What to Do if Your AC Suddenly Stops Blowing Cold Air

There’s nothing worse than your air conditioner suddenly stopping on a hot summer day. There are many common reasons that your AC stopped blowing cold air, some of which you can troubleshoot on your own. However, it’s always wise to contact professionals when any part of your HVAC system breaks down. The professional HVAC technicians at Inland Empire Comfort understand the ins and outs of HVAC systems. We install, maintain, and repair them, so we’re ready to help diagnose the cause of your AC breakdown and fix it quickly and affordably.

Evaluating Your Air Conditioner

The first step in diagnosing your air conditioning issue is to inspect the air conditioner thoroughly. There are many reasons why an air conditioner breaks down, and the cause of the problem is as important as getting it fixed. Some issues could precipitate other more severe repairs down the road, so being thorough is essential.

Some common reasons your air conditioner may not be cooling include:

• Clogged filter
• Clogged drain
• Condensate airflow switch
• Dirty air compressor
• Ice buildup
• Low refrigerant levels
• Power issues
• Thermostat issues

While some of these issues may be possible to fix on your own, it’s always best to consult with a professional HVAC technician first. Of course, an Inland Empire Comfort technician can repair these problems quickly.

Power Issues

It may sound ridiculous, but if your AC is not blowing air, make sure you plug the cord in correctly and that there is no damage to the cable or plug head. If they are both fine, it could be an issue with the electrical panel itself. A tripped breaker or blown fuse could be the cause of it not working.

Clogged Filter

A clogged filter for your AC can significantly slow airflow, even completely blocking it in some cases. This could result in the air conditioner’s motor overheating, which is both damaging and dangerous. Check the filter and clean or replace it if needed. Make sure you regularly change the filters as well to prevent future clogs from forming.

Clogged Drain

Air conditioners pull moisture from the air and use it to cool. The excess water drains from the unit via a hose or drainage pipe. Over time, the drain may become clogged with debris, including algae growth. When this happens, the unit will shut down. This is a fail-safe built into the machine to ensure that water doesn’t back up into your home or otherwise cause damage.

If a clogged drain is an issue, you may need to replace it, though sometimes you can clean it with a mild bleach solution.

Condensate Airflow Switch

Some ACs have a safety switch integrated into the system that shuts the unit off automatically if any water backs up in the drainpipe. If your AC has one of these switches, and it trips, you must clean the condenser drainpipe before you reset the switch.

Dirty Air Compressor

The air compressor is one of the most recognizable components of your air conditioner. It sits outside your home, and regular maintenance should include clearing away any dirt, leaves, or other debris that can accumulate during the good weather. Get in the habit of covering the compressor in the wintertime to avoid any unwanted accumulation.

Compressor cleaning is something you can do as a homeowner, but you enlist the services of a professional technician for the best results. Not only does an Inland Empire Comfort technician have the skill to give the compressor proper cleaning and maintenance, but they also can assess and repair it immediately if necessary.

Ice Buildup

Ice? Yes, ice can build up in your AC. It is, after all, cooling the air. There are several reasons why ice might build up in your air conditioner. First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow.

Once you’ve cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn’t blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Air conditioner refrigerant or coolant does not go bad or deplete over time. If the reason your AC stopped blowing cold air is that refrigerant levels are low, you probably have a leak.

Thermostat Issues

Another simple solution may involve the thermostat. If you don’t set the dial to the right temperature, the AC will not turn on to cool your home. Turn the dial all the way down or switch to the lowest setting. If the AC does not come on and blow cold air, check the wiring in the thermostat to make sure it is connected and, if there are any batteries involved, make sure they are new and installed correctly.

Air Conditioning Repair

Depending on the age of your AC system, and the degree of air conditioner repair you need, your professional HVAC technician may suggest you consider a new AC system. First, though, they will do all they can to get your current system back in working order.

Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating provides air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA, and surrounding areas. Our experienced HVAC technicians know to assess your air conditioner’s status and diagnose the cause of the problem quickly and effectively.

We also understand that preventing problems is as essential as fixing them. That’s why we perform annual HVAC inspections, ensuring that we stay on top of any maintenance problems that are developing and help you avoid losing your AC when you need it most.

Learn More About Riverside AC Repair

If your AC stopped blowing cold air, or you want to learn more about Inland Empire Comfort’s air conditioning repair in Riverside, CA, give us a call at (951) 336-1718. You can make an appointment for an air conditioning evaluation or learn more about all the heating and air conditioning services we offer.