9 Reasons Your A/C System Is Not Blowing Cold Air

Florida’s heat waves are notorious for forcing people to hunker down in their homes. The last thing you want is to face an A/C not blowing cold air right when you need it most. This problem has various potential causes. If the A/C unit is running but not blowing cold air, consider nine possible reasons why. Then, if you can’t troubleshoot the problem yourself, call an HVAC contractor in Volusia or Flagler County for help.

AC Repair Services in Volusia & Flagler Counties, FL

1. Dirty Air Filter

Why is the A/C not blowing cold air? The first reason could be a dirty air filter. As it traps dust, pollen, and other particulates, this filter becomes clogged, restricting airflow and reducing A/C efficiency. The unit may even overheat and shut off to prevent damage, leaving you with an overly warm interior. To avoid this problem, check your air filter monthly and replace it when it appears dirty.

2. Faulty Thermostat

Incorrect settings or a faulty thermostat may lead you to believe your A/C unit has a serious problem when the solution might be as simple as replacing the batteries or adjusting a setting. First, ensure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode. If it’s in “fan” mode, the blower will run constantly, even when the compressor is off, causing the unit to blow warm air. Next, try changing the batteries. If all else fails, recalibrating or replacing the thermostat may resolve the issue.

3. Cooling Switch Issues

The cooling switch triggers the air conditioning process. When this switch malfunctions, it can lead to a scenario where the air conditioner is running but not blowing cold air. Electrical problems or faulty internal components could be to blame. Troubleshooting this problem involves understanding the unit’s electrical system, so you may need an HVAC technician’s help.

4. Malfunctioning Compressor

The compressor circulates refrigerant that cools the air. When it malfunctions, the entire system is compromised, causing the house A/C to not blow cold air. A compressor can fail due to wear and tear, electrical issues, or low refrigerant. Because the compressor is a complex and expensive component, damage here may warrant a complete A/C system replacement.

5. Dirty or Obstructed Condenser Unit

The outdoor condenser unit expels heat extracted from the indoor air, with tiny metal fins acting as vital heat sinks. A dirty or obstructed condenser unit impedes heat transfer, causing your air conditioner to not blow cold air despite running constantly. Regularly clean the condenser coil to remove pollen, dust, grass clippings, and other debris. Then, trim back surrounding vegetation to ensure the unit can “breathe.”

6. Dirty Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is part of the indoor unit, absorbing heat from your home’s air before sending it to the condenser unit. This coil can accumulate a dusty film, insulating it and reducing its ability to absorb heat efficiently. If this happens, you may notice a decline in cooling performance. To prevent this issue, schedule regular A/C maintenance, which includes evaporator coil cleaning and other tasks that promote effective cooling.

7. Leaky Ductwork

When air ducts are not properly sealed, cool air that should circulate through your home escapes into unconditioned areas like the attic or crawl space. Warm air also intermingles with the cool ductwork air, making it feel lukewarm once it flows from your supply registers. A professional ductwork inspection is the key to identifying and repairing these air leaks.

8. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the lifeblood of air conditioning. It absorbs heat from your home’s interior and releases it outdoors. A leaky refrigerant line causes the levels to drop, diminishing your A/C’s cooling ability. This issue can cause your air conditioner to run but not blow cold air as it struggles to achieve the desired indoor temperature. Refrigerant leaks also harm the environment, so don’t put off the necessary repairs.

9. Faulty Capacitor

The capacitor provides the initial burst of energy needed to start the A/C compressor and fan. Capacitors can wear out or fail due to power surges or overheating. Symptoms of a faulty capacitor include a humming noise from the A/C unit or short cycling without proper cooling. Because capacitors store an electrical charge, replacing them can be dangerous. Leave this job to a professional HVAC technician for the best results.

Maintenance Services in Volusia & Flagler Counties, FL

Beat the Heat with Expert HVAC Service

Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Best Value A/C & Heating LLC is here to help you beat the heat! Our family-owned business has an A+ BBB rating, Angi membership, and commitment to quality. We’re personable with our customers and value the trust you place in us to keep your Florida home comfortable. The next time your cooling system acts up, turn to us for 24/7 emergency service. We’ll fix your A/C not blowing cold air and restore home comfort ASAP! Contact us for expert HVAC service in Volusia and Flagler Counties.