4 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Isn’t Blowing Cool Air

It’s not uncommon for an air conditioner to develop problems; it comes with being a home system that’s used consistently, day in and out. In today’s post, local HVAC company Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning shares the most common culprits behind an air conditioner that’s not blowing cool air.

1. Improper thermostat settings. You might be surprised at how many HVAC service calls are due to improperly set thermostats. This is why the first step of HVAC troubleshooting in every user guide is to check the thermostat. If you’re turning the air conditioner back on for the season, it may have reset to factory settings, which means you have to make sure that it’s set to cooling and that the temperature settings are correct.

2. Clogged air filter. Air filters help maintain indoor air quality by trapping dust and other particles before they can get into your HVAC system. They can get clogged within one to three months of use and may block the airflow in your HVAC system if not replaced. The air filters in most air conditioners are user-replaceable, which means removing and replacing them does not require an appointment with an HVAC technician.

3. Dirty condenser coils. The air conditioner’s outdoor unit houses the condenser coils. One of its primary functions is to discharge heat from the indoors drawn by the refrigerant. Sometimes the coils, along with the aluminum cooling fins, get blocked by dirt, leaves and other debris. Some of the components in the condenser unit are fragile and may need to be cleaned professionally.

4. Leaking refrigerant. Refrigerant is a chemical that is crucial to the air conditioner’s cooling process. In its supercooled form, air is blown through it as it passes through metal tubes, generating cool air. It also pulls heat from the indoors as it cycles through the system. Unlike fuel, refrigerant is not consumable and can undergo as many cycles as it needs to generate cool air. However, a refrigerant leak can result in lower output and higher workload on the system. Continued use may result in compressor failure and system shutdown. Leaking refrigerant can be identified by its distinct “sweet” smell and an oily substance coming from the outdoor unit. Stop using your air conditioner and call for service if this happens.

Contact Us for Your HVAC Needs

If your air conditioner is still not blowing cool air, call Schmitt Heating & Air Conditioning at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We provide HVAC services to customers in San Francisco and the surrounding communities.