From very basic problems like a dirty filter or a thermostat that is not set properly…to a more complex situation that requires replacing components…there are a wide variety of reasons why you may find your air conditioner running, but not lowering the temperature in the house. Before contacting a professional, there are a few things you should look over. Visit our air conditioner troubleshooting page for a little more information.
Reasons & Solutions Of Ac Not Blowing Cold Air
Is Your Thermostat Correctly Set?
A central air conditioning system that won’t work is frequently the result of a thermostat issue. Your thermostat might not be turning on if it is set to a higher threshold. For instance, suppose the temperature is 24°C and your air conditioner is set to 28°C.
If the cooling system is set to “Auto” rather than “On,” it might not be working properly. You’ll need to conduct some preliminary research at this point. First, have you double-checked that the shut-off switch for the air conditioner (found in the shut-off box) is flipped? Have you made sure nothing has tripped any breakers by checking them?
Once you’ve determined that, you should reset your thermostat and set the setting so you can test the AC system at a temperature that is a few degrees lower than the indoor temperature of the house.
Set it to 20°C, for instance, if your home registers at 25°C. You’ll be able to detect a change if you do it this way.
Do not get alarmed if you do not immediately feel any cool air; it will take a few minutes to do so.
After some time has passed, place your hand near vents to check if the central air conditioner is blowing cold air. Most likely, all you required was a reset.
If the malfunction persists despite your efforts to feel the cold air, there may be a problem with the internal wiring. Ask a specialist what to do next in this situation.
Find out what setting your air conditioner should be on during the summer.
Is The Size Of Your Air Conditioner Appropriate?
Your air conditioner will become worn out and develop a number of issues if it is installed in the wrong size. No cold air is included in this.
Without replacing your air conditioner, this problem will unfortunately persist. If you decide to go this route, we can ensure that you buy the right air conditioner the first time.
Talk to us about scheduling routine maintenance appointments if replacing your air conditioner at this time is not possible. Even though we might not be able to fully resolve your issue, we will try our best to keep you at ease.
Your Ac Condenser May Be Dirty.
Your air conditioner’s outdoor component is referred to as a condenser. Process interference occurs when dirt and debris enter.
To draw in and cool the air, your air conditioner will need to work much harder. It’s very comparable to the issue you’ll have with a clogged filter.
Fortunately, you can clean your outdoor condenser unit on your own, but you must take great care to avoid breaking or bending anything.
To gently remove the dirt, we advise using soap and water. A hose with light pressure can also be used.
Invest in a good weatherproof cover for when your air conditioner isn’t in use to reduce future dirt and debris. Additionally, make sure that the area close to the condenser is free of weeds, overhanging branches, and other plants.
Drainpipe Clogged
There is a drainpipe on each central air conditioning unit to catch extra humidity and moisture. Similar to most cool, dark pipes that aren’t frequently flushed, debris and algae can build up in the drain and prevent water from draining. Since you don’t want the AC unit to allow dirty water to backflow into your home, it is a nuisance but a necessary safety measure. In a matter of minutes, a skilled HVAC technician can locate and unclog a clogged drain.
Has Your Filter Been Changed Recently?
Your filter does play a part in why your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, despite what you may believe.
Your air conditioner probably has a dirty air filter that is now severely clogged if you haven’t been regularly checking and replacing it.
Filters that are clogged will prevent air from entering your home and harm other AC system components, like the evaporator coil. This implies that you won’t just notice a lack of cold air, but also perhaps a little more dust and general stuffiness as a result of airborne particles not being filtered out.
Do You Have Mechanical Issues?
Like most things, air conditioners degrade naturally over time. This indicates that at some point during its lifetime, it might have a mechanical problem. When determining what mechanical problems might be present, knowing how your air conditioner operates can be a good place to start.
After checking your thermostat and filter, if your air conditioner isn’t functioning normally (or at all), or if it isn’t running as long as it should, you should call us right away so we can look inside your system.
Power Issue
A fuse or breaker may have blown or tripped during the initial power surge. Check to see if the issue is resolved by restarting your breaker and turning on your air conditioner. A motor overload switch may be built in, which is something else you can check. To make sure it hasn’t been pulled out of the socket, lastly, check the power cable.
A Refrigerant Leak Might Be Present.
Compressing and expanding as it does so, refrigerant is cycled between the indoor and outdoor air conditioning units. It never runs out, so you shouldn’t ever need to replace or top it off.
On the other hand, when a refrigerant leak happens, there isn’t enough of it to effectively absorb heat. As a result, you’ll experience less cool air.
There are a few ways to identify a refrigerant leak:
When your air conditioner is running, you’ll hear a hissing sound. If it’s still blowing cold air, it will take a very long time to cool your home, requiring your air conditioner to run for much longer periods of time.
Stop using your air conditioner immediately and contact us if you discover a leak or suspect one but are unsure of where to look. If you suspect a problem, you shouldn’t leave your air conditioner running; instead, call an HVAC expert to take care of the problem.
A refrigerant leak should never be attempted to be fixed by the homeowner. Always leave this repair to experts because it requires specialized training.
Has Your Yearly Maintenance Been Completed?
Many homeowners believe that yearly maintenance is not necessary. These are the same homeowners who experience unexpected breakdowns, expensive repairs, and no air conditioning during the hottest days of the year. That’s pretty much every day in the GTA from the middle of June to the end of September.
The Importance Of Ac System Maintenance
Setting up an annual tune-up is the best way to prevent your air conditioner from not cooling properly. Regular AC maintenance can lower energy costs, spot refrigerant leaks, and guarantee that your HVAC system is effectively cooling your home.
There are a number of potential causes for this, ranging from straightforward to more intricate ones. Hiring a qualified HVAC technician to examine the issue is worthwhile if you’re unsure of what’s wrong.
Ac Problems A Professional Should Solve
Broken Condenser Fan
The outdoor unit won’t be able to remove heat from your home and cool it down if the condenser fan isn’t operating properly.
Low Refrigerant Level
The substance that removes heat from your house and cools it is known as a refrigerant. If ice has accumulated on the refrigerant line or outside unit, or if you hear bubbling or hissing, you may have a leak. Once you become aware of these symptoms, immediately shut off your air conditioner and contact a technician. Leaving it on might harm your compressor.
Faulty Compressor
The brain of your air conditioning system is a compressor. Between the interior and exterior units, it transports the refrigerant. In most cases, replacing the exterior unit due to a damaged compressor is very expensive. It’s best to have an experienced technician look it over.
Damaged Air Ducts
Cleansed and conditioned air is returned to the house using the duct system in the attic. The much hotter air in the attic can leak through a duct tear and into your home, giving the impression that your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air. With time, rodents, and poor construction, air ducts deteriorate. Ask an HVAC specialist to check your ducts for any potential problems.