If your air handler is running but not blowing air, there are two likely scenarios: either a broken AC blower belt or an issue with the motor itself. If the air handler is humming or buzzing but not making the mechanical sounds of a motor running, you're most likely talking about an issue with the motor itself.
What if your AC isn't blowing hard? There's no point in having an AC unit that doesn't serve its purpose. Your dirty air filters may be the main culprit, especially if you don't clean them. Chances are the dirt and dust built up in the filter of your AC unit, restricting the system's airflow.
Vent Blockage
If you feel no air is blowing from vents in your house, vent blockage is most likely to be the issue.
If your AC is on but not blowing air, check the thermostat settings first. A clogged air filter may also block airflow and needs replacing. The blower motor could be malfunctioning, or ductwork might be disconnected or blocked, affecting air circulation throughout your home.
Turning off your AC when it's not cooling is more than a precaution; it's a necessary first step in troubleshooting and protecting your system from further damage. By understanding when to perform simple checks and when to call in the experts, you ensure your air conditioner remains a reliable refuge from the heat.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
Check these issues when the unit won't kick on: Check the thermostat and adjust the settings if it isn't set to Cool and an appropriate temperature setting to call for cooling. Examine the house circuit breakers for the AC unit and reset any tripped breakers. Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty.
If the fan does kick on, but airflow is still restricted, check your air filter. If it is dirty, replace it. Check to see if your air conditioner evaporator coil is frozen.
The short answer: Definitely not. (Unless you have manually engaged your outside fan to run constantly, but it shouldn't be running for hours on it's own.) If your HVAC is functioning correctly, it should keep your house cool by cycling on for 15-20 minutes at a time—with distinct pauses in between each cycle.
There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.
You can generally identify a blocked air duct by a distinct drop in heating and cooling efficiency, increased energy costs, and occasionally a musty, dusty smell throughout the home. The blockage usually comes over time, by a buildup of dust and debris that just accumulates until it begins choking the system.
Power down your AC: Turn off your AC unit and unplug it from the power source. This will ensure that you stay safe while working on the unit. Locate the reset button: Most air conditioning units have a reset button located near the outside unit. It is usually a small button located inside a small hole.
Lots of things can cause your blower to have trouble, especially if it gets too dirty. A fan clogged by dirt, a stuck wheel, broken motor, or a loose fan belt are all common problems that reduce the amount of airflow you feel coming from your vents. How to fix: Call an AC tech to examine and fix the blower.
Installing a new heating and air conditioner blower motor could cost around $150 to $250, with most of that coming from labor costs. HVAC technicians usually go for around $75 to $125 per hour. A blower motor replacement might take anywhere from one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours.
AC is Producing Warm Air
One of the surefire signs of a clogged refrigerant line is if you notice the AC producing warm air when you expect cold air. The warm air is caused by a problem with the proper circulation of the refrigerant fluid, which is instrumental in cooling the air.
If your ceiling fan isn't blowing air, one potential reason is electrical issues. This can be caused by a variety of factors including a blown fuse, loose wiring, a problem with the dual or single capacitors, or a defective motor.
Check to make sure that your air registers (the vents that blow the cold air into the rooms of your home) are open and free of blockage. Sometimes, these get closed, or dust can build up over time and limit airflow. Remove the registers with a screwdriver and make sure that they are clear of dust and blockage.
Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling.
The first thing you'll want to do is check the thermostat. If you have air that's controlled by a thermostat, make sure a faulty thermostat isn't what's causing the problem. In some cases, the batteries may have died or the unit is malfunctioning. Reset the thermostat to see if that turns the AC unit back on.
Most blower motors are controlled by a red or black switch on the side of the unit. Hold the button down for a few seconds (the manual will tell you precisely how long), then release. Replace the Panel and Restore Power.
If your central AC is not blowing cold air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. The most likely cause of this is a leak. A leak not only keeps the AC unit from cooling properly, but also it can cause other issues within the home.
In addition to a sudden stop, these signs of blown AC fuses require your attention: Strange sounds are coming from your air conditioning unit. Your circuit breaker keeps tripping. Your unit smells like it is burning or gives off the smell of exhaust.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.