There’s nothing more annoying on a hot summer day than your AC not blowing cold air. After all, we depend on that cold air to help cope with the heat and cut across the high humidity. But, if your air conditioning unit simply isn’t up to the task, you might discover that your indoor air is, to be blunt, a bit too much like the outdoor air.
Yes, when your air conditioning isn’t working as intended, your first impulse might be to reach for your phone and call. However, before doing so, the folks at AC&R Services say there are a couple of things you might consider that could reveal the cause of the hot air. It might be something as simple as a grimy evaporator coil, a clogged air filter, or a thermostat not set properly, and you might be able to identify the issue yourself.
Usual reasons for AC not blowing cold air
If your AC unit is blowing warm, not cold air, there are a few simple issues that you may be able to identify yourself. Yes, it’s still suggested that you call a technician at AC&R Services to tackle major concerns, but a number of minor problems, as well as oversights, can frequently be fixed without help.
Thermostat set to fan instead of cool
The fan runs nonstop on the “on” or “fan’ setting without running a cooling cycle, transferring unconditioned air through your registers. Set the temperature to “cool,” be certain the setpoint is at least 3 to 5 degrees below room temperature and switch the fan mode to “auto.” Allow the system to run about five minutes before reaching any decision.
A dirty air filter can block airflow
As mentioned in previous AC&R Service blogs, clogged filters are a regular cause of air conditioning issues. A filter filled with dust or debris starves the evaporator coil of airflow. Less airflow leads to less heat being transferred to the refrigerant, causing the coil to fall below freezing and icing over. Pull the filter and hold it up to a light. If practically no light passes through, replace the filter as soon as possible. During the peak summer months, most residential AC systems require a new filter every 30 to 60 days.
Blocked or leaky air ducts
The cool air coming from your AC must go through a network of ducts to reach each room. If there are leaks in the ductwork, particularly in attics or crawlspaces, that valued cool air can be lost before it ever gets to any room. Likewise, ducts can be blocked or even flattened by stored items or simply damaged. If a couple of rooms in your house are cool while others are not, this might indicate a ductwork issue. An HVAC professional from AC&R Services will come in and thoroughly look over your ductwork. They will discover any leaks, so you don’t have to go hunting.
Debris is around the outdoor condenser unit
The condenser unit outside your home is responsible for discharging the heat your AC extracts from the indoor air. However, if the unit is covered in leaves, grass clippings, dandelion fluff or thick shrubs, it can’t perform its job efficiently. Walk outside and look at the unit. Keep in mind that there needs to be at least two feet of clear space on every side. Get rid of visible debris by hand and lightly rinse the exterior fins with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting. Don’t use a pressure washer since high pressure can bend the unit’s aluminum fins.
Check the electrical breaker
Central AC units are run by a dedicated electrical circuit. If the breaker is tripped, the outside condenser won’t operate; however, the indoor fan may still blow, since it often shares a circuit with the furnace. The outcome: air is moving, but there’s no cooling. So, you need to locate your electrical panel and find the breaker identified for your AC unit. If it’s in the tripped position, fully flip it “off,” wait ten seconds, then flip it back to “on.” If the breaker trips again immediately or within a few minutes, don’t keep resetting it. Turn the system off completely and get in touch with a licensed technician at AC&R Services.
There’s a faulty capacitor
Capacitors deliver the electrical boost required to switch on the compressor and condenser fan motors. A dying capacitor may make the outdoor unit make a whirring sound, but without starting, starting and stopping intermittently or simply not turning on at all. You may detect a clicking noise when this takes place. Yes, replacing a capacitor is one of the more straightforward and inexpensive repairs but includes working with high-voltage components and should be performed only by a qualified electrician from AC&R Services.
The unit could be low on refrigerant
The refrigerant is the cooling agent that flows through your AC and captures and transfers heat from inside your home. When refrigerant levels drop too low, the system is unable to cool efficiently, causing warm air to blow. In most instances, low refrigerant signifies a leak in the sealed system. It’s essential to know that refrigerant isn’t something that is “used up.” If it’s low, the leak needs to be found and fixed by a certified technician from AC&R Services. This is not a DIY job because of the chemicals and pressure required.
When to call a professional
While checking your thermostat and filter are terrific first steps, as we’ve noted, a bunch of AC issues have need of trained know-how. If you’ve attempted the easy solutions we’ve described and your AC is still not blowing cold air, it’s time to contact AC&R Services. They have the tools and expertise to safely identify and repair problems such as refrigerant leaks and electrical faults.
Fact is, routine professional maintenance is the greatest way to prevent many of these problems from taking place at all. A tune-up can capture most small issues before they turn into huge, costly repairs. If you’re in need of a regular maintenance check-up, contact the professionals at AC&R Services, located at 217 Turkey Path Road in Sugar Loaf, PA.