You are relaxing on your couch with the air conditioning unit set at 72 degrees. The sun is shining, and you’re watching some good old-fashioned summer action movies off Netflix. Or maybe it’s not even the summer yet, but your air conditioning bill for the last month was $350, which is why you’re sitting near the vents trying to cool down. Either way, there’s no cool air coming out of the vents. What you feel is more like hot air than cold air, which is cooling compared to the 84-degree heat outside. Why?

It quickly dawns on you that something might be wrong with your AC. Don’t panic! Instead, here are eight steps to figure out what’s happening and get everything back up and running again.

1. Your AC Capacitor Is Bad

The condenser fan motor may not be working if the compressor is overheating. If this occurs, the overload protector will trip and shut off power to the system until it has cooled down enough for the protector to reset itself. The capacitor helps start the fan motor when power is restored after a reset. If your unit needs a new capacitor, it should be done by a qualified ac repair technician.

2. Your Blower Belt Needs to Be Replaced

If your air conditioner doesn’t have an electric blower motor but instead uses a belt to turn the fan blades, then replacing the belt might solve your problem. Check that there are no cracks in the belt or signs of wear before installing a new one.

3. The Compressor Is Low On Coolant

When your AC compressor is not getting enough coolant, it won’t work correctly or at all. So first, check the hoses and connections for leaks or clogs and then review the level in your expansion tank (if your unit has one). Add as needed until full and check again for leaks or clogs — if any appear after refilling your system, it’s likely caused by a damaged part that needs replacement rather than simple maintenance (or replacing this part will fix them).

4. The Air Filter Needs To Be Cleaned Or Replaced

If you have a central air conditioning system, you should first clean or replace your return air filter. It should be done at least every month, or even more often if you have pets in the house that shed a lot of hair. If you don’t know how to do this, call an air conditioning contractor in Portland to come and take care of it. They can also inspect your entire system for other issues causing your AC to malfunction.

5. Your Compressor May Need Repairs

If your AC unit has been running for a long time without being serviced, there’s a good chance that something inside it has broken down and needs repairs ASAP! One common issue with an AC unit is a bad capacitor, which controls the flow of electricity into and out of the compressor motor (the part responsible for producing cool air). When this happens, your unit will continue to run but won’t produce any cold air, which explains why your home feels warm even though the thermostat is set on “cool.”

6. Murky Condenser Coils

A dirty condenser coil can cause less cold air to be produced by the unit. To clean the coil, turn off your system and disconnect it from its power source. Next, remove any debris outside the unit using a soft brush or broom. You may need to do this several times until all the dirt and debris are removed from inside it.
If there is any excess dirt or dust on top of the coil itself, use an old rag to wipe it off gently without scratching or damaging it. Once you’re finished cleaning, reconnect your system and flip the power back on to test if it’s now working properly.

7. Your Evaporator Coil Is Dirty

The evaporator coil is located inside your home and pulls in cool air from outside. When that cool air meets warm air in your home through this process, it creates cold air that flows through ducts into each room of your house. If there’s mold growing or if it has become clogged with dirt from outside sources such as pollen or dust particles, you may notice warm air coming out of your AC vents. To fix this problem, remove any debris buildup on top of or inside the coil by hand or using compressed air. Then wipe down both sides and let dry before replacing the coverings and reattaching any necessary parts such as filters or wires.

8. Your Indoor Temperature Sensor Might Be at Fault

Hot air could also result from a humidity sensor that shuts off the compressor when it senses there’s enough moisture in the air to cause mold/mildew. If this feature is activated without your knowledge, you won’t feel well in your house because hot, humid air will continue to be fed back inside.

An AC that won’t blow air is something you should address quickly so that you and your family can be comfortable again. Temperature Humidity Air Quality Solutions offer high-quality AC repair services in Portland, TX, to get your unit up and running again very quickly. To get a free quote and talk to our ac contractors in Robstown, call (361) 287-7032.