Imagine this: it’s a hot summer day, and you’re sweating bullets. You turn on your central air conditioning unit, hoping to get some relief from the oppressive heat, and it kicks to life. Yet after a moment, you realize something: the air conditioner is not blowing cold air, but it is running. An air conditioner that doesn’t cool your home in the summer is worse than useless. It’s a frustrating experience, but it’s also a mystifying one. Why in the world is your central air not cold?
5 Reasons Why Your Central AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
There are a few reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not blowing cold air. It can be hard to tell which problem is at play, which is why it’s always wise to turn to the experts in these situations. However, here are some of the most common causes why your central air might not be working the way it’s supposed to:
1. The Thermostat Is Not Set Correctly
The thermostat is the control panel for your central air conditioning unit. It is responsible for turning the unit on and off and for setting the desired temperature. If the thermostat is not set correctly, the AC unit will not be able to cool your home properly.
To check the thermostat, make sure it is set to a cool temperature and that the fan is set to the “cool” setting. If the thermostat is set to the wrong temperature, adjust it accordingly. If the fan is not set to the “cool” setting, change it. If the thermostat is still not working properly, you may need to replace it.
2. The Air Filter Is Dirty
The air filter is located inside the air conditioning unit. It is responsible for filtering the air that is circulated throughout your home. If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow and prevent the AC unit from cooling properly.
To check the air filter, remove it from the unit and inspect it. If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new one. Air filters should be replaced every 1-2 months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty environment. If the air filter is still dirty after you have replaced it, you may need to clean the air conditioning unit more often.
3. The Condenser Coil Is Dirty
The condenser coil is located outside your home. It is responsible for removing heat from the air. If the condenser coil is dirty, it can’t work properly, and the air conditioner will run but won’t blow cold air.
To clean the condenser coil, use a garden hose to spray it with water. Be sure to avoid spraying the electrical components of the unit. If the condenser coil is still dirty after you have cleaned it, you may need to have a professional clean it for you.
4. The Refrigerant Levels Are Low
Refrigerant is a chemical that helps to transfer heat from inside your home to outside. If the refrigerant levels are low, your central air will not be cold.
To check the refrigerant levels, you will need to use a gauge. If the gauge shows that the refrigerant levels are low, or if you don’t have access to such a gauge, you will need to have a professional check your refrigerant levels and add more to your AC unit if necessary.
5. The Compressor Is Not Working Properly
The compressor is the heart of your central air conditioning unit. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant. If the compressor is not working, your central AC will not blow cold air.
To check the compressor, you will need to use a multimeter. As most homeowners might not have access to a multimeter, you may need to have a professional check. If the multimeter shows that the compressor is not working properly, you will likely need to have that same professional repair or replace the compressor.
Keeping Your Central AC Unit Working Properly
If your central air conditioning unit is on but not blowing cold air, these are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem yourself. However, there may be some issues, such as those with the compressor or refrigerant, that you won’t be able to diagnose or resolve yourself. In cases such as these, it’s best to call a professional to find the problem and repair your AC unit so it can blow cold air once more.
With more than 70 years of experience keeping New Castle County cool, you can rely on Burns & McBride with any of your air conditioning installation, repair, or maintenance needs. Trust us — we’ve seen and solved every problem possible.
Contact us today or invest in a maintenance service plan to ensure your air conditioning unit stays running for as long as possible.
