Why is my HVAC running but no air coming out of vents?

Author: Haylee Bauch  |  Last update: Saturday, November 1, 2025

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.

Why is my AC working but no air from 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.

Why is the air not pushing through my vents?

Obstructed Vent

Furniture, bedding, and the vent damper could all be possible obstacles to the vent. If you find any closed or blocked vents, you can clear away the obstruction and feel for airflow, but if your vents are open and still not blowing enough air, there could be an issue with the fan's motor.

Why is my blower running but no airflow?

It could be several things: IF it was working, then stopped, it could be the starter capacitor on the blower. If some vents are blowing good, but others are not, it could need balancing. It could be a clogged filter.

Why is my furnace fan running but no air coming out of vents?

If your AC unit and furnace fan is running but you still have no airflow your most likely have a frozen evaporator coil. Caused by either an airflow issue like plugged air filter or plugged evaporator coil. Or your AC unit could have a refrigerant leak and be low on charge.

Why is my AC running but not blowing air?

Why is my HVAC unit running but no air coming out?

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.

How to tell if a thermostat is bad?

A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.

Can you hear a blower but no air coming out of the vents?

If you can hear your AC running, but the fan isn't kicking on you will want to try lowering the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. If your fan is still suspiciously quiet, this can be an indication of an issues with the AC blower. The AC blower pushes the cold air out to the ductwork and through your house.

Why is my fan running but no 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.

Why is my AC unit running inside but not outside?

If your inside unit is running but the outside AC unit fan isn't running, there could be a few potential causes. To diagnose the problem, first, check the circuit breaker, then inspect the condensing unit for any visible damage, and then check if the fan's airflow is blocked.

Why is heat not coming out of the vents in my house?

While furnaces can stop operating for complicated reasons, home owners should check a few usual suspects first behind a lack of hot blowing air: Electrical problems causing a loss of power. Blocked air vents and ducts restricting airflow. Improperly configured thermostat settings.

How do I fix my AC not blowing air?

Check the air filter and replace the filter if it's dirty. Look for dirt clogging the condenser fins on the outside unit and clean the fins if necessary. Check for a clogged condensate drain line and clear the clog if condensate water isn't draining from the unit.

How do I know if my AC vents are clogged?

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.

Why is nothing coming out of my air vents?

This could be a voltage issue or simply a faulty thermostat to blame. Duct Blockage. If some registers are blowing and others are not, you may have a blockage issue in the ductwork. If there is no collapse, then a thorough duct cleaning may fix your airflow problems.

Why is my HVAC fan running 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.

How do I reset my AC vents?

In AC systems, the air conditioner reset button is on the outside unit's lower edge, typically close to the ground. Some models have the reset button located behind the service panel, which may require tools to remove. Reset buttons are usually red or yellow with a clear “reset” label.

Why is my AC unit running but fan not blowing?

In short, common issues that can cause an air conditioning unit fan to stop spinning are electrical issues, problems with the capacitor, contactor issues, a burnt out air conditioner motor, a broken fan belt, or clogged air filter.

Why does my air conditioner turn on but nothing happens?

You go to turn on your air conditioner but nothing happens. Why? Usually, it means that your system is not receiving power or that your thermostat is not set correctly. Make sure that your thermostat is set to “cool.” You may also need to adjust the temperature that it's set to.

Why is my fan not kicking in?

The most common reasons for a radiator fan not working can be a blown-out fuse, a bad relay, or a broken wire. The faulty coolant temp sensor might also be a reason behind it. Whatever the case, a dysfunctional radiator fan can be fatal.

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.

Should the outside fan run when AC is on?

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.

How do you know if your blower motor is blown?

Key Signs of a Bad Blower Motor
  • Strange Rattling, Clanking, or Screeching. ...
  • Weak or No Airflow From The Vents. ...
  • A Sudden Spike in Your Energy Bills. ...
  • An Overheating HVAC System. ...
  • Replace or Maintain a Part in the Blower Motor. ...
  • Replacing the Blower Motor. ...
  • Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance.

How do you tell if you need a new thermostat in your house?

7 Telltale Signs Your Thermostat Needs Replacing
  1. Blank or unresponsive screen. ...
  2. Short-cycling. ...
  3. Constantly running HVAC units. ...
  4. Inaccurate thermostat temperature readings. ...
  5. Hot and cold spots. ...
  6. High energy bills. ...
  7. Old and obsolete.

What is short cycling HVAC?

Short cycling indicates a problem within a heater that is cutting off its heating cycle before it finishes. This can be caused by a range of issues, which vary in severity and necessary repair.

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat?

Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one. However, installing a brand-new thermostat is more involved and, therefore, more expensive.

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