AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Here’s What You Should Do
It’s safe to say that a messed-up AC is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Being in a hot home is no joke. In a matter of hours, you’ll start to feel uncomfortable.
During the day, you’ll want to be anywhere but home. You may not be able to sleep well at night. The best temperature for sleeping is about 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but if your AC is not blowing cold air, you’ll have trouble sleeping.
At the first sign of an AC, it’s best to take action. Read on to learn what you need to do if your AC is not blowing cold air but running.
Check Your Thermostat
This may sound silly, but if your AC is not blowing cold air, you should first check your thermostat. Make sure it’s set at an ideal setting. Your AC will not turn on until the room’s air temperature goes above the control setting.
There should be no change in the thermostat’s setting. If you see a change, you’ll need to set it to at least five degrees lower than the room’s current temperature.
Look to see if it’s set at “cool” and not on “auto” or “heat”. Let the change take effect as it can take several minutes before you start to feel any cool air. You can put your hand up over the vent to feel for the cool air coming out.
If none of these options take care of the issue, the problem may be the thermostat itself. Check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
Check the Air Filter
If your AC is blowing warm air, you should check the air filter. A dirty air filter can block the airflow which can cause the AC to shut off. Your filter can be clogged with hair, lint, and other things.
Change the filter every three months. It takes a few steps to change the filter. Failing to change it can lead to other major issues. The restriction of airflow can damage the evaporator coil.
Check the Condenser
For this step of the process, you’ll need to go outside. Go to the condenser to check if it’s dirty. It can have dirt and debris in there which makes it not work well.
You can clean a dirty condenser yourself. Use soap and water to wipe the dirt away. You can also use a hose with gentle pressure as you must make sure you don’t bend anything in the condenser.
To reduce exposure to dirt and debris, you can buy a good weatherproof cover for the condenser. You can only use it when the AC is not in use. It makes good sense to cover the condenser if you’re going away on a long-term vacation.
Here’s another tip to help keep the condenser clean. Try to keep the area around it free of trees and plants. The branches and leaves can easily get into the condenser and clog it.
Check the Evaporator Coil
An AC blowing hot air can be due to a worn-out evaporator coil. The indoor evaporator coil is exposed to constant moisture which makes it prone to mildew and mold.
This coil can also freeze up. This can happen if it’s low on refrigerant. Your best bet is to make sure that your evaporator coil is in working order.
Leaking or Low Refrigerant
Speaking of refrigerant, it’s this chemical that keeps AC working without issues. Low refrigerant may be due to a leak.
There are several signs that can help you find out if there’s a leak. High humidity levels in the home are often caused by a refringent leak.
Do a walkthrough of the home. If you hear a hissing noise while the AC is on, there’s a chance that a leak is present.
If you suspect there’s a refrigerant leak, you must turn off the AC right away. After capping this type of leak, it’s important to add more refrigerant.
Check the Registers
Did you know that a blocked or clogged register can also restrict airflow? A register, or vent, can affect cooling. If this is the issue, you’ll have a ventilation problem on your hands.
Make Sure Your AC Is the Right Size
Having a small AC in a big home makes no sense. You must have an AC that’s capable of cooling your entire home. If you have a small AC, you should replace it with an appropriate size one.
Proper Maintenance Prevents AC From Blowing Cold Air
No matter the brand of your AC, all AC units need to undergo maintenance. It’s recommended that every AC unit receive maintenance at least twice a year.
It’s best to call an expert to do the maintenance. If there’s an issue, the technician can address it.
Let’s say that you have an AC not blowing air at all. In this case, you might need a professional air conditioner repair service.
If there’s an electrical issue, it’s best to let a professional handle it. The last thing you want is to get hurt. You also don’t want to destroy your AC if you happen to make a mistake trying to fix it.
What to Do if Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
There comes a point when every homeowner’s AC will start to give them problems. If your AC is not blowing cold air, you can try to fix it using the steps in this guide.
An AC blowing hot air can make for an uncomfortable time. Call an AC repair service if need be.
Make sure to explore the rest of our blog to continue reading more great articles.
