When the summer heat arrives, you count on your AC to keep your Nanaimo, BC, home comfortable. So, when it stops blowing cold air, it’s natural to feel a bit of panic. Many reasons exist for why an AC might stop blowing cold air, and not all need urgent repairs. So, before you call to schedule a repair appointment, there are some things you should do first. Here’s what they are.
Check Your Thermostat
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, it may not be malfunctioning. It may be doing what your thermostat is telling it to do. One of the most frequent causes of an AC not blowing cold air is a thermostat set to run the fan only or heat mode. Either way, your AC won’t engage its cooling mechanism, resulting in warm or hot air from your vents. Most programmable thermostats have physical switches that control operating modes, so these are the first places to look. If you have a smart thermostat, you can check the operating mode using its smartphone app or touchscreen interface.
If you have an aging thermostat, it may need a replacement. Most thermostats last about ten years. If yours is near that age, it could have an internal problem causing your AC to malfunction. In that case, replacing your thermostat should restore your AC to working order. It will also likely improve its operating efficiency and add some new convenient features.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
A dirty air filter is another common cause of an AC that won’t blow cold air. Most central AC systems have air filters that need replacement every one to three months. If you don’t remember to replace yours, it may become dirty enough to obstruct airflow through your AC. So, the system won’t be capable of extracting enough heat to produce the cold air you expect. The good news is that you can resolve the problem by replacing the dirty air filter.
Installing a new filter with the exact dimensions, thickness, and MERV rating as the one you’re replacing is essential. If you buy a replacement that isn’t the right size, it won’t fit into the air filter housing. Purchasing a new filter with a higher MERV rating may affect airflow through your AC. Generally, most ACs will work with filters up to a MERV rating of 13. But it’s wise to consult an HVAC professional before upgrading yours.
Inspect Your AC’s Outdoor Unit
If you don’t know how your AC works, you may not realize the essential function of its outdoor unit. An AC outdoor unit contains a large fan and condenser coil. Their job is to expel heat collected from inside your home. So, if your outdoor unit becomes obstructed or too dirty, it may struggle to perform its function. The result is a loss of cooling capacity inside your home.
Your outdoor AC unit needs at least two feet of unobstructed space on all sides. Additionally, you want to ensure that nothing obstructs the airflow path of the unit’s large fan. If you see any debris around your outdoor unit, you need to remove it. It is not uncommon for leaves and other plant matter to build up around your outdoor unit.
It’s also worth looking at the condenser coil’s fins to see if they’re dirty. You can peer through the unit’s fan opening to inspect the inner coil fins and look through the sides of the unit to see the outer fins. If they appear dirty, this may interfere with heat transfer enough to cause your AC to blow warm air. In that case, you can rinse the dirt away with a garden hose on a low-pressure setting. In most cases, that should restore your AC’s cooling capacity. But it is wise to follow up with a professional maintenance appointment for a deeper cleaning.
You should also inspect your AC’s outdoor unit while it’s running. The large fan should be operational throughout your AC’s operating cycle. If it isn’t, or if it’s only running, you’ve identified the cause of your AC blowing warm air. A malfunctioning condenser fan will prevent your AC from expelling heat. The good news is that replacing the fan or the unit’s capacitor will resolve the problem. Our HVAC technicians can complete both tasks.
When You Need Immediate Professional Help
Unfortunately, not every cause of an AC blowing warm air has a simple solution. There are a few situations that call for urgent professional repairs. You can look for the following symptoms to alert you to serious AC problems.
Hissing Sounds
If your AC starts blowing warm air and emitting a hissing sound, you should turn it off immediately. Hissing almost always indicates a refrigerant leak. When your AC loses refrigerant, leaving it running might lead to significant damage. Aside from its role in the refrigeration cycle, your AC’s refrigerant also carries oil to lubricate the system’s compressor. Without that oil, your compressor could seize or otherwise get damaged. This could likely force you to replace your entire AC when that happens.
Water Leaks
Another possible sign that your AC needs urgent repair is water leaking from its indoor unit. This indicates that your AC’s condensate drain isn’t functioning. This issue may occur due to a blockage in the system’s condensate drain line. If your AC is unable to rid itself of condensation, its evaporator coil might freeze, which could lead to warm air coming from your vents.
Unfortunately, your AC may also leak water due to a refrigerant leak. An AC unit can operate at low temperatures when it loses refrigerant pressure. This can lead to a frozen evaporator coil, even if your condensate drain is fine. When your AC cycles off, the ice can melt, overwhelming the drain and causing leaks.
Preventing AC Breakdowns
It’s worth pointing out that most AC units don’t fail out of nowhere. Often, they fail due to problems that have gone unaddressed for too long. The best way to prevent that is to have your AC maintained at least once a year. During a maintenance appointment, our HVAC technician will inspect your AC’s components for signs of unusual wear. That way, you can take preventative action if anything is wrong. They will also clean your AC’s inner workings to support efficiency. Those two factors alone can prevent many situations and keep your AC running well for as long as possible.
Your Trusted Local AC Experts
With decades of experience on staff, Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas is the place to turn when you have an AC problem in Nanaimo. Our trained technicians can maintain and repair ACs of any make or model. We also offer a convenient Comfort Club membership program to simplify caring for your AC. It includes regular maintenance and perks like priority emergency service, repair discounts, and extended warranties. Additionally, we donate a part of your annual membership fee to charity! So, if your AC starts blowing warm air in Nanaimo and you can’t figure out why, call us, and we’ll take care of the rest.
