Nothing is better than getting comfortable at home and cranking the AC on a hot day. That’s why it’s so disappointing when the temperature in your home doesn’t reflect what’s on your thermostat. So, why is my AC not blowing cold air?
Your AC won’t blow cold air if the thermostat is poorly calibrated or has faulty wiring. Ductwork leaks and obstructed vents can also stop cold air from circulating throughout your house. Otherwise, it could be because of a refrigerant leak, clogged drain line, or faulty compressor. Even a dirty air filter can explain why your AC is not blowing cold air.
We’ve seen every possible cause for an underperforming air conditioner. Follow along as we explore why your AC is not blowing cold air and highlight the best solutions.
Why Won’t My AC Blow Cold Air?
Air conditioners can fail to blow cold air if even one component of the system fails. Luckily, it’s easier to find the culprit than it may seem with a basic understanding of common causes.
1. Thermostat Malfunction
Thermostats are directly tied to an AC’s performance. They use signals to activate the furnace and AC, but only when they work properly. Thermostats can malfunction because of everything from weak batteries to wiring problems.
This can also happen if your thermostat is over 10 years old, as that’s often when they go bad. We encourage our customers to first change the batteries. If that doesn’t work, we inspect the thermostat for faulty wiring.
It could even be that your thermostat was installed incorrectly. Replacing or recalibrating a thermostat is the easiest solution to an AC not blowing cold air.
2. Obstructed Vents
It’s easy to assume your AC is broken when it doesn’t seem like it’s blowing cold air, but that’s often not the case. Something as simple as blocked vents can make it seem that your AC is broken. For example, we see many people block vents with furniture, rugs, and even plants.
Conversely, vents can become obstructed even if you don’t cover them with objects. For example, pet hair, dust, dirt, and debris can clog vent openings. Small objects, such as toys, can fall into vents and block the airflow.
We closely inspect vents when we see this happen, and you’d be shocked at what we find. Whether it be loose change or your child’s favorite toy, it disrupts the airflow. Check each of the vents in your home when you run the AC and make sure they’re not blocked.
3. Ductwork Leak
Without sturdy ductwork, you can’t count on great airflow throughout your home. Cold air travels through ductwork and comes out of vents. However, it won’t feel like your AC is blowing cold air if the ductwork leaks.
We typically see this happen because of corrosion within ducts. Eventually, the excessive moisture can cause holes to form in the ductwork. It can also happen if there are loose screws, or if the ductwork is simply too old.
These holes and gaps prevent cold air from going where it should, and you won’t feel cold air. Luckily, this is a fixable problem, but the solution depends on the extent of the leak. We typically seal ducts or replace sections of the ductwork to fix this problem. Sometimes, we must use a smoke machine to find the source of the leak.
4. Faulty Compressor
Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit contains an important part of the system: the compressor. Compressors are prone to several problems because of their location outdoors. For example, leaves, branches, and other debris from your yard can work their way into the unit.
This causes damage that can stop your AC from blowing cold air. Whether it be electrical problems or mechanical problems, it’s something that needs attention right away.
You may still hear the fans run, but you won’t feel any cold air at home. This is something that is best handled by HVAC technicians as you can cause further damage if you mishandle the repair.
5. Clogged Drain Line
Condensation is a natural part of any air conditioner, and it’s normal. That’s why HVAC systems have drain lines to collect and remove the condensation. Eventually, dust, debris, and even mold can clog drain lines.
Your AC won’t blow cold air if the drain line is clogged, but it’s typically an easy problem to fix. It ultimately depends on the severity of the blockage. We use everything from shop vacs to plumbing snakes to remove clogs from drain lines.
6. Old Air Filter
Have you gone more than 90 days without replacing your air filter? If so, that is likely why your AC is not blowing cold air. It doesn’t take long for air filters to become clogged with dust, dirt, and even pet hair.
Once an air filter becomes clogged, it’s hard for air to pass through the filter. Your AC system may still cool the air, but you won’t feel it as strongly. We recommend you change your air filter every 3 months or as needed when it becomes clogged.
Make sure to buy the correct filter for your AC. They come in different sizes, and it’s a great idea to keep a few around for emergencies. Feel free to contact us if you’re not sure about which filter is right for your system.
7. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is necessary to absorb heat so your air conditioner can distribute cold air throughout your home. Your AC won’t blow cold air if there is a refrigerant leak, but it will run frequently. In other words, it will increase your electric bill, but you won’t feel any cold air.
Refrigerant leaks typically happen due to excessive corrosion that creates gaps and small holes. Not only is this an inconvenient problem, but it is also dangerous. Our team can either solder the leak to seal it or replace the evaporator coil. It depends on the severity of the leak, but it’s something that needs immediate repair.
Don’t Wait to Fix Your Air Conditioner
The longer an HVAC system goes on, the more it can strain your AC. That’s why it’s important to troubleshoot your AC or call a professional right away. We’ve fixed countless AC systems that won’t blow cold air. Call Queen B Plumbing at (908) 633-1333 if your AC is not blowing cold air and we will get it running in no time.
