In Lafayette, our outside AC units are vital for keeping cool during summer. Why is my ac not blowing cold air: The condenser plays a key role by cooling down the refrigerant. This lets cool air spread inside. When your outside AC unit doesn’t start, your home gets really hot, fast.
Figuring out why your outside AC isn’t working is the first step to fix it. This part is crucial since a broken unit can make your home much hotter.
Common Causes of Outside AC Unit Not Turning On
When your outside AC isn’t working, it’s good to know the usual reasons. About half of these issues are due to electrical faults, like circuit breakers tripping or power failures. These problems prevent the AC from working well.
Compressor problems cause another 30% of AC failures. Since compressors usually last 10-15 years, older ones often break down, leading to costly replacements. Experts usually suggest getting new indoor and outdoor units together. This avoids mismatched systems that could lower efficiency and invalidate warranties.
Thermostat issues are behind nearly 20% of cases when ACs don’t start outside. Setting the thermostat wrong can mess up both inside and outside units, causing big problems. Most AC problems, about 70%, could be avoided with regular care.
Things central air stopped blowing cold like blockages can also cause trouble. Air intake pipes under decks or patios get blocked in 15% of cases. Plus, fan issues, dirty compressors, and burnt-out motors lead to failures. They’re to blame in about 5%, 10%, and 25% of outdoor unit issues.
To shed more light, here are extra reasons your outside AC might stop:
- Insufficient power supply issues – 30%
- Air conditioner contactor failures – 15%
- Bad capacitors – 10%
- Safety switch locks – 5%
Why is my ac not blowing cold air: The last bit of advice is on circuit breaker trips, which power surges often cause. This issue makes up about 15% of outdoor AC unit problems. To avoid this, clear debris, set your thermostat correctly, and keep up with maintenance. This helps your AC run smoothly.
How to Check the Circuit Breaker
The most common issue with an outside air unit not working is a tripped circuit breaker. Circuit breakers shut off power to avoid damage when there’s too much electricity flowing. This could be due to bad connections or short circuits. Resetting the breaker often gets your air conditioner working again.
Here’s how to check if a tripped breaker is why your air unit won’t run:
- Find your home’s electrical panel. It’s usually in the garage, basement, or utility area.
- Open the panel and look for a breaker that’s neither fully “on” nor “off”. That means it has tripped.
- To reset a tripped breaker, switch it to “off” first. Then, turn it back to “on”.
Why does my ac unit not blow cold air: Resetting the breaker can fix problems from power surges or too much current. But only try to reset it once. If it trips again, you should call a professional. This is to avoid electrical fires or other dangers.
Why is my ac not blowing cold air: Keeping your AC unit maintained helps avoid electrical issues. Clear out any clogs, fix refrigerant leaks, and replace faulty parts quickly. With these steps, you can reduce chances of your outside air unit having problems.
Inspecting the Thermostat Settings
When your AC won’t start, always check the thermostat first. Incorrect settings might stop it from working or cause it to blow warm air. Make sure the thermostat is on ‘cool’ and set below the room’s temperature. This easy step often fixes the problem.
If the thermostat is acting up, it might be because of low batteries. Changing old batteries is key for keeping it working right. Without good batteries, the thermostat can’t tell the AC to turn on. So, changing them often is a smart move.
Make sure your thermostat is clean too. Dust and dirt can mess it up. Checking this along with the batteries can prevent future problems. That way, your AC will be ready to keep you cool all summer long.
Outside AC Unit Not Turning On: What to Do Next
When our outside AC unit won’t start, the first step is to check the power supply. Start by examining the circuit breaker for a blown fuse. This issue affects about 15% of all AC unit failures.
Next, look over the condenser for any damage or blockages. These can stop your AC from working correctly. If there’s no damage, think about other problems, like a bad capacitor. This is common and can be spotted by a buzzing sound.
Capacitors usually last between 5 to 10 years. But, ac isn’t blowing cold air things like working too hard, excessive heat, or power surges can shorten this time. In places with lots of humidity, about 20% of AC issues are due to clogged condensate lines. Make sure these lines are clear.
If these steps don’t fix the problem, you may need expert help. Up to 10% of AC systems have Freon leaks and need a pro to fix them. Also, complex issues like broken compressors or motors in older units need professional attention.
To avoid calling for help when it’s very hot and busy, do these checks early. Regular upkeep can help prevent many mechanical issues and blockages, too.
Why is My AC Not Blowing Cold Air: Identifying and Fixing Fan Issues
Knowing why the air conditioner outside isn’t working is key to fixing it. Fan problems are common and can have many causes.
One main issue is blockages near the fan. Keeping the fan and its area clear of anything can help avoid issues. Cleaning often and keeping things tidy cuts the chance of problems by 50%.
If the fan stops working, even after you clear stuff away, you might need to check things more deeply. Here’s what to look at:
- Motor Functionality: Bad fan motors cause about 25% of AC failures. Buzzing or grinding noises mean trouble.
- Belt Integrity: Check belts for damage, as worn ones affect the fan.
- Electrical Connections: Check for loose wires, which cause 15% of fan problems. Let experts handle any burns or rust.
Broken capacitors can make the fan slow or not start, happening in 10% of cases. Look for bulging, leaks, or scorch marks on capacitors. Control board issues cause 20% of fan problems, needing expert checks.
About 40% of the time, clogged condensate lines impact fans. Cleaning these lines helps prevent trouble.
Sometimes, air conditioner wont blow cold air fans work off and on because of capacitor wear or electrical issues. You can spot bad capacitors visually, but electrical problems often need special tools. HVAC pros have the right equipment for accurate fixes.
Why is my ac not blowing cold air: If fixing it yourself doesn’t work, get professional help. Hot motors and bad bearings can make repairs costly. Getting a pro to look at it, like those at Sunset Heating & Cooling, helps avoid big issues and keeps your AC running longer.
The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance
Getting your AC checked regularly not only makes it work better but also lets it last longer. Routine checks can help an air conditioner work up to 15% more effectively and stop typical issues that cause waste. For instance, when filters get clogged, they can cut airflow by as much as 50%, which makes the system use more energy and increase your bills.
Also, getting your air conditioner serviced regularly can add 5 to 10 years to its life. It’s impressive to see that units not looked after have a 75% greater risk of breaking down because they’re not maintained. Just cleaning the evaporator coil can make the system up to 30% more efficient.
If an AC system is dirty and not well taken care of, it can become a home for bad microorganisms like bacteria, mold, and fungi. These can be harmful, especially to people who already have health issues. Having your system inspected regularly, which costs about $75 to $150 each time, can avoid these risks. It makes sure the air flow is clean and the indoor air quality is good.
Ductwork is also important to maintain. Without care, up to 20% of air can escape through leaks in the system, which makes your energy bills go up. Making sure that duct seals and condensate drains are good can lessen energy loss. It can also help you avoid expensive water damage repairs, which can cost between $500 and $1,500.
Hiring a pro for a detailed check and maintenance lowers the chance of your AC breaking down unexpectedly by 40%. This is really important during the hot summer months. So, regular AC care is a small price to pay for big savings in the long run and for keeping your home comfy.
Contacting Professionals: When to Seek Help
Sometimes, air conditioning problems are too tough to handle alone. Basic steps can fix 70% of issues. Yet, complex problems need an expert’s touch. Issues like blown compressors or refrigerant leaks should be handled by HVAC pros.
If simple checks don’t work, it’s expert time. HVAC pros are well-trained, even on handling refrigerants safely. This comes from rigorous training and EPA certification.
Pro repair does more than fix issues. It makes your system run better and last longer. Regular checks can prevent half of all breakdowns. Getting help early keeps comfort high and costs low. Rely on pros with 20 years in the business for accurate fixes and a cool home.