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AC Not Cooling? 7 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Is Not Cold

Have you ever had an air conditioning unit blow hot air rather than cool your hot room? What do you do when your AC isn’t cooling down the area? We will discuss some common problems with split system AC units and the reasons it is not cooling. Study the information below to find out how to repair your air conditioner and the top reasons why it’s not cooling.

AC not cold Aircon not coolingAC not cooling – My aircon is not cold

7 Reasons your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air

The following are the most common 7 reasons why your air conditioner is not producing cool air…

1. Incorrect power to AC

If the AC unit is not getting power, the unit will not produce cold air or work properly. The electrical plug may have come loose, or the main electrical breaker may have tripped.

How to fix it? – The first thing you should do if your split system AC isn’t working is to verify the unit is getting power. Ensure that the unit is plugged in and that the circuit breaker has not been tripped. If everything appears to be in order with power, you can go on to check the AC unit with more troubleshooting steps below.

AC power issuesAC power issues

2. Thermostat setting issue

If your split or window AC isn’t cooling, check the functioning of the thermostat. Be sure the thermostat is set too COOL and the temperature is set to the desired cold setting. If your air conditioner unit blows out colder air but then blows warmer air, be sure to turn the thermostat to the AUTO mode. This is the best way to make sure that the fan only operates when necessary.

How to fix it? – Always keep the AC thermostat set to the proper temperature. Keep the thermostat to AUTO rather than ON mode. This is a typical cause of your air conditioner’s failure to cool.

AC thermostat settingsAC thermostat settings

3. Clogged air filters

Another reason your split or window air conditioner isn’t cooling is due to dirty air filters. If the AC filter is filthy or clogged with dust, the air will not flow as needed. Clogged AC air filters prevent the circulation of cool and warm air. Dirty air filters make the unit work harder as the air does not pass through efficiently.

How to fix it? – A dirty air filter causing AC airflow problems can be fixed by simply removing and cleaning the air filter. Clean the air filter using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning method. Usually running the dirty air filter under hot water and cleaning it to remove all dust and dirt will fix the problem concerning airflow.

AC filter dirtyAC filter dirty

4. Outside AC unit condenser clogged

A dirty outside AC unit will make it more difficult for your air conditioner to blow cold air. A clogged AC condenser will prevent the air conditioning system from operating effectively thus causing the air to not be cold. The outside condenser needs to be able to transfer heat, therefore if it has dirt or dust clogging it, it will need to be cleaned.

How to fix it? – Remove any debris surrounding the condenser. Check for leaves, weeds, or dirt. If dirt and dust is clogging the outside AC unit, turn the power off and use a leaf blower to blow the unit out to remove all dirt and debris that might be clogging it. Use caution and always turn the power off when cleaning the outside AC unit.

AC outside unit cloggedAC outside unit clogged

5. Refrigerant issue in AC unit

The refrigerant is a liquid inside the AC that works by absorbing heat from the surrounding air. If the refrigerant level is low, it can prevent your AC from cooling. It’s also possible that the refrigerant is leaking out of the AC unit.

How to fix it? – This issue should be done by a professional AC technician. However, you can identify leaking refrigerant if you hear a hissing noise coming from the unit. This issue can also cause ice to build up on the ac unit. Leaking refrigerant will mean that the unit has a major problem and a professional is needed.

AC refrigerant issueAC refrigerant issue

6. Fan motor in the outside unit not working

The fan in the outside AC unit needs to be in working order. If the fan motor stops working, the AC unit will not cool properly. Check to see if the fan is moving in the outside unit when the AC is operating. If not, the fan motor may be at fault and needs to be replaced.

How to fix it? – Removing and replacing the fan motor is best left to an AC technician. If you have the knowledge and the right tools, you can troubleshoot and replace the fan motor yourself. Remember to always turn off the power when working on an AC unit.

AC fan motor issueAC fan motor issue

7. Compressor not working

A compressor is the main component of an air conditioner. A compressor in an AC unit controls the flow of refrigerant between the condenser and the evaporator. If the compressor is damaged or is faulty, it will need to be removed and replaced.

How to fix it? – A faulty compressor must be replaced. On some occasions, they can be fixed, but a bad compressor is usually replaced. Get an AC technician to fix it and remove and replace the bad ac compressor.

AC compressor faultyAC compressor faulty

AC Cold Air Hint: To improve the efficiency and output of your air conditioning system, change the AC filters and clean the unit every three months. This should be done to maintain the air conditioning system so the air conditioner cools and blows cold air. This is preventive maintenance and cleaning the unit on a regular basis will save you money in the long run.

AC clean air filters 3 monthsAC clean air filters every 3 months

Need help fixing your AC to blow cold air? Did you read the information above but your air conditioner still does not blow cold air? Let us know the model number of your AC in the comments below and we will assist you. Give as much details as possible and we can help get your AC blowing cold air!

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