AC Not Blowing Cold Air but Not Low on Refrigerant: Causes and Solutions
AC units should always strive to keep the indoor air cool and comfortable on hot summer days. Unfortunately, when it’s not working, it’s anything but comfortable. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air and does not seem to be low on refrigerant, there are a handful of potential causes and solutions to consider.
Common Reasons for AC Not Blowing Cold Air
Bad air filters, electrical issues, fan motors, air handlers, faulty outdoor AC units—these are just some of the common reasons your AC might not be blowing cold air. Problems may also occur due to a refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels can cause the system to lose its cooling power, resulting in warm air.
The first thing to do when troubleshooting any AC unit is to check the air filters. Clean filters increase air flow and allow the unit to run more efficiently. Dirty or clogged air filters can interfere with the output and life expectancy of your system. Replace filters every three months in order to keep your unit running efficiently.
The evaporator coil can also be responsible for a lack of cold air. If a particular part of the coil is blocked or covered, airflow will be restricted and the AC unit will struggle to supply cold air. Dirty coils block and reduce air flow, making them a common cause of AC units not blowing cold air. Clean and inspect evaporator coils on a regular basis to maintain optimal performance.
Electrical Issues
While air filters and evaporator coils are the most common reasons for AC units not blowing cold air, electrical issues can also be to blame. If there’s no power to the AC unit, or if a circuit breaker trips, the unit won’t be able to produce cold air. To identify the problem, check the breaker panel, reset the circuit breaker if needed, and ensure the thermostat is set to cool.
Another common electrical issue is a damaged fan motor or air handler. Over time, blades or air handler wires can corrode, causing them to fail and leave the system without adequate air flow. If these components are malfunctioning, they will need to be repaired or replaced. It’s also possible that an AC unit won’t blow cold air if the wiring is loose or has become disconnected at any point. An experienced technician should be able to quickly identify wiring issues and make sure all connections are secure.
Faulty Outdoor AC Unit
It’s possible that the outdoor unit of your AC system may be the culprit for warm air. Dirt, debris, ice, and leaves can accumulate on outdoor coils and on hoses and pipes. This can restrict air flow and keep the system from blowing cold air. Additionally, a faulty compressor or condenser fan motor may cause the same issue. Both of these components can be repaired or replaced by a professional technician.
Understanding Refrigerant Levels
When it comes to AC units not blowing cold air, they may not always be low on refrigerant. Faulty components and dirt buildup can also be the culprits. If the AC unit is still not producing cold air after the filters, evaporator coils, and other components have been inspected and cleaned, it’s time to look at refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can reduce the amount of cold air produced, so it’s important to have your unit checked for any leaks.
Take it to the Pros
AC units not blowing cold air are a common issue in the summer months, but it can be difficult to determine why they are happening. It’s easy to replace air filters and clean the evaporator coil, but more complicated components such as fan motors, air handlers, and outdoor AC units can require the manual expertise of a professional technician. If your AC unit is still not blowing cold air after following the steps above, it’s best to call a local, reliable appliance repair technician to diagnose the issues and conduct the necessary repairs.
AC Not Blowing Cold Air but Not Low on Refrigerant
It is frustrating and inconvenient when your air conditioner is not blowing cold air but not low on refrigerant. To avoid this issue, manufacturer recommendations, local appliance companies and HVAC technicians offer the following preventive action steps:
Clean / Replace Air Filters
Air filters should be checked and cleaned or replaced regularly. Dirty air filters are clogged with dirt and debris and prevent proper airflow, resulting in warm air being emitted from the AC. The air filter should be changed once a month, or as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
Check Condenser Coils
The condenser coils located outside should be checked to ensure they are free of dirt and debris. Condenser coils should be cleaned with a garden hose and specialty coil cleaner as needed. Dirty condenser coils will reduce the unit’s efficiency, causing poor airflow and warm air from the AC.
Check Refrigerant Levels
When the refrigerant level is low, your AC will not be able to cool the air properly. Check the refrigerant levels regularly to ensure the correct amount is present for optimal performance. If the refrigerant level is low, an HVAC technician should be contacted to recharge the system.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Air conditioners need a proper drainage system in order to function properly. The evaporator coil should be checked to ensure there is no water leaking from it. Additionally, the drain pipe should be checked for blockages or clogs which could impede the electrical connections and cause warm air to be released from the AC.
Inspect Air Vents
Air vents should be checked to ensure they are free of any obstructions, such as furniture, that can block airflow and cause warm air to be emitted.
Regular Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance of the AC unit, it should be serviced regularly by a qualified HVAC technician. Regular maintenance involves checking for worn or broken components, inspecting connections and wiring, cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, and replacing faulty parts if necessary.
Taking preventive action to avoid AC not blowing cold air but not low on refrigerant issues can help ensure that your AC unit functions properly. Cleaning or replacing air filters, checking condenser coils, ensuring proper refrigerant levels, ensuring proper drainage, inspecting air vents, and regular maintenance are some of the steps that can be taken to keep the AC unit working efficiently and reduce problems. If you have any concerns or need additional advice or assistance, be sure to contact a local reliable air conditioning or heating professional.
The Average Repair Cost of Not Blowing Cold Air ACs in California
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, but you’re not low on refrigerant, you might be experiencing a more complex repair issue. Unfortunately, this can come with a higher cost of repair.
In the state of California, the average cost for complex repair or installation for this AC problem is typically about 20% higher than normal. This includes the cost of materials, labor, and any additional parts necessary for repair.
The cost of parts for this type of situation can vary greatly. Depending on where you buy them and the individual particulars of your case, you could end up needing things like a new condenser, fan motor, evaporator coil, capacitors, contactors, electrical wiring, or another issue that could require more costly pieces.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable repair option, give Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating at (866) 311-8590 a call. Their professional team will be able to walk you through any possible solutions, as well as provide an accurate estimate for the cost of repairs.
Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioning Unit
Have you recently noticed that your air conditioner is not blowing cold air but not low on refrigerant? Don’t worry – California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating can help.
California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is a family-owned business that provides same-day repair and installation of air conditioning and heating appliances. The company has licensed and insured technicians with a minimum of five years of experience in the field. Furthermore, our professionals can troubleshoot and diagnosis the issue with your AC and have it fixed before the end of the day. We offer competitive and fair pricing and back our work with a 90-day warranty on all repairs.
Our highly trained technicians are experienced in dealing with ACs not blowing cold air but not low on refrigerant, and are equipped with the specialized skills and tools needed to repair your air conditioner. If you are having trouble with your air conditioning unit, contact us right away and rest assured that your unit will be up and running in no time.
California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating is committed to providing the best services to our customers. We pride ourselves on quick, efficient service and are here to help you with all your air conditioning needs.
Let us help you with any AC or heating issues you may have. Our friendly and reliable technicians are here to get the job done right the first time. Contact California Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating today for skilled and experienced technicians to troubleshoot and repair your air conditioner.
FAQs: AC Not Blowing Cold Air but Not Low on Refrigerant – Causes and Solutions
Q1. What Causes an AC Not to Blow Cold Air?
A1. Several issues can cause an AC to not blow cold air such as clogged air filters, low refrigerant, faulty compressor, thermistor issue, and more.
Q2. How Can One Tell If an AC Unit Is Low on Refrigerant?
A2. It can be difficult to tell if an AC unit is low on refrigerant. An HVAC technician must be called to check the refrigerant pressure levels.
Q3. What Are Some Solutions to an AC Blowing Warm Air?
A3. Some solutions to an AC blowing warm air can be cleaning or replacing the air filters, fixing any ductwork changes, repairing or replacing the compressor, and checking for any refrigerant leakage.
Q4. Is It Safe to Recharge an AC Unit Oneself?
A4. Generally, it is not recommended to recharge an AC unit oneself, as it requires a certain level of experience, knowledge, and safety equipment.
For questions regarding AC not blowing cold air but not low on refrigerant, it is best to contact a Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590.