While your air conditioner can do a pretty good job of heating or cooling your house, sometimes it cannot. There are entirely few reasons why this happens.
This article will focus on the most common reason your air conditioner struggles to keep you cool and comfortable.
If you’ve recognized that your HVAC system is not blowing cool air, it could be that the problem is with the refrigerant level.
It’s pervasive for a dirty air conditioner coil to cause an inadequate flow of cold air. So when your AC stops blowing cold air, the first thing to do is check the refrigerant level.
5 Reasons Why AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air
Air conditioners work by blowing warm air over a cold evaporator coil, which causes the air to cool down. When this process is interrupted, your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air.
There are several reasons why you may be experiencing this issue. Here are five common reasons for this problem, as well as solutions for each of them:
1. Leaking Or Low Refrigerant
The refrigerant is responsible for absorbing and dissipating heat in the system. If there is a leak or low, it won’t absorb enough heat to cool your home correctly.
A leak or low refrigerant level can cause your AC system to blow lukewarm or warm air.
The refrigerant may leak through a hole in an evaporator coil, allowing moisture to freeze on the coil. In addition, it can prevent the air conditioner from absorbing heat properly so that it won’t blow cold air.
Solution.
1. A professional will check for leaks and replace or recharge your refrigerant.
2. If you see ice or frost anywhere on your unit, turn off the power immediately to prevent damage to your system.
3. Check the pressure on your refrigerant gauge.
2. Is The Filter Dirty Or Clogged?
When the filter gets dirty, it will block airflow into the system, which means that the coils won’t be able to absorb enough heat from inside your home to cool it properly.
The filter retains dust and debris from your air conditioner coils, so a dirty filter prevents the unit from operating efficiently. A clogged filter will also restrict airflow, which can cause it to freeze up.
Solution.
1. If the filter is dirty or clogged, you must replace it. It can be done quickly by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place and switching out the exhaust filter for a new one.
2. Inspect the filter monthly and check if it needs cleaning or replacing.
3. Dirty Or Damaged Coil
Your air conditioner has two coils: one indoor and one outdoor. The refrigerant flows through the coils to absorb and exchange heat.
If it’s dirty, it won’t conduct heat properly, which means your AC will run less efficiently and not be able to cool your home.
An excellent way to tell if dust has built up on your coil is by looking at where it connects with the wall—if there’s dust there, it’s probably covered in gunk.
Solution.
1. clean and disinfect the coil with a foaming disinfectant.
2. If the coil is damaged, replace it with a new one.
3. Ensure you regularly clean your AC unit and replace any worn-out or damaged parts.
4. Blocked Or Clogged Register
Air registers are the small openings that allow cold air into your home from your vents. The air won’t flow through them properly if they become blocked with furniture, carpeting, or other objects.
It means they won’t be able to cool down your home effectively. It’s also possible that your ductwork could be damaged or improperly insulated.
Solution.
1. Use a vacuum cleaner to eliminate debris from the registers so they’re clear and unobstructed.
2. Clear out the registers and install a new filter to prevent future blockages.
3. Use the nozzle to suction them out from the outside.
5. Thermostat Issue
Your thermostat tells your AC when to turn on and stop running, so if it isn’t working properly, your AC won’t either.
In addition, thermostats can become inaccurate over time, significantly if they are affected by excessive heat.
If the fan setting is fixed to on” instead of “auto,” this may be why your AC unit is not blowing cold air.
If changing the settings does not settle the problem, you should check if the system needs recharging.
Solution.
1. Ensure your thermostat is set to cool and not heat.
2. Clean your thermostat contacts with an electronics cleaner.
3. Your thermostat may demand to be replaced entirely.
How To Make an Air Conditioner Run Colder?
If you want your air conditioner to run colder, you’ll need some maintenance.
Before working on the AC unit, make sure you turn it off.
- Spray down the unit. You can use a hose tubing or a pressure washer for this step. Ensure you remove all the dirt and debris from the grills, fan blades, and condenser coils.
- Change your filters. If your filters are blocked with dust and dirt, they’re not working correctly. So replace them when dirty, and don’t forget to check them regularly.
- Check your air seals. If any cracks or openings in your ductwork, cold air can leak into your attic or crawl space instead of circulating through your home. Look for any leaks and seal them up using mastic tape or insulation.
- Use a fan. Use a fan in rooms that are not used often, when no one is home, awake at night, or during the day while at work. It keeps the air circulating, cools down warm rooms quickly, and puts less strain on your air conditioner unit.
How To Make a Portable Air Conditioner Colder?
While portable air conditioners can help cool small spaces, they aren’t as effective as a traditional window unit or central air.
However, you can do multiple things to make your portable air conditioner cooler.
- Close off the space that you are trying to cool. Allowing a lot of hot air into the room will make it much harder for your AC unit to lower the temperature in the room.
- Turn your air conditioner on early. If possible, turn it on before the space gets too hot so that it can work its magic before it gets unbearably hot in the room.
- Install your portable AC unit correctly and ensure it is adequately vented. Most departments require a venting hose installed in the window or door to remove hot air from the room while cold air is pushed in simultaneously.
