An AC that stops blowing cold air is a nightmare. No one wants to spend the summer sweating it out inside their own home. A malfunctioning AC needs your prompt attention. Here are several things that could possibly cause your AC to stop blowing cold air.
- The AC is getting insufficient power. Check the power cord to make sure it’s securely plugged into the outlet. Someone could’ve mistakenly bumped the power cord. But if the cord and outlet are secure, you might have an electrical issue. Air conditioners require a lot of power, and perhaps the AC tripped a breaker or blew a fuse.
- The AC has issues with the thermostat. First, check the temperature on the thermostat. It’s possible that the thermostat is incorrectly set. If everything is set correctly, then there’s possibly a problem with the wiring. Get it checked immediately, as wiring problems are a fire hazard.
- The AC has a clogged filter. Some air conditioners shut down if the filter becomes clogged. This prevents damage to the unit and prevents it from overheating. If your AC doesn’t have this feature, visit www.actronair.com.au to learn about newer air conditioners and their features. If your filter is in fact clogged, than it will hinder the airflow. This is one fix you can do yourself by cleaning or replacing the filter.
- There is a buildup of ice in the AC. Dirty coils, low refrigerant, or a dirty filter can cause ice buildup in an AC. Cleaning the coils or filter could improve airflow and fix the problem. If cleaning the unit doesn’t improve the airflow, then perhaps the refrigerant level is too low. To get rid of the ice, let the AC operate on fan mode until the ice melts.
- The AC drain is clogged. In order to work correctly, an AC needs to remove moisture from the air. Moisture that the AC removes drains out of a drain pipe or water line. It’s common for a drain or line to become clogged with debris. If that’s the case, then a good cleaning will likely solve the problem. A damaged pipe or line might likely need replacing.
- The AC compressor is dirty. Dirt and debris can clog a unit and cause it to malfunction. Check the area around the compressor. Is it clear of dirt, leaves, and general debris? If not, the AC is possibly blowing hot air because the compressor is dirty. For your own safety, call an HVAC professional to properly clean the unit.
Time for a New AC
If your AC still refuses to blow hot air, it’s possibly time for a new unit. The typical lifespan of an AC is about 10 years. You’re likely to start having problems once your AC passes that 10 year mark. But even an older air conditioner can perform relatively well with regular maintenance. Contact a licensed HVAC technician for help with your AC.