Dirty Filters The other reason why your AC system is not blowing cold air is a dirty filter. AC filters trap dirt, dust, and other pollutants circulating in your indoor air. Over time, the filters can get clogged with debris, restricting airflow and reducing the unit's capacity to cool your living space effectively.
A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce cooling to your home. In more extreme cases it can cause the system to shut down completely. If your thermostat checks out and you still don't have cool air, locate your system's air filter, turn the system off, remove the filter and inspect.
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.
If the AC is still not blowing cold air, it could signify that you have a refrigerant leak, a damaged condenser, or your entire mechanical system needs maintenance. However, other reasons your HVAC unit is not blowing cold air may be something you can easily fix yourself.
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.
If your air conditioner isn't keeping up with the heat, your air filter may be to blame. A dirty air filter can obstruct the airflow path through the unit. Using a dirty air filter can also cause less energy efficiency and more costly utility bills.
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.
When the air filter becomes clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, it restricts the airflow passing through the system. This restriction causes the AC unit to work harder, leading to decreased efficiency and reduced cooling capacity. Restricted airflow can even cause the coils to freeze in your outdoor or window unit.
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.
Can a Dirty Filter Cause an AC Not to Cool? The short answer is yes, a dirty filter can indeed hinder the cooling process. As mentioned earlier, reduced airflow restricts the system's ability to circulate cool air throughout your home efficiently.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow through the HVAC system making it harder to reach your desired indoor temperature at an increased cost.
If your filter is designed to be washed, hold it under lukewarm running water to rinse away residual dust. For a deeper clean, soak the filter in a basin with warm water and a mild detergent for about 10-15 minutes. Agitate the water gently to release any embedded dirt.
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.
The short answer: You can get away with running your AC without a filter for a short period of time. However, doing so for longer than 6-8 hours can hurt your system and decrease your home's indoor air quality.
There are several things that could be preventing your AC from blowing cold air, including a problem with your thermostat, dirty filters, a clogged condensate line, a blocked compressor or dirty coils. Your air conditioner is a machine with many parts that need to work together.
A popular cause behind an AC that is not cooling is the deficiency of refrigerant or Freon. When refrigerant circulates together with the air, your room will be filled with cool air. If your unit becomes low on the Freon, the air that blows into your room will not be as cooling as before.
Residential Air Conditioner Freon Refill Cost
Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.