Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air
You may be wondering – why is my ac not blowing cold air? The primary role of the air conditioner is to blow cold air to keep the room temperature and humidity at a comfortable level. Cold air is a fundamental aspect of a properly functioning air conditioning system. If the AC isn’t blowing cold air, then there’s something wrong with it. It could be a faulty component, refrigerant leak, blocked airflow, or another issue.
As a first step, you need to identify the issue so know what needs to be done to fix the issue. However, before you can fix the problem yourself or find a company that provides ac repair services in Las Vegas, it helps to have a solid understanding of what could be causing the AC to not blow cold air.
Thermostat and Electrical Issues
One of the most common reasons for the AC not blowing cold indoor air is the thermostat. If you are lucky, it could just be a settings issue where the thermostat temperature is set too high, causing the AC to switch off as it has already reached that temperature. You can check the thermostat settings to determine if that is the issue.
More complicated issues with a thermostat may require a visit from an HVAC technician. They can check for calibration problems and sensor malfunctions. In some cases, the thermostat might have been damaged and would require a replacement. Similarly, if there is an issue with the sensor, you could try cleaning it. If that doesn’t work, it may also need a replacement.
Electrical problems with AC can also lead to poor performance, including no cold air. For example, if the circuit breaker or safety switch is tripping or there are voltage issues, that could be the reason why your AC isn’t blowing cold air. If the major electrical components are functioning properly, then there could be an issue with the wiring.
Air Flow and Ductwork Problems
There are different types of airflow and ductwork problems. It could just be clogged or dirty air filters that are obstructing the airflow. You might be surprised how quickly dust and dirt can accumulate on the air filter, clogging it to the point where the AC is unable to blow cold air.
You can either clean the air filters or replace them to fix this issue. Ideally, you don’t want to wait until the filter gets clogged to replace or clean it. This should be part of your routine AC maintenance.
Any leaks in the ductwork could be another reason for no cold air. If the air is allowed to escape from the ductwork, the AC won’t be able to blow cool air at the intended spaces. This issue can be fixed through professional inspection and vent sealing by HVAC technicians.
Design issues with the duct where the duct is the wrong size or has long duct runs can also reduce airflow through the air conditioning system. Additionally, poor insulation can lead to issues with AC performance. It can make it harder for the unit to reach the desired temperature.
Another common culprit for no cold air is a faulty or broken AC fan. This could be a result of problems with the motor or damaged blades. If the AC is not functioning properly, there could be major issues with the airflow through the air conditioning unit. If the fan is completely broken, it will not be blowing air at all.
In some cases, poor furniture placement, blocked or clogged registers, or closed vents can restrict airflow, keeping the AC from blowing cold air. You need to ensure the indoor and outdoor units do not have any blocked vents or obstructions.
Maintenance-Related Issues
Regular maintenance can play a major role in preventing AC problems. If you want to get optimum performance, longevity, and reliability from your AC, then you need to invest in maintenance.
The air conditioner is supposed to be a closed cycle that should not need any refrigerant replacement. However, the refrigerant will leak even if there is a tiny breach in the system. If there is no or low refrigerant, the AC will not be able to blow cold air. In addition, running the AC with low refrigerant can cause the unit to overheat and get damaged.
Some of the moving parts of the AC may require lubrication. For example, the fan motor and compressor have moving parts that can get worn out due to friction if there is poor lubrication. Any worn or loose belts in the AC system must be identified and fixed. Similarly, if there is any corrosion in the internal components, such as the condenser coil or the evaporator coil, that needs to be addressed before the corrosion damages other parts.
Some AC manufacturers provide a maintenance schedule, but as so many factors can influence the performance of the AC unit, it’s best to get regular inspections. The frequency of service depends on several factors, including the age of the AC unit, environmental conditions, history of AC problems, poor installation, and more. You can get an initial inspection from an HVAC technician to determine an appropriate maintenance schedule to keep the system in working condition.
When to Call a Professional
Is your AC blowing warm air? A lot of things can go wrong with the AC, and it can get frustrating and overwhelming to identify the issue. If you don’t have professional training or industry-grade tools, it’s challenging to determine the cause of poor AC performance yourself.
You can only know for certain of the AC problem after a thorough professional inspection of the unit. While you may be able to fix small issues yourself, such as changing the thermostat settings or replacing the air filter, anything more complex may require the expertise of a professional HVAC technician.
If you want an experienced and trained HVAC company to fix your AC, call us at Active Plumbing and Air. We offer all types of AC services, including identifying the cause of no cold air.