Why is my AC not blowing cold air but the refrigerant is full?

Author: Mr. Agustin Medhurst III  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.

Why is my AC full of refrigerant but not cooling?

Probably because it's old or poorly maintained. Maybe it's low on refrigerant or has a dirty filter. Could be a sign of a bigger problem, like a faulty compressor or a leak. Don't get your hopes up for an easy fix, you'll likely need a professional to diagnose and repair it.

Why is my AC still blowing warm air after recharge?

So if the refrigerant in your system doesn't get used up, what's happening to it? It's leaking out, that's what. If your A/C is blowing hot air, it's safe to say it's probably leaking. Adding a refrigerant with stop leak additive and O-ring conditioner could cure the leak.

Why is my car full of freon but no cold air?

The most common causes of broken air conditioning are leaks or compressor issues. If your air is blowing cool but not cold, the problem could be a clogged filter, cooling fan problem, radiator trouble, or it could simply be that you need to recharge your AC.

Why is my AC not blowing cold air after Freon recharge?

A refrigerant leak

If the air still isn't cold after adding more Freon then there is probably another leak in the system. This is one of the most common issues for air conditioning problems.

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

Why does my AC engage but no cold air?

This can be caused by an electrical fault in the A/C compressor circuit or the magnetic clutch that drives the compressor.

How to fix AC not blowing cold air?

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.

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.

How to unclog a condenser coil?

What Is the Best Way to Clean AC Coils?
  1. Step 1: Turn Off the Power to Your Air Conditioning System. ...
  2. Step 2: Remove the Outer Cover of the Air Conditioning Unit. ...
  3. Step 3: Clean the Coils and Fins. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply Coil Cleaner. ...
  5. Step 5: Rinse the Coils and Fins. ...
  6. Step 6: Let the Coils Dry.

How to make car AC cold again?

3 Ways to Make Your Car's Air Conditioner Colder
  1. Clean or Replace the Cabin Air Filter. Your car's cabin air filter is responsible for keeping dust, pollen, dirt, and other pollutants out of your AC and heating vents. ...
  2. Check the Refrigerant Level. ...
  3. Inspect the Compressor. ...
  4. Visit Carmedix for Professional Car AC Repair.

Why is my AC not cooling even after gas refill?

the most common reason why your split and window AC is not cooling is because of unclean air filters. If the AC filter is unclean or clogged with dust and dirt, it might result in various problems. It could interfere with the proper working of the thermostat.

How do I know if my AC sensor is bad?

If your AC shows irregular temperatures, where sometimes it's much cooler than other times, this can indicate AC sensor malfunction. This, in turn, will lead to AC sensors needing replacement.

Why is my car AC blowing hot air with full refrigerant?

It could be a number of issues, such as refrigerant leaks, faulty compressor or compressor clutch, blocked air vents, faulty thermostat, broken cooling fans, a blown fuse, electrical problems, a broken condenser and blower motor issues. All of these issues can cause your AC unit to stop operating properly.

Why is my compressor running but not cooling?

If you're wondering, “Why is my AC compressor working but not cooling?” The problem may lie in several potential factors, including refrigerant issues, compressor malfunctions, or airflow blockages.

How do I fix my car AC not blowing air?

Solutions for AC Not Blowing Cold Air
  1. Recharging the AC System. If low refrigerant is the problem, the solution is a recharge. ...
  2. Fixing Leaks and Replacing Damaged Parts. Leaks in the air conditioning system can be tricky to locate. ...
  3. Regular Maintenance Tips. Keeping your car's AC running efficiently requires regular checks:

How much to fix car AC not blowing cold air?

AC repair costs can vary widely, depending on the cause of the problem and the type of vehicle. On average, car AC repair costs run between about $430 and $520. However, if you need a new compressor, you can expect to spend $1,300 to $2,500 or more.

How to tell if freon is low in AC car?

One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs a Freon recharge is that your vehicle will be blowing warm air, even after your vehicle has been running for some time. If your refrigerant gets too low, there will simply not be enough “coolant” to cool the air as it is passed through your evaporator coil.

How much should a AC recharge cost?

The average cost to recharge the Freon levels in an air conditioner unit ranges between $200 and $600. This number can vary, depending on the city you live in, the HVAC provider you choose, and the refrigerant levels in your air conditioner.

Why is my AC running but not getting cold?

In some cases, clogged air filters or dirty evaporator coils can also restrict airflow, forcing the AC to compensate by running at high power. To resolve this issue, it's recommended to check for clogged filters, clean coils, and consider having a professional inspect and repair the motor or fan control components.

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

When you notice that your air conditioner isn't cooling, your first action should be to turn it off. This might seem counterintuitive—after all, you want your home to be cool. However, continuing to run an AC that isn't effectively cooling can cause further damage to the system.

Why is my AC still not cold after recharge?

If you have a continual low refrigerant level in your AC system and heated air instead of cold air after recharging, look for and repair any leaks. Even if your vehicle's compressor is brand new, consider replacing it.

How to reset an AC compressor?

Most air conditioners come with a reset button attached to the compressor unit. Typically, it is a red button and is very visible to an onlooker. To reset your air conditioner, all you have to do is press the button, and you won't have to worry about all the heavy lifting.

How to tell if an AC capacitor is bad?

A sure sign of a bad AC capacitor is a humming sound from within the access panel. Any humming noises indicate a problem with the air conditioning system or the components of the AC unit. Try turning the power on and off again to see if it was a one-time issue with the motor or a recurring problem.

How do I check if my car AC compressor is working?

How to diagnose
  1. Start the engine and turn the A/C on maximum. Make sure the fan is on its highest setting and the temperature is at its coldest setting.
  2. Look to see if the A/C compressor is running. Pop the hood and locate the compressor. ...
  3. Check the pressure with the A/C Pro® gauge.

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