A few things are to blame if you find that an air conditioner is not blowing cold air. Fortunately, there are ways to fix the problem as we discuss in this article.
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Air Conditioner Is Not Blowing Cold Air – How to Fix
If an air conditioner is not blowing cold air, check the following and fix the faulty ones:
1. Air Filter
Locate the air filter in your air conditioner. Usually, it should be in the inside unit if it is a split unit. Remove the front cover panel to find it. If that is not the location, consult the user manual for directions. Remove the filter and shake the dust out of it.
If the dust is more than shaking can take care of, wash it with water and mild soap. But do that only if the filter has been in use for less than three months. Otherwise, you need to replace the air filter for the unit to work optimally.
Dirt on the air filter typically stops the air conditioner from blowing cold air. The reason you need to replace it often is that it takes a short time for it to become dirty. The filter works every day, all day to remove all types of impurities in the air.
Over time, it becomes significantly dirty and reduces the flow of cold air into your home. If you do not wash or replace the filter, the dirt can cause irreparable damage to different parts of the air conditioner, including the condenser and evaporator coils.
2. Refrigerant
When there is a refrigerant problem with your air conditioner, it is crucial to find an HVAC technician as quickly as possible to fix the problem. Turn off the air conditioner and open the windows and doors to let in air and have cross ventilation.
The reason is that the closed system is leaking, causing a reduction in the gas. Because it is odorless, you may not catch it on time until it has filled the air and the air conditioner stops blowing cold air. Refrigerant may be hazardous to health if you breathe it in large amounts.
Typically, refrigerant recycles within the system as it flows from the compressor through the lines to the evaporator. Then, it flows back into the condenser after absorbing heat from the air. The process begins again after the condenser coil releases the heat in the refrigerant into the air and the refrigerant flows back into the cooling lines. Therefore, there is usually no need to refill or recharge the system.
3. Evaporator Coil
If you suspect the evaporator coil, turn it off for a few hours. Allow it to sit without power until the evaporator coil thaws. Be sure the drain is clean and clear so that the defrost and condensate water can flow out of the unit. Also, ensure you empty and clean the drain pan so that it does not overflow.
Dirt in the air filter or on the coil can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. The mixture of dirt and moisture creates a breeding ground for bacteria and leads to the growth of mold and mildew. And when the evaporator is frozen or has mold and mildew, it can no longer cool the air conditioner. As a result, the air conditioner stops blowing cold air.
4. Thermostat
Check the thermostat to ensure it is in good working condition. Ensure the batteries are working and the temperature is set to the desired point. It should be at Cool or Auto, but someone may accidentally adjust it to Heat.
If that does not solve the problem, the thermostat may be faulty. You may not have the requisite training to check the thermostat’s wiring, so employ the services of an electrician or a technician to check the thermostat. Replace it if it is no longer working.
If the thermostat has fault batteries or loose wiring, the air conditioner will not work. That is because the air temperature has to rise above a certain point, beyond the thermostat temperature setting. Then, the air conditioner can turn on and cool the room.
5. Condenser Coil
It is crucial to check and clean the condenser coil as regularly as every month. That way, it does not accumulate dirt and reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. If you cannot clean it yourself, hire a professional to clean it thoroughly. It is recommended that only a professional should clean it to prevent damage to the fins. Otherwise, the condenser will stop working.
The coil has the job of releasing heat from the refrigerant after it absorbs it from the air. However, dirt becomes insulation to prevent the dissipation of heat, causing it to remain trapped within the system. Consequently, the heat causes the air conditioner to stop blowing cold. And if it continues, it may completely damage the unit.
6. Vents
If the air conditioner is the central type, you may want to check other parts of the house to see if the cooling problem is general. If it is, you know the problem is from the unit. But if only one room has a cooling problem, check the vents to ensure nothing is obstructing them. You must clean the vents and swing them if that applies.
If the vents are not the problem or any other part of the air conditioning unit, it may be time to check the compressor. You may also consider replacing the air conditioner if the cost of fixing or replacing a faulty compressor is too high.
It is best to service your home’s air conditioning system every three months. Regular service will catch errors and faulty parts before they cause irreparable damage. And if you have to repair any part of the unit, ensure you use the services of a qualified technician.
Air Conditioner Is Not Blowing Cold Air in Car – Solved
The compressor may have a problem or there may be a leak. The problem could also stem from low refrigerant, radiator issues, dusty filters, or a faulty fan. But it may be from the blend air door. You will have to take the car to a technician to check each part and replace the faulty one.
The blend air door resides behind the car’s dashboard, way deep there. It is not a job you can do yourself, so if it is the problem you need the services of a technician to find and fix it permanently.
The blend air door opens to block off warm air flowing into your car whenever you turn on the air conditioner. It ensures the cold air flows in and cools the car. But if the door sticks, only warm air will come into the car because it cannot block it. Even if the air conditioner blows cold air, it cannot reach the car.
1. Refrigerant Leak
Your car air conditioner may have a hole in the cooling lines, causing the refrigerant in the system to leak. This problem is not one that has a quick fix because the technician needs to find the leaking spot, fix it, and add more refrigerant. In some cases, the fix means replacing the leaking coil.
2. Electrical Issues
Some important parts of your car’s air conditioning unit are electrically controlled. If there is something as simple as a blown fuse, the system will stop working, including the compressor. Take your car to a repair technician to check the electrical system and determine whether or not the problem comes from there.
3. Condenser Problems
When the condenser is unable to turn the refrigerant or freon from gas to liquid, the coolant will not flow. And if the coolant does not flow, the air conditioner will not blow cold air. Therefore, ensure the condenser is not dirty or obstructed by anything. Clean it and ensure it is in good working condition.
4. Compressor Malfunction
A malfunctioning compressor cannot compress the refrigerant. If it fails to happen, the freon cannot expand to absorb heat from the air when flows to the evaporator coil. Hence, there will be no cold air from the air conditioner.
While a few issues such as electrical malfunction, low refrigerant level, and too much heat can adversely affect the compressor, age and internal wiring problems can also affect it. It is crucial to discuss it with a technician to find a permanent fix.
Most issues with car air conditioners are pretty easy to fix, so it is nothing to worry about if you have one. However, they may not be easy for a DIYer to fix because of their technical nature. Therefore, allow a qualified and experienced auto technician to check and fix your car.
Check out these other articles…
Goodman Air Conditioner Compressor [Problems & Solutions]
Goodman Air Conditioner Not Cooling [Proven Solution]
What Size Goodman AC Do I Need? [Detailed Answer]
Goodman Air Conditioner Leaking [Proven Solutions]
Goodman Air Conditioner Not Working [How to Fix]
Goodman Air Conditioner Not Turning On [How to Fix]
Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air/Not Blowing Hot Air [Solutions]
Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air After Power Outage – Quick Fix
The capacitor may have malfunctioned or the circuit breaker may have tripped. The compressor may also have failed, which is a more serious issue. When there is a power outage, these parts may develop faults, and checking them first may help in fixing the problem. This article will help you test each part and replace them if necessary.
Air Conditioner Is Blowing Cold Air But Not Cooling House – Solved
Dirty air filters can reduce the amount of cold air coming from the air conditioner. Fortunately, it is easy to clean a dirty filter or replace an old one. The air conditioner vents may also be closed or obstructed. Dirty air filters can also cause the vents not to release as much cold air as the house needs to cool.
In addition to the above, the thermostat may be set wrongly, causing an insufficient flow of cold air into the house. Ensure the thermostat’s batteries are working by checking if the component is lit. If it is, check to see it is set correctly. Also, ensure the thermostat is positioned in the right part of the house.
You may need the services of a professional HVAC technician to check the thermostat’s wiring to ensure the component is properly installed and the wiring is correct. Otherwise, check the condenser and evaporator coils, as well as the refrigerant level. An insufficient amount of refrigerant will affect the cooling capacity of the air conditioner.
My RV Air Conditioner Is Not Blowing Cold Air – Quick Fix
Check the following if the air conditioner in your RV is not blowing cold air:
1. Voltage Supply
The air conditioner needs an adequate supply of power to cool the RV. if the supply is at 100 volts or lower, the unit will not run as it should. As a result, it will not blow cold air. Ensure the air conditioner is connected to its own power source and that it is getting enough voltage.
2. Airflow
When the condenser is clogged with leaves and other debris, it cannot efficiently remove hot air from the unit. Dirt blankets the fins and traps the heat within, reducing the unit’s cooling capacity.
Clean the condenser’s fins to remove dirt and enable the heat to dissipate. If you are unsure how to clean the fins, it is best to hire a professional to do it. That way, you do not risk bending the fins and damaging the entire unit.
Dusty vents and air filters can also impede airflow. So, replace the filter or wash it if it has not been in use for too long. Next, check the vents to ensure they are fully open and nothing is blocking them. Also, clean them to remove dirt that may restrict air.
3. Thermostat
Ensure the thermostat is in good working condition. If it is not, it is likely to affect the functionality of the compressor. The motor may turn on only intermittently, preventing the unit from blowing cold air as it should. Test and replace the thermostat if it is no longer working.
4. Ducts
Ensure the ducts are not leaking air. The cold air will waste if they are and the evaporator coil is at risk of getting frozen. You may need to use proper insulation on the ductwork to be sure the return air does not mix with the supply air and affect the cooling function. Place your hand close to the duct for return air. If it is releasing cold air, you need a technician to fix it.
5. Sun Rays
Poor insulation can cause the air conditioner to stop blowing cold air. When the weather is significantly hot, the insulation cannot keep the heat out. Consequently, it accumulates and inhibits cooling because the air conditioner cannot push it out. You may have to find a cooler spot to park your RV or reduce your time out under the sun if you are using the AC while on the move.
Recap
Find a quick solution if your air conditioner is not blowing cold air. Usually, there are proven solutions, but you may want to hire an experienced HVAC technician to service and fix complex problems. That way, you do not cause irreparable damage to the unit.