Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?
How To Fix an Air Conditioner That Blows Warm Air
This is one of the last questions we want to ask when it comes to comfort in our own homes. A working AC unit isn’t just a luxury anymore. With record-breaking high temperatures, it is a necessity. There are many reasons why your AC may not be blowing cold air.
The solution could be as easy as flipping a switch on your thermostat, cleaning or replacing your air filter, or even clearing debris away from the outdoor unit. There are also more complex problems that may need the attention of a professional.
Things To Check When Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Warm Air
- Check Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat program settings are correct and that it’s set to cool, not heat. Also, check the batteries to make sure they’re in good shape.
- Check Your Vents: Make sure all of your vents are open. If one is closed or blocked, open it. If there still isn’t airflow, this may signal an issue.
- Check Your Circuit Breaker: Your problem might just be solved with a simple switch. It’s very common for circuit breakers to trip, so make sure the right circuit is switched on.
- Check Your Air Filter: If your filter is dirty and clogged with debris, you won’t get any airflow. The buildup can also cause dirt to accumulate in your ducts and your evaporator coils to freeze, which can clog the air even more.
- Check Your Air Ducts: If you have access to your ducts, look for any visible tears and make sure that the joints are sealed well. You can close up any leaks with foil-faced tape.
- Check Your Outdoor AC Unit: The outdoor unit can cause similar issues to the dirty filter if grass clippings and leaves jam up in the fins. Clean the outdoor unit with a broom, and spray it down gently with a standard garden hose if necessary.
Sometimes we can tackle these types of issues ourselves, or at least we think we can. Unfortunately, this type of thinking can often cost us more time and money than we originally had planned, leaving us with a much bigger problem than we had to begin with. When in doubt, schedule maintenance or repairs with your local HVAC professionals.
Call a Professional AC Technician If You Notice These Things
While some AC issues can be quickly resolved with a little TLC from homeowners, others require the assistance of a pro, including:
- Broken Condenser Fan: Without a properly working condenser fan, the outdoor unit will no longer be able to dissipate heat and cool your home.
- Low Refrigerant Level: The refrigerant is the liquid that absorbs the heat from your home and cools it off. If you have ice buildup on the refrigerant line or outside unit, or if hear a bubbling/hissing sound, you may have a leak. If you notice these signs, turn off your air conditioner ASAP and call a professional. Keeping it on may cause damage to your compressor. We offer emergency services, and we’ll come right away with extra refrigerant in hand.
- Faulty Compressor: A compressor acts as the heart of your air conditioning system. It moves the refrigerant between the inside and outside unit. A damaged compressor usually requires replacing the outside unit. It’s best to have one of our professional technicians take a look.
- Damaged Air Ducts: Your duct system is used to transport clean and conditioned air back into the home. When there is a tear in the duct, hot air escapes through the duct and into your home, making it seem as though your AC isn’t blowing cold air. Air ducts deteriorate with age and sometimes rodents use them as their hideout. Whatever the case, it’s wise to have your ducts inspected by an HVAC technician for any possible repairs.
- Routine AC Maintenance: Taking care of your air filter is a good DIY solution, but it’s no replacement for professional maintenance. Dust, debris, and even mold can start gunking things up in hard-to-reach places. This is why (part of why) consistent maintenance is so important.
When it comes down to understanding your home’s AC system, you want to know you’re in good hands. You want to know that it won’t be long before you will have cool, comfortable air flowing through your home. Schneller & Knochelman always has your safety and comfort in mind. If your AC isn’t keeping you comfortable, just reach out to our friendly professionals and we’ll get to the bottom of the issue quickly and affordably—guaranteed!
Trust Schneller Knochelmann, where we treat you like family! Play it smart and don’t allow AC issues to linger; give us a call at 513-407-4424 or reach out online for repairs today.