My AC in Irvine is not Blowing Cold Air
If you live in Irvine, California, and your AC is not blowing cold air, you are likely feeling the heat. Dealing with a malfunctioning AC can be frustrating, especially during the hot summer months. However, there are several common reasons why your AC may not be blowing cold air and solutions to fix the problem.
Reasons why AC is not blowing cold air
1. Dirty Filter
One of the most common reasons why an AC is not blowing cold air is due to a dirty air filter. When the filter becomes clogged with dirt & debris, it can restrict airflow and cause the AC to work harder than it needs to. This can result in the AC blowing warm air or not blowing air at all. Fortunately, replacing the air filter is a simple and inexpensive fix that can often solve the problem.
2. Low Freon Level
Another reason why an AC may not be blowing cold air is due to low refrigerant levels. Freon is the substance that cools the air in your AC, and when levels are low, the AC may not be able to produce cold air. This can be caused by a leak in the refrigerant line, which will need to be repaired by a professional. If you suspect low refrigerant levels, it is important to have your AC inspected by a qualified professional air conditioning company like Irvine Air Conditioning & Services.
3. Breaker
Sometimes your AC will stop working if your breaker goes off. So it is a simple fix. Find where you have the breaker and check if the switch for AC unit is In position.
4 Steps to Do When AC is not Blowing Cold Air
1. Check the Thermostat
When an air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, one of the first things to check is the thermostat. The thermostat manages the room’s temperature, which also regulates the AC’s on and off times. The AC may blast heated air or not operate if the thermostat malfunctions.
The homeowner should first check the thermostat to make sure it is set to “cool” rather than “heat” or “fan.” The homeowner should examine the temperature setting if the thermostat is set to “cool,” but the air conditioner is still not blowing chilly air. The AC won’t turn on if the temperature setting is too high. The homeowner should lower the thermostat and check to see whether the air conditioner begins to pump chilly air.
The homeowner should check the batteries if the thermostat is still not functioning correctly. Batteries in many thermostats need to be changed on a regular basis. The thermostat won’t function correctly if the batteries are low on power or dead.
2. Inspect the Air Filter
When an air conditioner is not blowing cold air, one of the first things to check is the air filter. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt, dust, and other debris, which can restrict airflow and cause the system to work harder than it should. This can lead to reduced cooling performance and even system failure.
To inspect the air filter, the homeowner should first turn off the air conditioner and locate the filter. The filter is usually located near the return air duct or inside the air handler unit. Once the filter is located, the homeowner should remove it from the unit and examine it for signs of dirt and debris.
If the filter is dirty, the homeowner should replace it with a new one. Air filters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware stores. It is important to choose the correct filter size and type for the air conditioner to ensure optimal performance.
Regularly replacing the air filter can help improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs, and extend the air conditioning unit’s life. Homeowners should check their air filters every month and replace them as needed.
3. Clean the Condenser Coils
When an air conditioner is not blowing cold air, it could be due to dirty condenser coils. The condenser coils are located outside the house and can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris over time. This can cause the unit to work harder than necessary to cool the air, resulting in reduced efficiency and higher energy bills.
To clean the condenser coils, the homeowner should first turn off the power to the unit. Then, they can use a garden hose to spray the coils from the inside out, removing any accumulated dirt or debris. They should be careful not to damage the fins on the coils, as this can affect the unit’s performance.
If the coils are heavily clogged, a professional HVAC technician may be needed to clean them thoroughly. They may use specialized cleaning solutions and equipment to remove stubborn dirt and debris.
Regular maintenance of the condenser coils can help prevent future problems with the air conditioning unit. Homeowners should aim to clean the coils at least once a year and more frequently if the unit is located in a dusty or dirty environment.
4. Check the Refrigerant Levels
One of the first things to check when an air conditioner isn’t producing chilly air is the refrigerant levels. A crucial part of the cooling system is refrigerant; if it is low, the air conditioner won’t be able to efficiently chill the air.
Contacting a qualified professional air conditioning company like Irvine Air Conditioning & Services to check the refrigerant levels is preferable. They will be equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to assess if the refrigerant levels are low and whether a leak is present in the system. They will be able to fix any leaks and recharge the system with the appropriate quantity of refrigerant.
It is essential to remember that only adding refrigerant to the system will not provide a long-term fix if the leak is not fixed. Simply said, the refrigerant will seep out once again, and the air conditioner won’t blow cold air anymore. A qualified expert may find and fix the leak, ensuring that the air conditioner keeps producing cold air for years to come.
Call a Professional
If the DIY fixes do not work, it is best to call a professional air conditioning company like Irvine Air Conditioning & Services. A professional has the experience, knowledge, and tools to diagnose and fix the problem efficiently and effectively. Attempting to fix the problem yourself may lead to further damage or even injury.
When calling a professional, choosing a licensed and insured technician is essential. A licensed technician has undergone training and passed exams to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to repair HVAC systems. An insured technician will protect you from any liability in case of an accident during the repair process.
It is also important to choose a technician with experience in repairing the specific make and model of your AC unit. This will ensure they know the common problems associated with the unit and can provide a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Before the technician arrives, it is recommended to gather information about the AC unit, such as the make and model, age, and any previous repairs or maintenance. This information will help the technician diagnose the problem more efficiently.
During the repair process, it is important to ask the technician any questions you may have and to understand the repairs being made. This will ensure you are informed about the problem and the solution.