Why Is Your Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

Woman fanning herself with fan because air conditioner is not blowing cold air.

It doesn’t get much worse than an air conditioner that doesn’t want to blow cold air in the middle of the sweltering hot summer. No matter how hard you bang, punch, or kick it, your AC won’t magically come to life and be fixed in short order. A faulty AC can occur for many reasons, so if you want to know how to fix an AC not blowing cold air, it’s a good idea to consider a few of these common reasons.

Incorrect Thermostat Setting

An air conditioner not blowing cold air can simply result from an incorrectly set thermostat. This is especially common during seasonal temperature changes. You might not have switched the thermostat from heating to cooling, or someone at home may have changed the temperature setting. 

Either way, fixing an AC not blowing cold air can be as simple as checking your thermostat, so make sure all the settings are correct before moving on to the next possible issue — your air filter.

Clogged Filter

A clogged filter is one of the most common reasons why your air conditioner is not blowing cold air. In fact, a host of other AC problems can arise from a dirty filter. 

Some air conditioning units turn off when the filter is clogged enough to restrict airflow. Your first step to fixing an AC not blowing cold air should be to check and change your air filter. Filters should be replaced every 30-90 days — make a note for yourself so you don’t forget. 

Low/Leaking Refrigerant

Low or leaking refrigerant is another common issue preventing your AC from cooling your home. A lack of adequate refrigerant leads to ice buildup in your AC, which in turn can result in system failure if not caught and repaired on time. 

Refrigerant doesn’t run out, so if you have low refrigerant levels, you should contact an HVAC professional to fix the problem.

Condenser or Evaporator Problems

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, a blocked condenser unit might be the root cause of your issues. Condensers bring air towards the condenser coils, but when dirt and debris get stuck within, condensers operate at lower efficiency and work extra hard to circulate air in your home. 

Evaporator coils absorb heat from the indoors and are essential to the cooling process that begins in your home. Naturally, the moisture content means your evaporator is prone to mildew and mold buildup. This not only leads to an air conditioner not blowing cold air but also a system that blows inefficient, smelly, and unhealthy air into your home. 

Ductwork Damage

Occasionally, rodents can end up in your ductwork and bite holes in the air ducts that cause your airflow to be restricted and reduced. Tears in your ductwork can also occur over time and cause you to lose air, making your AC system work harder for a benefit you might not feel. You’ll eventually turn down your thermostat to compensate, and all that does is wear out your system over time. Calling an air conditioning maintenance expert to examine your ductwork should be one of your first steps to fixing an AC not blowing cold air. 

Proper Maintenance Can Bring Your Air Conditioner Back to Life

Fortunately, an air conditioner not blowing cold air isn’t the end of the world. You can take many steps to restore your air conditioner, but the best thing you can do is reach out to HVAC professionals like Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our experience with all things heating and cooling is exactly what you need to keep the cool air flowing through your ac unit. Contact us today and schedule an air conditioning repair service you’re sure to love.