7 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Not Blowing Cold Air: What to Do
As the temperatures rise, the last thing you need is a problem with your air conditioner. For your air conditioner not cooling, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. In this blog article, we will be discussing the common reasons why your ac unit isn’t cooling and what you can do to fix the issue.
Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling, the first thing you should do is try to identify the cause of the problem. It could be something as simple as a clogged filter or as complex as a faulty thermostat. Knowing what’s wrong with your air conditioner can help you decide whether to fix it yourself or call a professional.
When it comes to troubleshooting your air conditioner, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Make sure the power is off before attempting any repairs. Also, make sure to wear safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear to avoid injury.
Common Reasons Why Your Aircon Isn’t Blowing Cold Air
There are several common reasons why your aircon isn’t blowing cold air. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
1. Clogged Filters
Clogged air filters can drastically reduce the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris that can impede the flow of air through the filter. When this happens, the air conditioner has to work harder to draw in air, and the cooled air is unable to reach its intended destination.
This causes the air conditioner to run less efficiently and reduces its ability to cool the area. Additionally, if the filter becomes too clogged, the air conditioner may shut down completely.
Filters should be routinely checked, cleaned, or replaced in order to ensure the air conditioner is running properly and efficiently.
2. Dirty Blower Fan
A dirty blower fan can prevent an air conditioner from cooling efficiently because it can reduce the airflow and increase system resistance. This can lead to a decrease in air movement and cause the evaporator coil to become too cold, which can cause the refrigerant to freeze.
Dirt and dust build-up on the fan blades can obstruct the fan from spinning properly, leading to further decrease in air circulation and cooling efficiency. Additionally, a dirty blower fan increases the air conditioner’s energy consumption as the unit needs to work harder to cool the same amount of air.
Regular maintenance of your air conditioner, including cleaning or replacing the blower fan, is essential for its longevity and for keeping it functioning optimally.
3. Dirty Evaporator Coils
When the evaporator coils in an air conditioner become dirty, they lose their ability to absorb heat. This means that the air conditioner cannot cool the air passing over the coils as efficiently. The dirt and debris on the coils prevents heat from being absorbed and keeps the air conditioner from reaching its intended cooling temperatures.
As the air conditioner works harder to try and reach the desired temperature, it starts to use more energy, leading to higher energy costs. In addition, a build-up of dirt and debris on the coils can cause the air conditioner to freeze up, which can lead to further damage and costly repairs.
To ensure that your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency, it’s important to make sure the evaporator coils stay clean and free of dirt and debris.
4. Dirty Condenser Unit
When a condenser unit becomes dirty, it can prevent an air conditioner from cooling properly. This is because the condenser unit is responsible for releasing heat from the air conditioner’s refrigerant system.
If the condenser unit is clogged or filled with dirt and debris, the airflow around the unit will be blocked and the heat exchange process will not happen efficiently. As a result, the air conditioner will not cool as effectively, and may eventually continue to run without cooling the space at all.
To prevent this from happening, it is important to keep the condenser unit clean and free of dirt and debris. This can be done by regularly checking the condenser unit and cleaning it as needed. Additionally, if the area around the condenser unit is prone to collecting dirt and debris, it may be necessary to install a protective covering over the unit.
5. Low Refrigerant or Leakage
Leakage and low refrigerant within an air conditioner can negatively affect its cooling capabilities. The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from the air within the unit and circulating it outside of the home. When there is a leak in the system, the refrigerant is lost, and the air conditioner cannot cool the air efficiently.
When the refrigerant level is low, the compressor needs to work harder to circulate the refrigerant and absorb the heat, reducing the efficiency of the air conditioner and leading to reduced cooling capacity.
6. Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can prevent an air conditioner from cooling for a number of reasons. The most common issue is when the thermostat does not accurately measure the temperature in the room or area that is being cooled. If the thermostat senses a temperature higher than what it is actually registering, then it will not allow the air conditioner to kick on and begin cooling.
If the thermostat is not connected properly, wired correctly, or has a broken connection, then it can also prevent the air conditioner from cooling. If the thermostat is not powered on or has a dead battery, then it also cannot send the necessary signals to the air conditioner to start cooling.
Lastly, if the thermostat is not programmed correctly, then it may not be sending the right message to the AC unit, causing the AC to not cool.
7. Air Leakage from Ducting
Air leakage from ducting air conditioners can be a major cause of inefficient cooling. When air leaks out of the ducts, it can reduce the amount of cool air being delivered to the room, resulting in reduced cooling performance. Air leakage can occur due to poor insulation, gaps in the ductwork, or damaged or missing seals.
To address this issue, inspect the ducting for any signs of damage or wear and replace any damaged or missing insulation. Check for gaps in the ductwork and seal any gaps found using insulation or duct tape.
Read more on: Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water: What to Do?
What To Do When Your AC Isn’t Blowing Cold Air
If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
1. Check the Filters
Regularly checking air conditioner filters for dust and mould build up is an important part of maintaining the health and efficiency of your air conditioning system. To do this, it is necessary to remove the filter or filters from the air conditioner and inspect them for any visible dirt or mould.
If the filters appear to have a build-up of dust or mould, they should be washed off using warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is important to ensure that all dirt and mould are removed from the filters before re-installing them in the air conditioner.
2. Check the Blower Fan
Cleaning the blower fan of dust and mould can be a complicated task due to the hundreds of little blades it contains. It is recommended that you seek professional help for this task to ensure the job is done correctly.
Professionals have the right tools, knowledge and experience to safely and properly clean your blower fan. They will also be able to identify any potential problems with the fan that could lead to future issues.
Some areas may require specialized equipment or materials to help make the cleaning process easier, and a professional will have access to these items. Furthermore, they can provide advice on how to best maintain your fan in the future so you can avoid having to repeat the process anytime soon.
3. Check the Evaporator Coils
Visually inspect the coils for any dirt build up, as well as checking for signs of mould or mildew. If the coils appear dirty or have any visible signs of mould or mildew, it is likely that they will need to be cleaned.
You should also check for any decrease in the air flow, which can indicate a need for cleaning. Finally, if the evaporator coils are very cold to the touch but the air coming out of the vents is not cool enough, this could also indicate a need for cleaning.
If any of these issues are present, it is best to contact a professional to properly clean and maintain the evaporator coils.
4. Check the Condenser Unit
Firstly, inspect it for any visible dirt, dust, or other debris that may have accumulated on the unit. Check for any blockages or obstructions in the air flow. If there is any debris blocking the air flow, it should be removed. Additionally, check for any signs of corrosion or damage on the unit’s exterior.
If the condenser unit appears to be clean and undamaged, then it does not need to be cleaned. However, if there is debris, debris blockage, or signs of corrosion or damage, then the unit should be cleaned.
Cleaning the condenser unit should involve removing any dirt, dust, or debris from the unit. Any corroded or damaged parts should be professionally repaired or replaced as necessary.
5. Have a Technician Check the Refrigerant Levels
If you suspect that your refrigerator is not cooling as it should, a technician may be required to check the refrigerant levels. The technician will use specialized equipment to measure the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in the system. If the levels are lower than they should be, the technician can add more refrigerant to the system.
If the levels are too high, the technician may need to evacuate the system and recharge it with the correct amount of refrigerant. The technician may also need to inspect for signs of leaks or other issues that could be causing the low refrigerant levels.
Once the technician has identified and addressed any issues, the refrigerant levels should be back to normal, and your refrigerator should be functioning properly again.
6. Check the Thermostat
To check if a thermostat is working correctly, you should check the thermostat’s display to ensure that the temperature readings are accurate. If everything looks normal, then you can test the thermostat by adjusting the temperature to see if it is functioning properly.
If the thermostat is not adjusting the temperature accordingly or giving inaccurate readings, then you should consider hiring a professional. A professional HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the issue and determine whether repair or replacement is necessary.
7. Inspect Ducts for Air Leakage
Inspecting ducting for leaks, tears or gaps is an important part of keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently and safely. The first step in inspecting the ducts is to identify any visible signs of damage or wear.
Check for any cracked, broken, or bent sections of the ducting, as well as any holes, tears, or gaps that may have developed over time. If you notice any of these issues, it may be necessary for a professional to fix or replace the affected section of ducting.
When To Call a Professional for Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling
If you’ve checked all of the components of your air conditioner and it still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call a professional. A professional can help you identify the source of the problem and recommend the best course of action.
How Getting Your Air Conditioner Cleaned by A Professional Can Help
Getting your air conditioner cleaned by a professional can help improve its performance and extend its lifespan. Professional air conditioner cleaning services can help remove dirt and debris from the filters, blower fan, evaporator coils, and condenser unit, ensuring optimum performance.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting your air conditioner when it’s not cooling can be a challenge, but it’s important to identify the source of the problem before attempting any repairs. Checking the filters, blower fan, evaporator coils, and condenser unit, as well as checking the refrigerant levels and thermostat, can help you identify the source of the problem. If all else fails, it’s best to call a professional for help.