Air conditioners are meant to help in the relief of heat but when your air conditioner begins to blow warm air rather than cold, it becomes frustrating particularly in the hottest months of the year. This may occur due to a number of reasons and knowing these reasons would enable you to know the next course of action to correct the situation. In this blog, we are going to discuss the general reasons why an air conditioner is not blowing cold air and the solutions to the problem.
Dirty Air Filter
What Does the Air Filter Do?
The air filter that is fitted in your air conditioner has a very important purpose; it catches dust, dirt and any other debris in the air. This will avoid clogging of the system and only clean air will flow in your home.
How Does It Affect Cooling?
The air filter may be blocked by dirt and debris over time, which inhibits the airflow. The system is unable to cool the air when the airflow is limited. When your air filter is dirty, then it may make your AC blow warm air since it is not getting enough air to cool it.
Solution
To correct this, all one has to do is change or clean the air filter. The filter should be checked after a certain period and changed or washed after every 1 to 3 months based on the frequency of use of the system.
Low Refrigerant Levels
What is Refrigerant?
The material which is used by your air conditioner to cool the air is referred to as refrigerant. It takes up the heat indoors and gives it outdoors. Your air conditioner will not be able to cool the air without sufficient refrigerant.
Why Does It Happen?
A leak in the refrigerant lines is normally the cause of low levels of refrigerant. This may be as a result of a manufacturing fault or a normal wear and tear of the system. When the refrigerant is low, the air conditioner can either blow warm air or it can not cool the area completely.
Solution
It is better to call a professional HVAC technician in case you suspect that there is a low amount of refrigerant. They are able to detect the leak, fix it, and fill the system with the right quantity of refrigerant. Do not ever attempt to work with refrigerant on your own because it is dangerous.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
What Are Evaporator Coils?
An important component of the cooling process is evaporator coils. They take in the heat in the air of your house and pass it to the refrigerant. In case of freezing of these coils, they will not be able to perform their duty effectively and the air conditioner will blow hot air.
Why Do the Coils Freeze?
Evaporator coils can freeze due to a number of reasons. One of the most frequent reasons is the low airflow that might be caused by a dirty air filter or ducts blocked. The second cause may be the low refrigerant levels that result in the temperature dropping too low in the coils resulting in the formation of ice.
Solution
In case you believe that the coils are frozen, you can attempt to switch off your air conditioner and allow coils to warm. Ensure that the air filter is clean and air ducts are not blocked. Nevertheless, in case the problem has not gone, it is advisable to invite a technician to check and fix the system.
Thermostat Issues
What is the Impact of Thermostat on Cooling?
The control of the temperature in your house is done by your thermostat. Unless it is functioning properly, it can make your air conditioner blow hot air. A faulty or faultily calibrated thermostat may tell the AC to cease cooling or it may not achieve the desired temperature.
Thermostat Problems: What Makes Thermostats Malfunction?
Thermostats are prone to miscalibration with time particularly when placed in a place where temperatures vary or when they are in direct contact with the sun. Malfunctioning of the thermostat may also be caused by wiring problems and dead batteries.
Solution
Adjust the thermostat and make sure it is at the cooling setting. When it is not working properly, then you might be required to re-calibrate it or change it. In case of doubt, an HVAC technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem of thermostats.
Faulty Compressor
What is the Compressor?
Your air conditioning system is made up of the compressor. It pumps refrigerant in the system, which helps in dissipating heat in the air. When the compressor is not working, the system will not cool correctly and you can get warm air blowing out of your AC.
Why Does the Compressor Fail?
Failure of the compressor may be caused by electrical problems, lack of maintenance or overuse. In case the compressor is faulty, it may not be in a position to compress the refrigerant and circulate it in the system and this implies that the air conditioner will be unable to cool the air.
Solution
A defective compressor normally needs to be repaired or replaced by a professional. In case you find that your AC is not cooling and you think that the problem is with the compressor, then you need to call the HVAC technician as soon as possible.
Blocked or Leaky Ducts
The Role of Ducts in Air Conditioning
The distribution of the cool air in your home is done by ductwork. The cool air might fail to reach the target rooms in case the ducts are blocked or leaking. It may lead to blowing out of warm air by your AC although the system is functioning properly.
Causes of Blocked or Leaky Ducts
Ducts may be blocked by dirt, debris or even pests. Ducts may also leak over time because of wear and tear. This makes the cool air escape prior to the rooms in your house.
Solution
Check your ductwork to see any apparent blockages or damage. Another option is to engage the services of a professional to check the ducts and close any leakages. Frequent duct cleaning can be used to avoid airflow problems and enhance performance.
Clogged Condensate Drain
What is the Condensate Drain?
Excessive moisture that is obtained is removed by the condensate drain as the air conditioner cools the air. When the drain is blocked, the moisture may accumulate within the system and freeze the coils preventing the air to pass.
How Does It Affect Cooling?
A blocked condensate drain may result in water damage and a decrease in the amount of air being passed through, which may result in the air conditioner blowing warm air. The system will also lead to the growth of mould or mildew within the AC unit when it is unable to handle the moisture appropriately.
Solution
In case the condensate drain is clogged, a wet/dry vacuum can be used to clear it or a cleaning solution that is specifically made to clean HVAC systems. In case the issue still exists, it is always good to call an HVAC technician to clean and check the system.
Electrical Issues
What is the impact of Electrical Problems on Cooling?
The air conditioner depends on many electrical parts such as compressor, blower motor and thermostat. When one of these parts is defective or is loosely connected, the AC will not cool accordingly, but rather expel warm air.
Common Electrical Problems
Electrical problems may arise as a result of power surges, faulty wiring or faulty components. Electrical short in the system can cause the AC to not work to its optimum.
Solution
In case you suspect that some electrical issues are involved, then it is better to call a qualified HVAC technician. Electrical problems may be hazardous to diagnose and repair without the necessary expertise and, as a rule, it is better to leave it to a professional.