Advice Need For This AC Issue

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Advice Need For This AC Issue

My AC stopped blowing cold air.

The unit outside seems to be working.

The fan is spinning but no cold air comes out.

I'm calling someone to come take a look at it today but was curious if anyone knew what it could be and give me a heads up before.

Question from user AdSweet3673 at AirConditioners at reddit.

Answer:

If your AC unit is not blowing cold air even though the outside unit appears to be running, there could be a few potential issues causing this problem. Here are some common reasons for this situation:

1. Refrigerant leak: Low refrigerant levels can result in insufficient cooling. If there's a leak in the system, it needs to be repaired, and the lost refrigerant should be replaced by a professional HVAC technician.

   
   

2. Dirty evaporator coil: The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air, and if it's dirty or covered in debris, it can't perform its job effectively. This will lead to reduced cooling efficiency.

   
   

3. Blocked condenser unit: The condenser unit (outside) releases heat to the outside environment. If the condenser coils are dirty or blocked by debris, it can hamper the cooling process.

   
   

4. Faulty compressor: The compressor is a crucial component responsible for circulating the refrigerant and pressurizing it. If the compressor is faulty or not working correctly, it can lead to no cooling.

   
   

5. Electrical issues: Problems with electrical components like capacitors, relays, or contactors can also cause the AC to stop blowing cold air.

   
   

6. Thermostat malfunction: A faulty thermostat may not signal the AC to cool properly, resulting in no cold air.

   
   

7. Frozen evaporator coil: If the evaporator coil freezes due to various reasons (e.g., dirty air filter, low refrigerant), it will obstruct airflow and lead to no cooling.

   
   

8. Airflow restrictions: Any restrictions in the airflow, such as blocked vents or dirty air filters, can impede the cooling process.

   
   

Since you've mentioned that the outside unit seems to be working with the fan spinning, the compressor might be running. However, the lack of cold air suggests that there could be an issue with the indoor components (e.g., evaporator coil, blower motor) or the refrigerant level.

It's a good decision to call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. They have the expertise and tools to pinpoint the issue accurately and perform the necessary repairs. Remember to provide them with any relevant information about the unit's recent performance to help them troubleshoot more efficiently.