Why is the air coming out of my vents not very cold?

Author: Sylvan Emmerich MD  |  Last update: Monday, June 2, 2025

There are many reasons your AC might not be cooling your home properly. The solution could be as easy as flipping a switch on your thermostat, cleaning a dirty air filter, or clearing debris away from your outdoor unit. There are also more complex problems that may need the help of a professional.

Why is the air from my vents not cold enough?

If your HVAC system is blocked up or clogged somewhere, your AC won't send enough cool air through the vents when it's running. A fan problem can also cause this issue. Or, you can end up with that problem if you don't address the circulation issues. It's not always easy to realize a circulation problem in the summer.

Why does my AC not feel cold enough?

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.

How cold should the air be blowing out of the vents?

This means that if the air entering the system is 75°F, the air coming out of the vent should be between 55°F and 61°F.

Why can I barely feel air coming out of my vents?

Air Filter Blockage: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow. Check and replace the filter if it's dirty. Blocked Vents: Make sure that vents are not obstructed by furniture, dust, or debris. Ductwork Problems: There could be leaks or blockages in the ductwork that prevent air from reaching the vents.

How do I stop cold air coming through my vents?

How do I increase air flow to my vents?

If you want to increase airflow in a room without affecting other rooms, here are our top recommended solutions.
  1. Open the windows and doors to the room. ...
  2. Enlarge the return vents. ...
  3. Ensure you clean the HVAC air cleaners. ...
  4. Close the vents to some rooms. ...
  5. Use a fan. ...
  6. Unblock the vents.

Why is my AC unit not blowing enough air?

There are several reasons why a blower may stop working, including a clog, a stuck wheel, or a loose fan belt. The good news is that these problems are common and can be fixed. However, you will have to hire a professional to fix them.

How cool should my house be if it's 100 outside?

For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.

What is the most common cause of poor air flow in a duct system?

Obstructed Vent

One of the most common causes for poor airflow is a blocked vent. To properly heat or cool your home, the air needs to be unobstructed. To see if there are any blocked vents, look by the baseboards or on the ceiling. Furniture, bedding, and the vent damper could all be possible obstacles to the vent.

How to check AC vent temperature?

Temp the Air From the Air Conditioner

Put the thermometer on the vent and let it take the temperature of the air coming out of it for about five minutes. You can use a weather thermometer or a cooking thermometer.

Why is my AC not cooling below 75?

Your AC might be stuck at 75 due to various reasons like clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, or the wrong unit size. It's best to have a professional diagnose and fix the issue.

Why is my AC blowing weak cold air?

Blocked, damaged, or disconnected ductwork can significantly reduce airflow, while duct leaks cause cool air to leak, weakening indoor airflow. Regular duct inspections and cleanings are vital to fix these problems and ensure consistent airflow in your home.

How do I know 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 blowing air but not cold?

There are many reasons your AC might not be cooling your home properly. The solution could be as easy as flipping a switch on your thermostat, cleaning a dirty air filter, or clearing debris away from your outdoor unit. There are also more complex problems that may need the help of a professional.

How much airflow should be coming out of 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 to check if AC is cooling properly?

Ways To Check If Your AC Is Working Properly
  1. Check the Air Flow. If your AC is trying to cool a room that continues to stay excessively warm, it may not getting enough airflow through the vents. ...
  2. Check the Thermostat. ...
  3. Check for Refrigerant Leaks. ...
  4. Check the Smart Settings. ...
  5. Check the Outdoor Unit.

Why isn't cold air coming out of my vents?

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.

How do I increase airflow in my ductwork?

Ways to Increase Air Duct Flow
  1. Clean the Air Ducts. ...
  2. Add Ductwork Extensions or Registers. ...
  3. Install Automatic Dampers on Your Vents. ...
  4. Replace Furnace Filters. ...
  5. Install a Whole House Fan. ...
  6. Add More Insulation to Your Walls. ...
  7. Seal Up Drafty Windows and Doors. ...
  8. Install a Programmable Thermostat.

How much does a HVAC inspection cost?

A full HVAC inspection costs between $150 and $500 on average. This comprehensive appointment includes a complete inspection of your heating system, cooling system, and ductwork.

How long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72?

Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside in summer?

Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.

What temperature should I keep my house in extreme cold?

Keeping your home warm in the winter is essential for one's comfort and also to keep pipes from freezing. However, you should be mindful of energy consumption as well. According to the Department of Energy, the optimal temperature setting for homes during freezing weather is 68 °F.

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.

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 often should I change my AC filter?

How Often Do I Need to Change Out My Air Filter? Generally, most air filter manufacturers and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every 90 days, or 3 months. That can change based on where your home is located (ex. dusty, dry climates), if you have any pets, and the age of your system and equipment.

Previous article
Can you use baking soda as laundry detergent?
Next article
Does XWFE water filter have a chip on it?