Key takeaways:
- Is your AC running, but you’re not feeling cold air? This is a common HVAC issue, and there could be several reasons for it.
- There are a few things you can check yourself, such as your thermostat, vents, and filter.
- If the problem is with the compressor, blower motor, or another moving part, you’ll need to call a Murfreesboro HVAC expert to resolve it.
It’s a hot day, your AC is humming, but your home still feels warm and sticky.
And an air conditioner not blowing cold air but running is a common issue, and the fix could be as simple as adjusting a setting or as serious as a faulty compressor.
Here’s what might be causing the problem, and how to start troubleshooting it.
First Things First: Check the Thermostat
When was the last time you calibrated your thermostat? A faulty thermostat or a device on the wrong setting can cause your AC to run without blowing enough cool air, making the hot and humid Murfreesboro summer unbearable.
Here’s what you can do:
- Adjust your thermostat settings to the desired temperature.
- Change the batteries if you have a wireless device.
- Check the user manual to locate the calibration screw or digital settings to calibrate your thermostat.
If your AC problem doesn’t go away, there are more AC troubleshooting steps you can follow.
Are All Your AC Vents Clear?
Clogged or leaking vents can limit airflow and make it hard for your HVAC system to cool your home.
Start by making sure all the registers are open, and use a flashlight to check if any of the vents look clogged. Instead of attempting to clean the vents yourself, it’s best to have an HVAC professional do it since they can use specialized equipment to avoid damaging the ducts.
Is it Time to Change Your HVAC Filter?
A dirty air filter is another component that can restrict airflow in your HVAC system. The purpose of this filter is to catch airborne particles before they can enter your AC unit and end up in your indoor air.
Over time, dust and debris will build up on the filter, restricting airflow if you don’t replace it. To check and change your HVAC filter, look for the slot next to the return air vent or air handler unit.
Even if your AC is running fine, you should change the filter at least once every three months to preserve indoor air quality. Don’t hesitate to change it more often during the summer since there is a lot of pollen in the Murfreesboro area.
Are the AC Coils Frozen?
If you’ve ruled out the thermostat, vents, and filter, it’s time to examine the AC coils. These coils allow the refrigerant to release heat into the outdoor air, but ice crystals can build up on their surface for a number of reasons, limiting your AC system’s efficiency.
Frozen evaporator coils can indicate different air conditioner issues:
- Your system doesn’t have enough refrigerant.
- There isn’t enough airflow, possibly due to a clogged air filter or dirty vent.
- Your outdoor unit can’t release heat outside due to dirt, tall grass, or debris limiting clearance around it.
If you see ice buildup on your outdoor AC coils, turn the system off and wait for them to thaw before cleaning them gently. Keep an eye on your outdoor AC unit and call an HVAC pro if frozen coils become a recurring issue. It’s usually a sign that your system needs some maintenance.
HVAC Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant runs through your air conditioning system, absorbing the heat from your indoor air and transferring it outside.
If the refrigerant level gets low, your AC can’t effectively remove heat from your home, and you’ll get hot even though the system is running. Low refrigerant levels typically mean there is a refrigerant leak somewhere, and you should have an HVAC expert look at it ASAP.
Compressor Problems
When refrigerant absorbs heat, it turns from a liquid to a gaseous form. In the next step, the compressor turns this gas into a high-pressure gas so it can more effectively release heat into the outdoor air.
Your compressor can fail for a number of reasons, ranging from electrical problems to low refrigerant levels that limit lubrication. A bad compressor is one of the common culprits behind an AC not cooling, and it’s one an AC professional will have to fix.
Bad Blower Motor
The blower motor powers a large fan that pushes cool air through your HVAC ducts. If it goes bad, blowing cool air will become difficult for your AC system.
Electrical AC problems are common, such as a faulty capacitor preventing the motor from starting. You might also have an old blower motor that can’t work properly because it needs new bearings.
Get Help From Your Local Murfreesboro HVAC Experts
Is your AC running but not cooling your home? If you’ve troubleshooted the thermostat, registers, and filter with no luck, it’s time to call for help.
Airstream has been serving the Murfreesboro community since 2012. Our HVAC techs will inspect your air conditioning and find the problem quickly.
Book your HVAC service online to get started.
FAQ
What causes an air conditioner not to blow cold air but to run?
An AC could run without cooling due to poor airflow or refrigerant issues. A wide range of HVAC problems can affect refrigerant and airflow.
When is the time to call an AC repair near me?
You can troubleshoot a few things yourself, such as checking your HVAC filter, cleaning the vents, and letting frozen coils defrost. If these steps don’t work, call an HVAC pro.
How can you prevent HVAC problems?
Keep up with annual AC maintenance, change your filter regularly and call a professional HVAC technician when you notice anything unusual.
Should I keep running my AC if it’s not cooling?
Turn off your AC if it’s not cooling effectively. Continuing to run it can worsen problems like frozen coils or compressor damage, leading to more expensive repairs.
