Besides making your home uncomfortable, a faulty AC can lead to various health risks for you and your family. However, just because your AC is not blowing cold air does not mean it needs expensive repairs. There are different reasons why it may fail to blow cold air. The following are some of the reasons.
1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your air conditioner is running but does not blow cold air, check the thermostat settings first. Ensure you set your thermostat to cool. You should also set it to a temperature lower than your home’s. You should then wait a few minutes and check if the issue is fixed. If the air is still warm, your AC has another underlying problem.
2. Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
Air filters trap hair, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that make the air unhealthy. Thus, if you fail to change them regularly, it does not take long for them to become dirty and fully clogged. In such a case, air fails to flow correctly into your home. Your AC may also shut down if it fails to get enough air. If the clogged air filters stay in your AC for too long, they may lead to faster wearing and tearing of other parts. You should replace the filters at least once every 90 days.
3. Your AC Is Old
Older AC models are no longer manufactured, and there is a good reason for that: they are not as efficient as newer models. Typically, you should not use an AC for over 15 years, which is the maximum lifespan for some AC systems. An older system may lose its ability to cool a home over time. Therefore, if your system is older than 15 years, you should begin making arrangements to replace it. A newer AC model saves energy and cools your home more efficiently.
4. The Refrigerant Is Leaking
Refrigerant is a chemical that is crucial during the cooling process. Thus, if the refrigerant is leaking, your AC will run but not cool your home. Note that the refrigerant cools the home by absorbing the heat from the indoor air and expelling it outside. If there are low refrigerant levels, the cooling process will not occur. Signs to look out for to know whether the refrigerant is leaking include a hissing sound emanating from your AC and ice buildup. Please note that this problem should not be solved by adding more refrigerant; the leak should be inspected and repaired before any refrigerant can be added.
5. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Humidity and heat energy are removed from the warm air as it passes through the evaporator coils. The result is that cooler air is circulated back to your home. However, when these coils become dirty, proper airflow through them is restricted. This hinders the AC from cooling the air. Dirty evaporator coils may result from either clogged air filters or leaking refrigerant. Signs of dirty evaporator coils include higher utility bills, excess condensate drainage, frost over the coils, and inadequate cooling.
6. Undersized AC
A common mistake some homeowners make is buying an air conditioner based on their budget instead of room requirement. ACs differ in how much cooling they can provide, measured in British Thermal Units. You might not notice any issues with an undersized AC unit until the temperatures rise outside. The AC begins to struggle to keep your home cool and cozy and may run for extended periods. Various factors should be examined when determining the required sizing of a system for your home, including the square footage, local climate, and quality of insulation.
The Bottom Line
When the weather becomes hot outside, you count on your AC to give you a cool environment inside your home. If your AC fails to blow cold air, it will not take much time before the temperature inside becomes unbearable. There are different reasons why your system could fail to blow cold air, ranging from simple to complex issues. Whatever it may be, ensure you call a professional to give you a detailed diagnosis.
Rely on the Experts
Call us today at Weather Masters Corp. for expert AC repair services if you reside in Frederick or the surrounding areas. Are you looking for residential or commercial HVAC services? We are here for you. Call us today if you also need help with your indoor air quality.
