An AC failing to blow cold air in your home is one of the biggest and most frustrating malfunctions. Your home quickly becomes uncomfortable in the heat and could pose health risks to you, your family, and your pets. If your AC is no longer blowing cold air, you need to find the cause as soon as possible instead of waiting for the heat to become unbearable.
Several things can cause your air conditioner to stop circulating cold air. Some are easy to diagnose, while others require a professional AC repair. It is crucial that you find the cause of the issue immediately and should not wait until the heat becomes unbearable. Several factors can play a role in an AC unit failing to circulate cold air. Some are simple and easy to diagnose, while others require professional assistance. Here are some reasons your AC is no longer blowing cold air.
1. Issues With Your Thermostat
The thermostat should be your first stop when checking why your AC isn’t operating properly. This is where the cooling action begins. If you set your thermostat at a higher threshold, your AC will fail to turn on until the indoor air temperature rises above the control setting. Therefore, you need to ensure that the thermostat setting has not been tampered with.
Also, you will need to ensure it is set to cool or auto. Often, the thermostat is set to heat instead of cool, which means the air conditioner won’t switch on at all. If the setting is correct and nothing is happening, the problem may be within the thermostat. If its uses batteries, check and replace them periodically. If that does not solve the problem, it is time to call a professional for a more serious diagnosis.
2. Decrease in Refrigerant
The refrigerant, most commonly R410A, is the chemical fluid that puts the whole cooling process in motion. It is cycled between your indoor and outdoor units. Contrary to popular belief, your AC does not consume refrigerant, and in a perfect world, you should never have to worry about replacing it or topping it off. Unfortunately, leaks do occur, which leads to a decrease in the refrigerant levels in your AC. That means there will be less refrigerant to effectively absorb the heat, decreasing cool air in your home. A leak may keep your unit from cooling efficiently and cause other problems in your home. For instance, when the indoor temperature is too warm, it could lead to an increase in humidity levels, making your home feel much hotter.
The best way to notice a refrigerant leak is if your AC blows cold air but takes longer to cool your home, which makes the AC run for extended periods. If you suspect a leak, you should turn off the AC immediately and seek professional help. Never attempt to fix a refrigerant leak issue. This is because the repair process requires special training and should always be left to experts.
3. Dirty or Clogged Filters
It’s easy to overlook the HVAC filter, but a dirty and clogged air filter will significantly interfere with your air conditioner’s ability to blow cold air. These filters work all season long by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that could make you fall ill. Therefore, it does not take long for these filters to become fully clogged by dirt and debris if they are not changed regularly. When the filters become extremely dirty, air can no longer flow freely through the system. The unit is no longer getting the air it needs and may fail to operate correctly.
If left that way for long, dirty filters may make other parts wear out faster. It can also cause damage to other parts of the unit, like the evaporator coils, creating a bigger problem. When the unit malfunctions, the inside temperature can soar. Therefore, you should change the air filters periodically or at least once every three months. Nevertheless, how frequently you change the air filters will depend on certain factors, such as the square footage in your home and the number of pets you have. You should be able to replace the indoor air filters easily by yourself. However, if you are unsure of which filters you need to use, a professional HVAC tech can help.
4. Dirty Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are located in your indoor unit and play an essential part in how effectively your AC cools the air. However, these coils can wear out with time. Because of the constant moisture, the evaporator coils can be vulnerable to mold and mildew buildup. These coils also become dirty over time. When dust and debris build up around the evaporator coils, it insulates them and prevents the heat exchange process. As a result, your AC is unable to blow cold air. Issues related to the coils can cause major disruption within your AC. You should call a professional technician to solve the problem as soon as possible.
5. Leaks in the Ductwork
When air is cooled in your AC system, it passes through a series of insulated metal ducts called ductwork. Ducts run through your walls and ceilings and carry cooled air from your AC throughout your indoor area. These ducts may be insulated with mineral wool or fiberglass. If your AC is not keeping the house cool enough for you, the issue could be with your ducts, which can be complex to diagnose. If you have a leak in your ductwork, the cool, conditioned air is leaking into the walls and might not ever reach the vents. Save yourself the stress and heat by calling a professional HVAC technician. These highly skilled technicians are well-trained and have the specialized tools needed to determine the state of the ductwork.
6. Clogged Drains
During the heating and cooling process inside your AC, condensation is released. Your AC drainage system comprises a drainpipe that expels the condensation from the indoor to the outdoor unit called the drain line. While it does not necessarily happen often, this line can be blocked by dirt and debris if your unit keeps shutting down. If the drain line is clogged, your air conditioner cannot effectively cool your home. When the water has restricted flow, it can damage your AC unit. In worst cases, the water may go through the walls and ceilings, leading to mold growth if it goes unnoticed for some time.
The Bottom Line
An AC system is among the major investments in a home. And as with any machine, this system requires regular maintenance. Dirty filters need to be cleaned or changed, and a professional must check other working components. You should schedule an AC tune-up at least once every year. A technician will check your system and give the necessary recommendations. Doing that keeps your system running at peak efficiency and increases its general lifespan.
Beat the Heat With Our Expert Services
Are you a resident of Bastrop or its surrounding areas and need assistance with your AC maintenance and repair? Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating is here to help. Our experts have the necessary training to handle any HVAC repair or maintenance job assigned to them. Do you also need assistance with your indoor air quality? Call us at Blue Ribbon Cooling & Heating today.