It’s no secret that Southern summers are hot and humid. This puts tremendous strain on the HVAC system in your home, which works hard all year long to keep you and your family comfortable. But every now and then, it needs a little TLC. The experts at Lee Company are here to keep your HVAC system maintained and ready to beat the heat. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, get in touch and our HVAC technicians will have it working in no time!

REQUEST AN HVAC APPOINTMENT

Why is my AC not blowing cold air?

There are many reasons that an AC unit isn’t blowing cold air, ranging from the mechanical to the obvious. The following list can help you identify the source of the problem, but in most cases, HVAC maintenance requires the help of a trained technician. Lee Company’s pros are ready and available to handle all your HVAC needs—including inspections, repairs, and financing a new unit.

Basic HVAC maintenance

Here are some basic HVAC maintenance tips to get you started. These can all be assessed and handled without a comprehensive understanding of heating and cooling systems. Each one will ease the toll that a hot Southern summer will take on your HVAC unit.

Replace your home’s air filters regularly

Excess dirt and dust can make your HVAC system have to work harder to blow cool air. Filters are inexpensive and can be found at your local home improvement store. If you have two air intake locations, one can typically be found in the exchanger in a closet or basement, and the other will be found on a wall, in a hallway, or in the living room. Air filters should be changed every 90 days.

Pro Tip: We recommend that homeowners purchase pleated air filters. They catch up to 99% more dirt, dust, pet dander, and other impurities in the air.

Check the settings on your thermostat

Make sure the fan is set to Auto! If the thermostat is turned to On instead of Auto, then the fan will circulate the warm air inside the house instead of cooling it. The thermostat should always be set on “Auto.”

Check the condenser unit outside for overgrown vegetation

Along the lines of dirty filters is the condenser unit outside. If leaves, grass cuttings, or vegetation are blocking the fins, the air can’t circulate properly. The warm air from inside the house can’t be blown out of the unit. Be sure to cut back any vegetation, or remove it altogether, if you notice it growing too close to the AC unit.

Mechanical issues (requires an HVAC technician)

If you have tried the tips mentioned above and your air conditioner is still not blowing cold air, the issue is mostly likely mechanical. Some common mechanical problems are listed below, all of which require diagnosis and repair by an experienced HVAC technician. If your AC unit working properly, call the HVAC professionals at Lee Company and we’ll get it fixed in short order.

Broken condenser fan motor

A broken or malfunctioning condenser fan motor will either make an audible whirring sound or stop working altogether. Either way, it won’t be blowing cold air.

Leaking refrigerant

Low refrigerant, leaking refrigerant, and freezing will prevent your air conditioner from cooling your house. Refrigerant doesn’t simply run out. If the AC cools on cooler days and at night but doesn’t work on a warm day, then you have a refrigerant leak. Also, if you notice freezing on the outside lines and the condenser unit, this is also a sign that there’s a leak.

Damaged compressor

The compressor is the outside part of the AC unit. The compressor is where the heat is blown to the outside so that cool air can be blown back inside. Depending on the age of your unit, a damaged compressor may be covered under warranty. Replacing a compressor can be expensive, so if it’s broken, you could be looking at a replacement.

Electrical problems

Another matter for an HVAC professional is an electrical problem stemming from or connected to the unit. Faulty breakers, malfunctioning sensors, a broken thermostat, corroded connections, and faulty wires are all bad news —and not just for your unit. Some of these problems have been known to cause house fires. If you suspect any of these are the cause of your AC not working, contact Lee Company as soon as possible.

Air duct leaks

Last but not least, your air duct system could have sprung a leak. Ducts carry cool air to every room in the house. Over time, however, they can separate, lose their insulation, or just wear out. Since the ducts are buried behind sheetrock, you’ll never see these issues. You’ll know that it’s a possibility when you notice cool air not entering certain rooms. Call in the professionals at once.

Professional HVAC services to beat the heat

Hot and humid summers are no time to live without air conditioning. The heat and humidity can not only warp your good humor but the hardwood floors as well. Call Lee Company the instant you notice a lack of cool air, and we’ll come out and take care of the problem for you.