AC Isn't Blowing Cold Air: What to Do Next

Inspect the Thermostat

It sounds obvious, but the thermostat can sometimes be your cool air culprit. First, check if your thermostat actually sits in the ON position and the temperature setting falls below the current room temperature.

Sometimes, family members adjust settings without telling anyone. Kids playing with buttons or someone accidentally bumping into it happens more often than you’d think!

If you have a smart thermostat, make sure it hasn’t lost its connection or experienced a software glitch. Try resetting it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Smart thermostats offer amazing control over your home comfort, but sometimes, they need a quick reboot like any other tech device.

Also, replace batteries if your thermostat uses them. Weak batteries cause all sorts of weird behavior, including your air conditioning system refusing to turn on or stay on consistently.

Check the Air Filter

A clogged air filter ranks among the most common culprits when your air conditioning stops blowing cold. Your system needs proper airflow to function correctly. Think about trying to breathe through a thick blanket—that’s how your AC feels when dealing with a dirty filter.

Locate your air filter (usually found in the return air duct or inside the air handler unit) and pull it out. Hold it up to a light source—can you see the light passing through it? If not, that filter needs to be replaced immediately.

Even if it looks “kind of” dirty, consider swapping it out. Air filters cost relatively little compared to repair bills or the discomfort of a hot, humid house. Plus, clean filters help maintain good indoor air quality, reducing allergens and dust throughout your living space.

During heavy use periods (like summer in Philadelphia), check your air filter monthly. Your heating system and air conditioning both use this filter, so regular maintenance helps year-round.

Examine the Circuit Breaker

Your air conditioning system pulls significant power, sometimes causing circuit breakers to trip. This safety mechanism prevents electrical fires but leaves you without cooling.

Locate your home’s electrical panel and look for any switches that sit in the middle position or clearly show as “tripped.” Reset these switches fully to the OFF position first, then firmly push them to the ON position.

If a breaker trips again immediately, stop trying to reset it. This indicates a serious electrical issue that requires professional attention. Repeated tripping suggests a short circuit or an overloaded system—both situations need prompt air conditioning service.

Humidity sometimes causes condensation near electrical components, which creates safety hazards. This happens particularly during summers when moisture levels rise dramatically.

Assess the Outdoor Unit

Head outside and check your condenser unit (the big box with a fan outside your house). This critical component needs clear space around it to function properly.

Remove any leaves, sticks, grass clippings, or debris within two feet of the unit. Plants, shrubs, or other objects blocking airflow force your compressor to work harder, reducing efficiency and potentially causing breakdowns.

Listen for the fan running when your system operates. No sound might indicate a failed capacitor, motor issue, or electrical problem. A humming sound without fan movement often points to a capacitor problem, which is a relatively inexpensive fix for a professional.

Also, look out for any visible damage, bent fins, or signs that something hit the unit. Even minor damage sometimes impacts performance significantly.

Look for Ice on the Coils

Ice forming on your evaporator coils signals trouble. Your air conditioning should cool the air, not freeze itself! This common issue happens for several reasons:

Restricted airflow (often caused by those dirty filters we mentioned) prevents warm air from moving across the coils properly. Without adequate airflow, the coils get too cold, and moisture freezes on them.

Turn off your system if you spot ice. Running an iced-up unit damages the compressor, which is an expensive component to replace. Let everything thaw completely before restarting.

Check your ducts for any obvious obstructions or collapse that might block airflow. Sometimes, furniture gets pushed against supply vents, creating pressure imbalances throughout the system.

Signs It’s Time to Call an HVAC Technician

Sometimes, DIY troubleshooting reaches its limit. Here’s when to pick up the phone and call for help:

• Strange noises continue after basic checks
• Burning smells come from any part of the system
• The system shuts off repeatedly
• Water leaks around your indoor unit
• The pump makes unusual sounds
• Home humidity levels remain uncomfortably high despite AC operation
• Your circuit breaker trips repeatedly when the AC runs
• The furnace seems to affect AC operation
• Temperature differences between rooms exceed 5-7 degrees
• Your energy bills spike dramatically without explanation

Most air conditioning repair situations benefit from professional diagnosis. Experienced technicians carry specialized tools to test electrical components, measure refrigerant pressure, inspect ductwork, and identify problems that remain invisible to untrained eyes.

AC Not Doing Its Job? Reach Out to Our Team!

Still facing problems after trying these steps? The EMCO Tech Heating & Cooling team stands ready to help restore comfort to your home! Our air conditioning service goes beyond quick fixes—we investigate root causes to prevent future breakdowns. Plus, every technician receives extensive training on all major brands and system types, including the latest innovations in climate control technology.

Whether you need AC repair, AC maintenance, or new AC installation, we’ll always have your back. Call us today for air conditioning repairs that last—your comfort remains our priority through every season!