AC Not Blowing Cold Air? What to Do

When you're using your HVAC system to create the perfect environment, your air conditioner plays an important role. This is mainly due to its role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your setting. However, if your air conditioner suddenly stops blowing cold air, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable.

Before you panic and call for emergency air conditioner repair services, there are several steps you can take. This blog will help you to understand what to do when your air conditioner stops working. We will cover everything from checking the thermostat, to inspecting air filters and examining circuit breakers. If these steps don’t resolve the problem, consider air conditioner servicing or even air conditioner replacement.

There are several common reasons why air conditioning units might stop blowing cold air:

1. Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
2. Refrigerant leaks which can diminish the system's ability to cool effectively.
3. Incorrect thermostat settings or a malfunctioning thermostat can prevent the unit from operating correctly.
4. Blocked or closed vents can disrupt the flow of conditioned air.
5. Dirty or blocked ac coils can affect heat exchange, either damaging or freezing the inside of your system.
6. A faulty capacitor can lead to an AC unit failing to blow cold air or work properly. A capacitor surges power to the fan motor or compressor, if it breaks your system won't blog conditioned air.

What to do

If you have concluded that your AC is not producing cold air, here are a few important things to do next:

• Check and Replace Air Filters: Ensure the filters are clean and replace them if they are dirty or clogged.
• Inspect Thermostat Settings: Verify that the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and mode.
• Clear Blocked Vents: Make sure all vents are open and free from obstructions.
• Look for Refrigerant Leaks: If you suspect a refrigerant leak, contact a HVAC technician for repair. The tech will test your refrigerant levels to confirm, then replace the line if necessary.
• Examine Coils: Inspect the condensing coils and evaporator coils for dirt or damage and clean or repair them when needed.
• Check for Leaky Ductwork: Check if you have damaged or leaky ductwork in your home. Leaky ductwork can lead to a loss of cold air.
• Check for Improper Sizing: Make sure your AC unit is the correct size for your setting. Undersized air conditioning systems tend to fail to produce enough cooling load leading to inefficiency and uneven cooling. AC units that are too large can overload your power system.
• Consult a Professional: If the issue persists, seek assistance from a HVAC professional for a thorough inspection and repair.

Deciding whether to repair or replace your AC system can save you money now and prevent issues later. Your AC system’s age and the degree of the HVAC repair needed are key factors in this decision.

A simple rule might help: Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of repairs. If that exceeds $5,000, consider replacing the system. Otherwise, AC repairs may be the best direction to take. Additionally, if your system presents potential safety hazards, replacement is the only option.

• The unit is less than 10 years old.
• The repair cost is relatively low and doesn't exceed the $5,000 formula.
• The condenser unit has been well-maintained and regularly serviced.
• The issue is minor, such as a faulty thermostat or a refrigerant leak.
• Your energy bills have not significantly increased through good energy efficiency.
• The system runs effectively and can cool your home.

• The unit is more than 10-15 years old.
• The repair cost is high and exceeds the $5,000 formula.
• Frequent breakdowns or the need for multiple repairs in a short period.
• The system uses outdated or phased out refrigerants (e.g., R-22).
• Energy bills have significantly increased despite regular maintenance.
• The system no longer effectively cools your home.
• The current system presents potential safety hazards or poses health risks.

After deciding on a repair or a replacement for your ac unit, regular maintenance and timely inspections are important. This helps ensure your cooling system continues to operate effectively, cooling your home for the foreseeable future.

The air conditioner's evaporator and condensers coils will collect dirt over long periods of operation. You can avoid this by replacing existing filters with new and clean filters. Replacing the filter which helps the coils from soiling. Checking the coil yearly avoids dirt buildup even after long term use.

Passing a stiff wire through the unit's drain channel can prevent humidity buildup. Humidity can create issues like mold and wall paint fading if not controlled. For a window ac, make sure the seal between the window frame and the unit touches the meta case.

Lastly, preparing your unit for seasonal changes like Winter can be important in ensuring the success of your unit. For central air conditioners, cover them to protect them from winter weather and debris. During winter, you don't need to use your window unit, so you can remove units and store them.