If you’ve noticed that your air conditioning unit is not blowing cold air anymore, it might be because of a variety of reasons. Here are some common ones: low refrigerant, ice buildup on the evaporator coils, blocked condenser coils, and overheating engine. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you diagnose and fix the problem.
Blockage of condenser coils
Identify the source of blockage in your condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils are an obvious cause of poor air conditioning performance. A dirty coil can lead to a higher subcooled liquid temperature, further away from the evaporating temperature. This, in turn, leads to higher flash gas at the metering device and a reduced net refrigeration effect in the evaporator.
Dirty coils are the most common reason for poor airflow. A dirty condenser coil can hinder airflow throughout the building, making the entire system less efficient. Dirty condenser coils will produce a layer of debris on their surfaces, making them difficult for air to pass through. The result is less efficient cooling and higher utility bills. To prevent these problems, clean your condenser coils regularly.
Low refrigerant
When you notice that your AC is not blowing cold air, it could be due to low refrigerant. This chemical, which is also known as Freon, flows through indoor and outdoor coils. As it changes state from liquid to gas, it absorbs heat energy from the air inside and releases it outside. If you have low refrigerant in your system, you need to fix the problem as soon as possible.
You may also experience warm air when using your AC. This is a symptom of a low refrigerant level. This problem will gradually worsen over time. As the refrigerant level in your system drops, your AC will have to work harder to compensate. In some cases, parts of the system may even freeze over, making your home feel warmer than usual. To remedy this problem, you need to check your air conditioner’s refrigerant level and fill it with the appropriate amount of liquid.
Ice buildup on evaporator coils
When your AC system experiences an ice build-up, it means that the evaporator coil is too dirty. A dirty evaporator coil will lead to reduced airflow, which in turn will cause the evaporator coil to get dirty and attract moisture. Having your furnace’s air filter cleaned regularly will help to avoid the problem. A dirty filter can also restrict airflow.
Luckily, most coils are housed in cases that prevent ice build-up. This means that you will not see the ice until it has formed so thoroughly. But if the build-up is severe enough, you may notice that your air conditioning isn’t cooling as efficiently. Once this happens, contact a professional to have it fixed. Once the ice build-up has been cleared, your air conditioner can once again function efficiently.
Faulty compressor
If your AC system is not blowing cold air, it is probably the faulty compressor. It is responsible for keeping the A/C system moving at all times, so if the compressor is faulty, the cooling system will not function properly. This could also be due to a problem with the air filter. To fix this, you should get your system checked by an HVAC professional. This will not only ensure the quality of your air but will also save you a lot of money on repairs in the long run.
The first clue that your AC system is in trouble is the compressor making strange noises. When this happens, the compressor may be leaking refrigerant, which is invisible to the naked eye. You can easily identify this problem by looking for leaks with a dye that lights up under UV light. You should also check the electrical service panel, which is usually located in the garage, kitchen, or closet. Make sure to label all switches properly so you can easily identify which one controls which appliance.
