Common Reasons Your AC Won't Blow Cold Air

During the hot summer months, your air conditioner is your first line of defense against the sweltering heat. If your AC isn't blowing cold air, there could be a few reasons why. It is important that you call an AC repair technician for help. In the meantime, there are a few things you can check to see if you can determine what the problem might be.

1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Before you call a repair technician, check your thermostat. It is possible that your thermostat is not set properly. Make sure the thermostat is set to cool and auto instead of heat or the ON setting. The auto setting will allow the unit to run until your home reaches the proper temperature and shuts off.

Also, check the temperature settings on your thermostat. It is recommended that you set the thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home, 85 degrees when you are not home, and 82 degrees while you are asleep. Most American citizens set an average temperature of approximately 71 degrees during the day and night hours.

Setting the temperature too low may cause your unit to freeze up, as can running the unit when the temperature outside is too cool. Some people are more intolerant to heat than others so you will have to adjust your thermostat according to your level of comfort. If the problem persists despite adjusting your thermostat, contact an AC repair tech as soon as possible.

2. A Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter could be another reason your AC refuses to blow cold air. Make sure you change your air filter on your unit regularly to help maintain the unit, so it blows cold air. Many people do not know how often they should change their filter, which leads to AC problems. Ideally, you should change your filter out every three months or every 90 days.

3. Present Mechanical Issues

If your AC still refuses to blow cold air despite adjusting the thermostat and changing the filter, the problem could be a mechanical one. It could be the condenser, an evaporator coil, a refrigerant leak, or a problem with the compressor. Your best bet is to contact an AC repair technician near you for assistance.

An AC repair expert can often address your issue the same day or within the next couple of days. Once your AC is back up and running, talk to the technician about preventative maintenance to help keep your AC running as smooth as possible.