My AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

Living in Florida means dealing with extreme weather conditions. So, good luck if your air conditioning unit is not blowing cold air! That can be very unpleasant, especially on hot summer days!

In today's blog post, we will discuss some of the possible causes why your air conditioner is not blowing cold air. How can you identify the problem with your air conditioning unit? What can you do? And when to call an air conditioning system expert?

Possible Cause: A power source issue, a breaker issue, or a blown fuse.

When you notice your air conditioning system is not blowing cold air, it can be your power source or the circuit breaker. Be sure to check the fuse, as well. Sometimes, the problem is not the air conditioner but the fixtures linked to them. That's why it is important to check your power source, including the circuit breaker or a blown fuse.

How to identify the problem

You can identify this problem through spot checks or visual inspection. Pay attention to the AC's control systems. These include your programmable controls, sensors, transducers, frequency drives, and electronic controls on actuators.

Since an air conditioner consumes a lot of power to function, it is possible that the initial power surge caused some breaker issues and blew the fuse.

Try resetting your breaker and turning the AC on again to see if that solves the problem. You can also check if the motor has a built-in overload switch that needs to be reset. Lastly, take a quick look at the power cord to ensure it didn’t get pulled out of the socket.

Things you can do yourself

Before you call an air conditioning professional, try to reset the breaker then turn on the ac unit again. You should also check your HVAC system for overload switches that need to be reset. Finally, check the power cord to ensure it is plugged in properly.

When to call a professional

You should call an HVAC professional if your air conditioner is still not blowing cold air after resetting the circuit breaker and replacing the fuse. Consider calling an air conditioner expert for more complicated circuit breaker problems.

Possible cause: Thermostat issues

Another possible reason your air conditioner is not blowing cold air is because of thermostat issues. It can be due to improper settings, or a malfunctioning device that requires troubleshooting or replacement.

How to identify the problem

After power configuration, it's time to check the thermostat. If your device uses batteries, try replacing them with new ones to see if it will respond to the controls again. In case the thermostat responds, give it a few minutes to see if the air conditioner starts blowing cold air again.

Other signs of a device malfunction include the following:

• The AC system won't turn on
• The device doesn't respond to your changed settings
• HVAC or central air conditioning system cycle problems
• The device is unresponsive to programmed settings

Things you can do yourself

Here are some of the things you can do when you encounter issues:

• Check the screen if the light system is working. If not, then this may indicate device failure.
• Check your thermostat settings to see if the temperature is set properly. Sometimes, someone just accidentally changed the temperature.
• Evaluate the location of your device. Make sure the device is not in direct sunlight to avoid overheating and malfunctions.

When to call a professional

If everything mentioned above doesn't help your air conditioner blow cool air, then it's time to hire a professional to see if your device needs repair or replacement. For your peace of mind, choose Rheem thermostat products to ensure quality and durability.

Possible cause: The filter needs to be cleaned or replaced.

Another common reason air conditioners are not blowing cool air is due to dirty air filters. Well-maintained air filters are essential to help your air conditioner perform at its best. A clogged or dirty air filter can cause overheating and eventually shuts down your air conditioning unit.

How to identify the problem

Here are the signs your air filters need to be replaced:

• Your air conditioner unit is usually hot after switching it on for a few minutes.
• Your air conditioner is blowing warm air or the air is not that cool.
• A sudden increase in your energy bills.
• You or your household members are getting more episodes of allergy attacks.
• You notice more dust build-up near the vents.

Things you can do yourself

If your air conditioning unit uses a disposable air filter then you should just replace it with a new one. For permanent air filters, you can use a vacuum or water hose to clean off the dirt and other airborne particles. You can follow these simple steps below:

Step 1: Switch off the AC unit.

Step 2: Remove the filters.

Step 3: Use a vacuum to get rid of dust and dirt.

Step 4: Use a water hose to clean the filter.

Step 5: Reinstall the filter after drying.

When to call a professional

If your AC is still blowing warm air after cleaning or removing your AC filters, then it's time to hire a professional. The problem could be your heat pump, condenser coils, evaporator coils, or refrigerant leaks. These AC problems usually require professional service.

Possible cause: The drain may be clogged and need to be cleaned.

A clogged drain can cause your AC to blow warm air. This requires immediate action or it can cause more problems in the long run.

How to identify the problem

Here are signs that you have clogged drains:

• Pooling water
• System shutdown
• Noticeable bacterial growth (mold, mildew, and algae)
• Wet walls
• Freezing coolant lines

Things you can do yourself

Here's a simple DIY that can help fix problems with your AC not blowing cold air due to clogged condenser unit lines:

Step 1: Switch off your AC.

Step 2: Find the condensate drain pipes.

Step 3: Remove the pipe covers.

Step 4: Check if there is debris stuck in the drain. You can manually remove visible debris but be sure not to push it down the line.

Step 5: After manually removing debris, you can pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the pipe.

Step 6: Replace the drain cover after an hour.

When to call a professional

You may need professional AC repair services if your air conditioner is still having airflow problems after cleaning the condenser unit drain pipes.

Possible cause: The compressor might be dirty or blocked by debris.

Is your AC not blowing cold air? This can be due to a blocked or clogged compressor. Be sure to check both interior and exterior compressor units.

How to identify the problem

Here are signs of blocked or clogged AC compressors:

• The air conditioner is making strange noises
• Visible leaks
• A sudden increase in energy bills
• Warmer airflow
• The Exterior unit is overheating

Things you can do yourself

You can follow these steps to unclog your HVAC compressor:

Step 1: Turn off the air conditioner.

Step 2: Inspect the drain pan.

Step 3: Clear debris.

Step 4: Clean the drain pipes.

Step 5: Finish up.

When to call a professional

Compressor problems usually require a professional technician. It's better to hire a reputable HVAC company to fix this problem. So, if you see any signs of compressor issues, call a professional right away.

Possible cause: The refrigerant level may be low.

Another possible cause you feel warmer even though the air conditioning system is on is that your system has a low refrigerant level. If you notice this problem, check for a refrigerant leak.

How to identify the problem

Signs your refrigerant is leaking include the following:

• Cooling problems
• Inconsistent humidity or humid indoor air
• Long cooling cycles
• Ice build-up on evaporator coils
• Strange noises

When to call a professional

Refrigerant issues often require a professional repair. If you see signs of a refrigerant leak, call a professional HVAC technician.