Why Your AC Isn't Blowing Cool Air? | Troubleshooting Guide

Why Is There No Air From My AC? Troubleshooting Tips

A woman wiping sweat off her brow while looking at the thermostat to see if the AC is working

If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, it might as well not work at all. If your AC is blowing warm air or if the cool air from your AC isn’t consistent, you should let a professional HVAC technician take a look right away. There are many possible explanations, and finding the root cause of the problem is the key to getting the proper repair.

In this blog, the HVAC experts at Verne & Ellsworth Hann explain why your AC might not get cold enough and how to best fix the issue.

Reasons Your AC Is Not Blowing Cold Air

First, let’s take a look at a few of the common issues that can block your AC or cause it to blow warm air:

A Clogged Air Filter

By far, the number one cause of a faulty AC is a clogged air filter. That’s why changing the air filter is part of annual AC maintenance. When you skip this critical step, dust builds up, and the unit’s airflow is restricted. This can stop it from blowing the cold air you need and even taint your indoor air supply with contaminants. If this causes the issue, don’t worry: Replacing or cleaning the dirty air filter makes it easy for air to flow correctly again.

Blocked Airflow

Clogged filters aren’t the only thing that can block airflow and lead to problems. Your ductwork can also play a role if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. An HVAC professional can safely and efficiently inspect and clear your ductwork to get the cold air blowing again.

Another issue to check is a cramped condenser coil. The condenser, located on the exterior of your system, needs plenty of room to operate. If it doesn’t have enough clearance, its airflow is restricted, which can cause it to overheat and blow warm air.

Refrigerant Leaks

The refrigerant in your AC system helps trap hot air and transfer it outside. Your air conditioner can’t produce cold air without the right amount of coolant. If your AC has a refrigerant leak, it won’t be able to run properly. If not fixed, the result is hot air from your unit or a complete system failure. In some cases, it’s as easy as simply refilling the refrigerant. But if you have an older unit or another issue causing the leak, more extensive repairs might be necessary.

Compressor Issues

The compressor is the heart of your AC unit — it transfers heat from the refrigerant to the condenser, which gives you cold air. So naturally, any issue with the compressor could lead to your AC blowing warm air. Faulty compressors usually happen when the compressor is not kept clean, the oil and filter aren’t changed regularly, or the condenser coils are dirty. That’s why maintenance is essential: An HVAC tech will complete all these tune-ups during a maintenance visit and prevent significant issues.

Inspecting Your Air Conditioner & Checking for Issues

The best way to get your AC blowing cold air again is to call a trusted HVAC company for repairs. But if you want to check your unit yourself, look for a few signs:

  • A buildup of dust or debris on the exterior of the unit
  • The unit feels warm to the touch 
  • A buzzing or humming sound when the unit is turned on
  • A lack of clearance around the condenser coil
  • A dirty air filter

Some of these issues can be fixed yourself, like changing the filter or clearing the area around the condenser coil. But the best move is always to call a professional.

Schedule Professional HVAC Services With Verne & Ellsworth Hann Today

If your AC won’t blow cold air, schedule AC repairs with Verne & Ellsworth Hann right away. We’ve been a trusted HVAC company serving the Northeast Cleveland region since 1907. During your service visit, we’ll thoroughly inspect your air conditioner to check for any issues before suggesting the best solution.

Contact our team now if you need to schedule AC repair or replacement services in the Northeast Cleveland area.

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Why Choose Verne & Ellsworth Hann?

5 Generations of Hann Family Experience
  • One of the oldest family-run businesses in Cleveland Heights
  • Angi Super Service Award and Best of the Heights Award
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Committed to professionalism and integrity
  • Licensed and insured technicians