What to Do if Your AC Suddenly Stops Blowing Cold Air

During those peak temperature days, you last want your AC to cease dispensing cold air.

Whether chilling at home or trying to get a good night’s sleep, an unexpected system malfunction can quickly turn your space from comfortable to unbearable.

Luckily, many issues can be fixed as a DIY project without involving the experts. This article provides information on what you should do if your AC suddenly ceases to operate effectively.  

Check the Thermostat

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The thermostat is a simple but very important device that controls everything. If it is not set properly, equipment discrepancies could occur. The first thing to do here is to examine whether the setting is at ‘Cool’ and not ‘Heat’ or ‘Off.’ In addition to this, check whether the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If yours operates using batteries, if they are weak or dead, then it will not be operational. Hence, you might need to replace them to solve this problem. The last thing to check out is whether the schedule settings have not been accidentally altered, especially if yours is programmable. 

Inspect the Filter

The filter plays a significant part in maintaining appropriate airflow and ensuring everything operates effectively. Over time, it can become clogged with different materials, preventing proper flow and making your equipment work harder than expected. This leads to minimized cooling or a complete shutdown of the entire process. When it is dirty, the evaporator coil freezes, compromising its performance. To prevent such issues, check it regularly and substitute or clean it as needed. If you find it dirty, replacing it could quickly restore the operation. 

Examine the Circuit Breaker

The circuit breaker is made to shield your electrical system from overload by cutting off power when necessary. If it has tripped, it could be why your equipment is not cooling. Therefore, go to the panel and look for any switches that are ‘off’ or appear to be partially tripped. If you find one, consider resetting it by flipping it entirely off and back on. If it trips immediately after you turn it on, it could mean that a more serious electrical issue that needs professional attention exists. However, if the reset holds, it should start up again. This could potentially mean that you have resolved the problem. 

Check for Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is a substance that absorbs heat and releases it outside, enabling your equipment to emit the proper air. In case of a leak, the levels go down, reducing the capacity and potentially making it cease cooling altogether. Signs of a leak include hissing sounds and the release of hot air. Unfortunately, these leaks are not an easy fix. Therefore, you might want to hire experts to help you out. In case of a leak, it is crucial that you shut it down to prevent further damage and call in the professionals. Once the problem has been resolved, it can get back to regular operation without you having to risk it.

Inspect the Condenser Unit 

Over time, debris like leaves, grass, dirt, and even small branches can accumulate around or inside the condenser. This can obstruct proper flow and reduce the efficiency of the unit. When flow is restricted, your system will struggle to be effective. To inspect it, the first thing you need to do is to turn off the power for safety. Next, clear any substances and gently clean the coils with a garden hose or a coil cleaner to remove dirt buildup. Make sure it is clean and free of any obstructions. Doing this will help to maintain efficient cooling. 

When temperatures are soaring, dealing with a malfunctioned unit can be frustrating. This article has given you various things to do to handle this problem by yourself. However, it is best to let the professionals help you out. They have the needed skills and experience to investigate and tackle the issue accordingly. This is the only way to ensure the problem is fixed correctly. When you go to look for one, be sure to check out their ratings and reviews. This is the only way to land at the best possible service providers.