Why Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

Posted on by meister

This article describes several issues that can cause your AC to stop producing cold air:

    • A leak in the refrigerant line, resulting in levels too low to cool the air
    • Water in the condenser drainpipe, which trips the condensate airflow switch to prevent unit damage
    • Algae clogging the drainage line, which will trigger a unit shutdown

Arizona’s East Valley gets uncomfortably warm starting in spring, and by summer, the outdoors are positively roasting. If your AC goes out during that window, you’re in trouble.

There are many ways an HVAC system can stop working, but one of the most insidious is when it fails to cool air. You may not notice immediately, as air is still being distributed through the house, and you can hear the fan running. However, it’ll soon become apparent that something’s wrong as the temperature keeps climbing despite your AC supposedly running at full blast.

Whether your AC is blowing warm air or has stopped running altogether, you need repairs fast. Fortunately, HVAC professionals such as the team at Superstition Cooling are here to help.

Why Is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air?

So what causes this particular problem? Unfortunately, many different issues that can impede your system’s ability to cool your home.

The good news is, just because your AC isn’t cooling doesn’t mean it’s done for. In most cases, there’s a singular cause that can be addressed. Unless your system is more than ten years old, you can likely fix the issue without replacing the entire unit.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is a vital component in HVAC systems; it’s what cools the air. Refrigerants are run through lines, which can leak if they’re old or damaged. Leaks lead to low levels, which aren’t enough to cool the air. If this is the issue, a technician can replace the line and refill the refrigerant.

Tripped Condensate Airflow Switch

Many units have safety switches that shut them off under specific circumstances to prevent damage to the hardware. One such switch monitors the condenser drainpipe and is called the condensate airflow switch. Suppose there’s water in the drainpipe, the switch trips. If this happens, an HVAC professional can clean the drainpipe and reset the switch.

Clogged Drain

AC units not only cool the air but also remove moisture for optimal comfort. Of course, that moisture has to go somewhere, which is why there’s a drainage line. Over time, algae, mold, or other moisture-loving pests can grow inside the pipe or hose, clogging it. When this happens, there’s a risk of water backing into the unit and even your home. Fortunately, there’s a safety switch that causes the unit to shut down to prevent this.

If a clogged drainage line is the problem, a technician can clean it and reset the switch. Should the pipe or hose be damaged or worn beyond repair, it needs to be replaced.

Broken Thermostat

Sometimes the problem isn’t the AC unit — it’s the thermostat. Several things can go wrong:

    • Worn or damaged wiring is interfering with the power supply
    • The thermometer isn’t reading the temperature correctly
    • The thermostat is old or worn and no longer responds to the temperature setting

Fortunately, an HVAC professional can address thermostat problems as well as unit issues. Depending on what’s wrong, technicians can repair the thermostat or replace it.

Electric Issues

AC units run on electricity, so if you’re not getting cold air, there may be an issue with the power. Sometimes this is as simple as a tripped breaker, but other times it’s the result of wiring issues. Electrical wiring is dangerous to mess with and requires expertise to fix, so always rely on an HVAC technician to deal with this type of problem.

What Should I Do To Fix the Issue?

Now that you know the most common causes of AC failure, what can you do about them? There are a few steps you can — and honestly, should — take before assuming your air is out. In some cases, it’s just a matter of adjusting settings.

Even if it turns out your unit needs repair, it’s essential to take these steps so you can communicate with the HVAC technicians about what you’ve observed. This information helps them solve the problem quickly.

1. Check the Thermostat

Is your thermostat set to “on” or “cool?” While it may be intuitive to flip your thermostat’s “on” switch when you’re feeling warm, that’s likely not the setting you want.

For most thermostats, the “on” setting only engages the fan. That means air is circulating but not actively cooled. Instead, you want the “cool” setting, which runs air through the AC unit.

If it’s a matter of settings, you should notice a difference right away. However, if your AC is set to “cool” and not producing results, there’s more work to be done.

2. Look at Your Unit

Some AC units are on the roof and are difficult to check, so you should leave them for the professionals. However, if yours is on the ground, you should take a look. Sometimes the weather can cover the unit with debris:

    • Dirt
    • Leaves
    • Branches

If it’s been a while since your unit’s been cleared, the debris could be affecting its performance. Many HVAC professionals offer maintenance to prevent debris buildup. This service can be invaluable, as it not only keeps your compressor clean but also allows technicians to inspect the unit for issues regularly.

3. Inspect the Filter

All HVAC systems have filters to enhance air quality. As air is pushed through the filters, they grab irritants:

    • Dust
    • Dirt
    • Pollen
    • Allergens
    • Mold

The filters hold these particles back as the air moves through, providing clean, irritant-free air to your home. However, filters get filled up over time, which makes it harder for air to move through.

Changing the filters is yet another part of maintenance offered by HVAC technicians. With regular maintenance, you can ensure high air quality while preventing AC problems.

4. Get a Professional Inspection

If minor maintenance doesn’t fix your AC, there’s a more serious problem that needs to be addressed. At this point, it’s essential to contact an East Valley HVAC professional for a full inspection.

To understand what’s going on, technicians will need to examine the system. While it may be tempting to do so yourself, you should leave it to the professionals. They have years of experience and training that allow them to understand the inner workings of these systems. An HVAC professional, such as those employed by Superstition Cooling, can quickly ascertain what’s wrong and remedy it.

Contact Superstition Cooling in East Phoenix

Are you in need of an HVAC professional? Superstition Cooling offers expertise in air conditioning repair, maintenance, and installation. We’re happy to help property owners located in the East Valley and even provide 24/7 emergency repair services, so you don’t have to endure the grueling heat.

Our professionals are proud to offer excellent customer service. If you’d like to learn more or get an estimate, you can give us a call at 480-983-7407 or contact us online.

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