Why Does My AC Stop Blowing Cold After a While?

1. Common reasons why air conditioners stop blowing cold air

Blocked or dirty filters

2. Blocked or dirty filters

Filters play a crucial role in maintaining the health and efficiency of your air conditioner. They remove dust, dirt, and other particles from the air that passes through the unit, which helps to keep the indoor air clean and healthy. Over time, however, filters can become blocked or dirty, which can reduce or even eliminate the flow of cold air through the AC unit. When this happens, it’s important to replace the filters as soon as possible to restore your AC’s cooling capacity.

3. Low refrigerant levels

Low refrigerant levels can cause an air conditioner to stop blowing cold air. This is because the refrigerant is responsible for absorbing heat from inside the home and expelling it outside. If there isn’t enough refrigerant in the system, the air conditioner won’t be able to effectively remove heat from the space, resulting in cooler temperatures throughout the home. Low refrigerant levels can be caused by leaks in the system, which allow the refrigerant to escape. It can also be caused by a faulty seal around the compressor, which allows refrigerant to leak out over time. Signs of low refrigerant levels include a drop in temperature control, longer cool down times, and noisy operation. If you suspect that your air conditioner has low refrigerant levels, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the system.

4. Faulty compressor

A faulty compressor can cause your air conditioner to stop blowing cold air. The compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the system, so if it’s not working properly, the air conditioner won’t be able to cool effectively. Symptoms of a faulty compressor include loud knocking or buzzing noises, increased temperature on the unit’s display, and a lack of cooling output. If you suspect that your compressor is faulty, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired or replaced by a professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the system.

5. Clogged condenser coil

A clogged condenser coil can cause your air conditioner to stop blowing cold air. The condenser coil is responsible for dissipating heat from the refrigerant as it changes state from a gas to a liquid. If this coil becomes blocked or dirty, it can restrict the flow of refrigerant, causing the system to overheat and shut down. Signs that your condenser coil may be clogged include reduced cooling capacity, increased noise, and a sudden stop in cooling. To fix this issue, you should have a professional technician inspect and clean or replace the condenser coil. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this issue from occurring and ensure that your air conditioner continues to provide efficient and effective cooling.

6. Malfunctioning thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your air conditioner to stop blowing cold air. This is because the thermostat controls the temperature settings on your AC unit and if it is not functioning properly, the unit may not be able to maintain the desired temperature. Some signs of a malfunctioning thermostat include inconsistent temperature readings, the unit turning off before the set time, or the unit not responding to changes in temperature. If you suspect that your thermostat is malfunctioning, it is best to have it checked and replaced if necessary by a professional HVAC technician.

7. Inadequate room size for unit

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, one possible reason could be that the unit is not designed to fit the size of your room properly. This is known as inadequate room size for the unit. When an air conditioner is oversized, it can cause the system to work harder and less efficiently, leading to poor performance and increased energy costs. On the other hand, if the air conditioner is undersized, it may not be able to keep up with the cooling demands of the room, resulting in warm temperatures and poor performance. It is important to choose an air conditioner that is the right size for your room to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

8. Weather conditions affecting efficiency

Weather can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your air conditioner. Hotter temperatures outside can cause your AC to work harder and use more energy to keep your home cool. This means that it may not be able to blow as cold of air as it normally would. Additionally, if the temperature outside drops below a certain point, your AC may not be able to maintain its cooling output at all. This is because the outdoor unit of your AC is designed to operate most efficiently within a specific temperature range. If the weather is too cold, the coils in the outdoor unit can freeze up, which will prevent your AC from functioning properly. In these cases, it may be necessary to adjust your thermostat to a higher setting or to turn off your AC completely until the weather improves.

9. Age of the unit

As your trusted assistant chatbot, I am happy to provide information on the age of the unit as it could be one of the reasons why your air conditioner has stopped blowing cold air. The age of the unit can impact its performance and efficiency, especially after several years of use. Over time, the components of the air conditioner can wear out, and it may become less effective at cooling your home. If your air conditioner is older than 10 years, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Regular maintenance and servicing can also help extend the life of your air conditioner and ensure that it continues to function properly.

10. Maintenance and regular service

Regular maintenance and servicing of your air conditioner can prevent it from stopping