installation.
Do not attempt fixing Freon-related problems yourself, as Freon is an EPA-regulated chemical. Only licensed professionals should handle these kinds of substances. They will have the right tools to repair leaks and refill your coolant so your house can have its comfortable and cool temperature back.
Coolant problems may also occur because your AC system is already old. It’s best to upgrade your system if it is over ten years old. It can ensure that you are going to have a more reliable model.
Old AC systems may also tend to consume more energy because of the older technology that it has. Constant repairs can also cost you a lot of money, which is why investing in a new system is ideal.
Clogged Filters
A clogged filter will get your AC running but blowing warm air instead. It can lead to increased energy bills and unnecessary wear and tear on your AC unit.
Sometimes, a clogged filter can also cause the AC to freeze. If your AC’s filter might be clogged, check it and clean it.
Make sure to clean your piping using a mild bleach solution to kill bacteria. It would also bed best to replace the pipes if there is severe damage to avoid further problems.
Frozen Coils
The coils in your AC unit are responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. When these coils freeze, they can no longer properly absorb heat, causing your AC to blow warm air instead.
There are a few reasons why your AC coils may freeze. If the coils are properly cleaned, they can avoid clogged with dirt and dust. It can restrict air flow and cause the coils to freeze.
Another reason for frozen coils is a low refrigerant level. When the refrigerant level is low, the coils can’t absorb enough heat, causing them to freeze.
If you think your coils may be frozen, you should turn off your AC unit and call a professional for help. Trying to thaw the coils can damage your AC unit and void your warranty.
AC Compressor Not Working
Your AC compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout your AC system. If your compressor is not working, your AC cannot blow cold air.
There are a few reasons your compressor might need an AC repair immediately. It could be due to various issues, such as a blown fuse, a tripped breaker, or a problem with the compressor.
If the compressor is overheating, it will have an automatic function to shut off to prevent damage. In some cases, you may need to get a new compressor.
Make sure to cover your compressors during winter to prevent snow or debris from building up inside the system. Check the compressor if leaves or dirt are in its interior and remove them immediately.
Furthermore, avoid putting towels or objects on top of your compressors, which can affect their function. Blocking the fans of your compressor can cause it to overheat, leading to more severe problems with your air conditioning system.
Drainage Failure
It can happen when the AC unit’s condensate drain line becomes clogged, causing water to back up and eventually spill into the unit. It can damage the AC unit and lead to mold and mildew growth.
A clogged drainage system can cause your AC to work harder than it needs to, leading to a loss of cold air. You can clean your drainage system or call a professional to do it for you.
Look for the drain piping of your AC system and check if debris is blocking it. It may also be mold, leaves, algae hair, etc.
Air conditioning systems need regular maintenance at least twice a year. Look for a professional with home services to have AC services done in the comfort of your home. A professional is more than capable of identifying if there is a clog or drainage problem that needs to be taken care of.
When your drainage system works again, you will see water draining out of the AC unit. It will also ensure that your compressor will work correctly and that you can get cool air again.
Condensate Airflow Switch Problems
The condensate airflow switch is within the AC unit and is responsible for monitoring the airflow passing through the unit. If the airflow is insufficient, the switch will shut off the unit to prevent further damage.
One possible reason for your AC unit not blowing cold air could be that the condensate airflow switch is not functioning properly. Alternatively, there could be a blockage in the airflow path, preventing enough air from passing through the unit.
Avoid the Causes of AC Not Blowing Cold Air Today
Several potential reasons for your AC not blowing cold air could be simple to complex issues on your system. Check to see if the unit is correctly charged with Freon. If it is, the problem may be with the unit’s compressor or the evaporator coil.
If the coils are frozen, you may need to thaw them out. There are a lot of other reasons that cause problems in an AC unit. If you still have an AC that is not blowing cold air, you may need to call a professional AC repair person to check and repair your unit.
Have this article helped you out? Check out other related posts on our blog for more tips and advice!
