As summer heat intensifies, we seek relief at home. You turn on the air conditioner, ready to enjoy the cool air, but it does not work as expected — a discomfort comparable to a broken heater in winter. Let’s explore the reasons behind this frustrating issue and how to address it.
What to do if the air conditioner is not cooling
The sun is blazing outside, humidity is seeping into your home, and what should be a comfortable environment turns into an unwelcoming space. The solution lies in the air conditioner, ready for use, but something goes wrong: it does not blow cold air.
This issue often arises when the air conditioner is turned on after a long break between summers, turning the much-needed comfort into an unattainable dream.
There are several reasons for this malfunction, and knowing them can help you resolve the issue.
- Low refrigerant gas. The lack of refrigerant gas is one of the primary causes. When the gas level drops below the required amount for your model, the air conditioner won’t emit cold air, even if it's running, making a recharge necessary.
- Clogged outdoor unit. The outdoor unit, which expels heat from the indoor environment, may be clogged with dust and dirt accumulated over time. This buildup reduces its effectiveness, and the air conditioner fails to cool the space.
- Dirty indoor unit filters. The problem can also occur in the indoor unit due to reduced ventilation. This is often caused by unclean filters, particularly when they are clogged with dust. Regular cleaning of the filters is crucial to avoid this situation.
- Blocked or faulty fan. The fan might be clogged, resulting in reduced airflow, or it could be malfunctioning, preventing proper operation.
- Incorrect remote control settings. Sometimes, the cause is right in front of us — wrong settings on the remote control. Since the air conditioner can be used in winter to produce warm air, the settings might not have been adjusted for cooling when summer arrives.
Like a boiler or any other heating system, an air conditioner requires regular attention from users. It's advisable to contact a specialised technician not only to address malfunctions but also for regular maintenance.
Particularly for refrigerant gas recharging, it is essential to rely on a qualified professional, who knows how to handle fluorinated gases — artificial chemicals that have a significant impact on the environment and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Why is my AC running but not blowing cold air?
As mentioned earlier, a low level of refrigerant gas is one of the main reasons for the lack of cold air. The gas is odourless and colourless, making it impossible to determine its level without the proper expertise when turning on the unit.
One indication of low gas levels could be the presence of ice on the pipes near the outdoor unit or inside the split unit, the indoor component that emits cold air. This ice forms due to the low temperature of the refrigerant, which indicates that the system is unable to cool the environment because the refrigerant isn’t circulating properly.
However, it is not just a matter of gas. There are other reasons why the air conditioner may not be working as it should, which is why the first step is to request the intervention of a specialised technician for a complete inspection, which should include:
- a check of the pipes to identify any potential faults;
- a check of the heat exchanger, which cools liquids and gases;
- the detection of cracks or leaks that could compromise the air conditioner's performance and render a gas recharge useless if the leak continues.
Lastly, a consideration that might seem obvious but is not to be overlooked: if the air conditioner does not start, does not switch to the requested mode (such as dehumidification), or if you’re having difficulty setting the temperature, the issue might be as simple as a dead remote control battery.
3 reasons why your air conditioner is not working
Let's recap the possible reasons for an air conditioner malfunction.
- Low refrigerant gas. This causes the air conditioner to blow warm or lukewarm air. Refrigerant gas has a medium to long lifespan, typically over ten years. If there are no leaks, further analysis is needed to ensure the fan is not faulty.
- Faulty fan. If the fan is not functioning correctly, the air conditioner will struggle to cool the indoor environment, and the unit may emit warm air. Since the fan is located in the outdoor unit, external factors such as accumulated dust or debris that has entered the system could contribute to its malfunction.
- Maintenance. Regular cleaning and inspection should be performed by a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance.
How do I know if my AC has a blockage?
The air conditioner can sometimes go into lockout mode, often indicated by a warning light on the display or an audible alert.
The causes may include:
- electrical overload, which can damage the internal circuit board;
- dirty filters in the indoor unit.
In the case of dirty filters, turn off the air conditioner, remove the filters from the indoor unit, and clean them. After removing any residue and dust, rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.
An electrical overload might be caused by an incorrect connection to the electrical system or power interruptions at home. This issue cannot be resolved on your own; you should immediately contact a specialised technician.
