Why is my AC just blowing air?

Author: Dr. Jamar Jast II  |  Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2026

If the AC is blowing but not cooling the air at all, then it is likely that you have a problem with your outdoor condenser. Double-check that the fan and compressor are running.

Why is my AC unit blowing air but not cooling?

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.

Why is my AC only blowing normal air?

Low or Leaking Refrigerant

If there is a leakage in the coils or refrigerant lines, the refrigerant level in the cooling unit will decrease, resulting in warm air blowing from your vents or even reduced cooling performance. Over time, the refrigerant leaks can lead to low refrigerant levels.

Why is there only air coming out of my AC?

One major reason for your air conditioning system blowing out cool air during the heating cycle is a refrigerant problem. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your AC system, facilitating the heat exchange process. If there's a leak or insufficient levels of refrigerant, your system may struggle to generate enough heat.

Why is my AC off but blowing air?

Clogged Air Filter: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down. After it cools off, it may start blowing air again. Regularly changing or cleaning the filter can help prevent this.

How to Fix Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air | HVAC Training 101

Why is my AC on but nothing coming out of vents?

Most vents have a switch or toggle to open and close the vents – you want to make sure that none of your vents have been inadvertently closed. You also want to check the vents for any obstructions that could be blocking the airflow. If you notice any, clear the obstructions and you will hopefully have fixed your issue.

How to reset a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

Why can I see air blowing from AC?

Worried about that fog or the mist you see coming from your AC? Don't worry—it usually doesn't mean there's something wrong with your air conditioner. The mist is just condensed water vapor that forms when cold, dry air comes into contact with humid, warm air (we'll explain this in more detail later on).

Why is my AC blowing very little air?

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.

How much does a compressor cost for an air conditioner?

On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.

Should air be blowing out of AC unit?

Not really. Maybe a very slight breeze if the furnace is running just from the inducer fan motor, but if you're feeling air coming out while the ac or fan is running, it means the seal at the top isn't seated properly.

How to check refrigerant level in AC?

Steps for Checking Refrigerant Levels
  1. Turn Off the AC and Remove the Cover. Turn off the AC unit and remove the cover to access the refrigerant level gauge or gauges.
  2. Locate and Remove the Access Panel. ...
  3. Attach Refrigerant Pressure Gauges. ...
  4. Interpret Pressure Levels. ...
  5. Add Refrigerant (if Necessary)

How do you fix a weak AC airflow?

To resolve weak airflow issues, it is recommended to: check and replace air filters regularly. clear any obstructions near vents or registers. inspect and maintain the blower motor.

Should I turn off AC if it's not cooling?

Yes, you should turn off your AC if it's not cooling.

Where is the reset button on an AC unit?

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.

What is the first thing to check when the AC stops working?

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.

Why is my AC unit on but not blowing air?

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.

How much does it cost to replace a blower motor in an air conditioner?

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.

How do I fix my AC not cooling enough?

The following are a few things to check when your air conditioner is not cooling your space.
  1. Check and reset the thermostat.
  2. Replace the dirty filter.
  3. Clear the clogged condensation drain.
  4. Try to diagnose duct malfunctions.
  5. Clear the area around the compressor.
  6. Buy a more powerful air conditioner.

Why is my AC blowing regular air?

Low Refrigerant

The most obvious and common reason an AC unit blows warm air is due to low refrigerant. Refrigerant is necessary for an AC unit to run correctly. As the name implies, creating refrigerated air from the AC is vital.

How much air should come out of AC vents?

If you notice a change in the airflow of your HVAC system, then you should look into calling a professional. They can come out and test your equipment to determine how strong the airflow is. How strong should air come out of vents? The recommended airflow for each room is typically 50 cubic feet per minute.

How do I know if my AC has a blockage?

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.

Will resetting the thermostat fix AC?

Resetting your thermostat is an easy first step in troubleshooting temperature control issues. If problems persist after a reset, you should contact an HVAC technician for additional diagnostics and repairs.

How can I tell if my thermostat is bad?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  2. The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  3. The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  4. The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  5. The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  6. The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  7. The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

Why is my AC unit not kicking on?

Check the thermostat

You should check if it's been set to the correct temperature and also make sure it's set to “cool”. If the AC settings are not right, it won't turn on. You can also check if the batteries in the thermostat are fresh and replace them if needed.

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