Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Still Running?

When the summer heat in Timonium, MD, is at its peak, a malfunctioning air conditioner can be more than just an inconvenience. If your air conditioner is running but not blowing cold air, it’s crucial to identify and address the problem quickly to restore comfort to your home. This article will delve into common reasons why your AC may not be cooling effectively and how Chason Service, a trusted HVAC contractor in Timonium, MD, can help resolve these issues.

Answering The Question: Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Still Running?

Thermostat is Faulty

One of the first components to check if your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air is the thermostat. The thermostat controls your home’s temperature and communicates with your AC unit to turn it on and off as needed. If the thermostat is broken or not working correctly, it might not signal the AC unit to cool the air properly.

A miscalibrated thermostat can also cause the cooling unit to blow warm air. Start by checking your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to cool and the temperature is appropriately set. If everything appears correct but your AC is still not blowing cold air, it’s time to call an HVAC technician. They will inspect, repair, or replace the thermostat to ensure your cooling unit works efficiently.

Dirty Air Filter

Your AC system likely has an air filter located in or around the indoor air handler unit. This filter traps dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, keeping the internal components cleaner and helping maintain air quality in your home. A dirty air filter can block airflow, reducing the cooling efficiency of your system. In extreme cases, it can cause the system to shut down completely.

If your thermostat is functioning correctly and you still don’t have cool air, locate the air filter, turn off the system, remove the filter, and inspect it. If the filter is dirty, clean or replace it. After ensuring you have a clean air filter, if your AC still doesn’t cool your home, you’ll need to dig deeper to find the problem.

Condenser Unit is Blocked

Your central air conditioning system includes an outdoor condenser unit featuring a large coil that wraps around the outside of the unit. This coil has a series of thin metal fins tightly spaced together. If your air conditioner is running but not lowering the temperature inside, a blocked or clogged condenser coil might be the issue.

When functioning correctly, the condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to expel heat from your home. Dirt, grass, and other debris can accumulate between the fins, clogging the coil and leading to reduced energy efficiency, a lack of cool air, or even system shutdown.

You can attempt to clean the coil by clearing away debris, vacuuming the coil with a brush attachment, or gently rinsing it with a hose. If your system still isn’t cooling, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician for a thorough inspection and cleaning.

Damaged Heat Pump

In some homes, the outdoor unit might be a heat pump, which looks like an AC unit but has additional components that allow it to heat and cool your home. In cooling mode, it operates like an AC condenser unit and can suffer from similar issues, such as a dirty coil, refrigerant leaks, or compressor malfunctions.

If your heat pump system isn’t cooling, check the thermostat settings, air filter, and condenser unit. If everything seems fine but you’re still not getting cold air, contact your local HVAC dealer to diagnose and fix the problem.

Evaporator Coil is Frozen

The evaporator coil is a critical component of your central air conditioning system, located inside or near the air handler. Warm indoor air passes through the evaporator coil, where heat and humidity are removed, and cooler air is circulated back into your home.

Signs of a frozen evaporator coil include frost forming on the copper refrigerant tubing, inadequate cooling, higher utility bills, excessive condensate drainage, and frost on exterior refrigerant tubing or the outdoor unit.

Accessing and resolving issues with a frozen evaporator coil can be challenging and is best handled by an HVAC professional. They will identify the cause of the freeze, such as airflow issues or low refrigerant levels, and perform the necessary repairs.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process, circulating through the system’s coils, changing states, and absorbing heat from indoor air. A refrigerant leak can cause your AC to run longer without adequately cooling your home, potentially damaging the compressor and leading to a complete system shutdown.

Checking and resolving refrigerant issues requires specialized equipment and expertise. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s crucial to contact an HVAC professional to diagnose and repair the leak, ensuring your system operates efficiently.

Undersized Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are sized according to their cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTUh). An undersized AC unit may struggle to keep your home cool during extreme heat, running for long periods without achieving the desired temperature.

Determining if your AC unit is correctly sized involves considering factors like square footage, insulation quality, local climate, and the number of occupants. If your system is undersized, a professional HVAC technician can assess your home’s cooling needs and recommend solutions, such as adding a ductless unit or replacing the system with a properly sized one.

Contact Chason Service Today For Dryer Vent Cleaning Services In Timonium, MD

If your air conditioner is running but not blowing cold air, don’t wait to address the issue. Contact Chason Service today for expert HVAC repair services in Timonium, MD. Our skilled technicians are equipped to diagnose and fix any problems with your AC unit, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

With our prompt and professional service, you can trust Chason Service to restore your air conditioning system to optimal performance. Don’t let the heat get the best of you—schedule your HVAC repair service today and experience the difference of working with a dedicated, local HVAC company. For reliable HVAC repair services in Timonium, MD, call Chason Service now. Let us help you keep your home cool and comfortable. Contact us today!