Aircon Not Blowing Cold Air – What To Do

Ever found your aircon not blowing cold air as it should in summer, and instead giving you unwanted warm air? It can be particularly frustrating, especially when there's no relief from the hot air outside. There are a few reasons why this common issue might occur, from simple thermostat problems or a blown fuse, to more complex mechanical failures. Understanding the possible reasons behind the problem can help you address it promptly and effectively.

Maintaining a cool and comfortable home is essential, so it’s crucial to identify and resolve any issues with your air con as soon as possible. Today we’re here to explore the common causes and provide guidance on what to do when AC units don’t perform as they should.

Check the Thermostat Settings

When you find your aircon not blowing cold air, the first step is to check the thermostat settings. Make sure you have it set to ‘cool’ mode and the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. It’s easy to overlook these simple settings, but they’re often the root cause of the problem.

Sometimes, you might have the thermostat located in a poor location, such as near a heat source or in direct sunlight. This can cause it to misread the room’s actual temperature, causing the aircon to not function as expected. Moving the thermostat to a central, shaded area of your home can help improve its accuracy.

If the settings seem correct, but thermostat issues persist, the thermostat itself may simply be faulty or malfunctioning. In this instance, we recommend getting a licensed technician to inspect the device and replace it if need be.

Inspect the Air Filters

It’s not uncommon for a dirty or clogged filter to be why your air conditioner stops blowing cold air. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in the filter. This can cause the system to stop enough air getting through which effectively reduces its efficiency. Not only will this impact the cooling performance of your air conditioner – it can also create more significant issues if you don’t do something about it.

How Often Should You Change Your Filters?

If you want to keep the peak performance of your air conditioner, you’ll need to regularly clean and replace its filters. In general, you should change your air filters every three months. However, you may need to do it more frequently if any of these reasons apply:

• High air conditioning usage
• You own pets that shed fur
• You’re in a dusty or polluted environment
• You or other occupants of the home suffer from allergies
• You have renovations or major home improvements going on that cause dust and dirt

If you notice that the air filter is visibly dirty or clogged, it’s time to replace it. Continuing to use a dirty filter can strain your air conditioning system, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line. Keep up with this simple maintenance task to avoid future problems.

Assess the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit plays a vital role in the cooling process. If it’s not functioning correctly, your air conditioner may struggle with blowing air.

Start by inspecting the AC unit for debris such as leaves, dirt, or branches. These can obstruct airflow and hinder its performance. Clearing away these obstructions can often restore the system’s efficiency.

It’s also important to have enough clearance around the outdoor unit. It requires a sufficient amount of space around it to dissipate heat effectively. If the outdoor unit has plants or other objects crowding it, trim them back to allow for proper ventilation.

To keep your aircon running smoothly, you need to keep the outdoor unit well-maintained. Periodically checking for blockages and keeping the unit clean can prevent more severe issues from developing. This will help keep your air conditioner effective in cooling your home in summer.

Check for Refrigerant Issues

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system. If there’s an issue with it, your aircon won’t blow cold air.

Low refrigerant levels or a refrigerant leak can significantly impact the system’s ability to cool your home. Unlike some of the previously discussed issues, you’re legally obligated to use a licensed air con technician to address any refrigerant problems. This is due to environmental and compliance reasons.

Common Indicators of Refrigerant-related Problems

So how do you know if you have refrigerant issues with your air conditioner? Common indicators include:

• Reduced cooling efficiency
• Ice build-up on the refrigerant lines
• Hissing or bubbling noises
• Increased energy bills

These signs should prompt you to contact an experienced technician for an inspection.

It’s crucial not to ignore refrigerant problems, as running an HVAC system with low refrigerant can cause damage to the compressor, leading to costly repairs. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and address refrigerant issues before they escalate.

Examine the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils are critical components in the cooling process. Your air conditioner may stop blowing cold air if they become dirty or damaged. Dirt and grime can accumulate on the coils over time. This insulates and stops them from effectively absorbing or releasing heat, which restricts the cooling capacity of your system.

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly, it’s worth checking the coils for any visible dirt or ice build-up. Poor airflow or low refrigerant levels can cause an evaporator coil to freeze. which can block the cooling process entirely. Regular cleaning and maintenance of these coils with a soft toothbrush are essential to keep your aircon functioning efficiently.

To prevent future issues, we recommend scheduling professional cleaning and inspection of the coils at least once a year. This will ensure that they remain in good condition and that your air conditioner continues to effectively cool your home.

Inspect the Air Ducts

Air ducts are responsible for distributing cool air throughout your home. If there’s an issue with them, your air conditioner might not blow cold air effectively. Over time, air ducts can develop leaks or blockages. They can significantly reduce the airflow and cooling efficiency of your current system.

Poorly insulated or damaged ducts can also allow cool air to escape before it reaches the rooms in your home. This will cause your aircon to work harder than necessary. The flow-on effect of this is two-fold. Not only does it decrease the cooling ability of your system, but it also increases energy consumption, leading to higher power bills.

To keep your air ducts in good condition, have a licensed technician thoroughly inspect them. The technician will identify any leaks, blockages, or insulation problems and make the necessary repairs to restore your air conditioner’s performance.

Enjoy Climate-Controlled Cool Comfort Throughout Your Home

Quickly getting on top of the problem of your aircon not blowing cold air can prevent further damage and ensure your home remains comfortable during the hot months. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your system running smoothly.

If your aircon continues to struggle blowing cool air despite these checks, it’s important to seek professional assistance. Timely intervention can not only restore cooling but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, saving you from more costly repairs in the future.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Aircon Not Blowing Cold Air – What To Do? ”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See After Hours Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.