AC Running but Not Blowing Cool Air? Troubleshooting Tips from Austin’s Trusted HVAC Experts at Intelligent Air Services

When your air conditioner is running but not blowing cool air, it can quickly turn a hot Austin day into an uncomfortable situation. Before you pick up the phone to call in the professionals, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try on your own to potentially resolve the issue.

Since 2013, Intelligent Air Services has been the go-to HVAC provider in Austin and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners stay cool and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some simple tips to help you identify and fix the problem, so you can get your AC back to blowing cool air without delay.

We’re here to help you with 15 troubleshooting tips for your AC not blowing cool air before you call in the Austin professionals at Intelligent Air Services.

1. The first thing to check is the thermostat settings. Please double-check that the system is on and set to cool and that the temperature setting has not been inadvertently changed. You can also change out the batteries in the thermostat, especially if the thermostat is malfunctioning. If any settings are incorrect, make the appropriate adjustments and let the system kick back on. Give it a few minutes to adjust, and then check that cool air is blowing out from the vents. If you feel cool air, you’ve fixed the problem! If not, let’s move on with our troubleshooting.

   

2. Very often, the fix is quite simple. Have you checked the air filter lately? A check of this may fix your problem. Turn the system off and remove your air filter for inspection. Since the air filter catches dust, dirt, and other airborne particles, a dirty air filter can block airflow and cause your AC to not blow cool air through your vents. If the air filter appears dirty, replace the filter and see if this fixes the issue.

   

3. In some houses, the Furnace/AC unit is wired to a switch in your utility room. Double-check that no power switch in your utility room has been switched off.
4. The next likely reason your AC is not blowing cool air is your circuit breaker. Often, there is a separate breaker for the indoor and outdoor AC units. Check to ensure all appropriate breakers are switched on.
5. Lack of maintenance on your outdoor unit can cause many issues with your unit. Complete a visual inspection of the area and ensure at least 2 feet of space around the unit. You may need to remove leaves, branches, or debris around the unit. If you haven’t had your unit serviced recently, it may be a great time to call on the experts at the Intelligent Air Services for a professional inspection and maintenance. We offer our HVAC Maintenance Plan for affordable maintenance bi-annually with multiple payment options. Learn more about our HVAC Maintenance Plan and its benefits here – https://www.iairservices.com/maintenance-plans/

   

6. Clearing away the leaves, branches, and other debris around the unit will also be helpful if you have a blocked condenser fan. The condenser fan brings air into the outdoor unit and through the condenser coil to pull heat from the home. If there is debris accumulated between the fans, this can clog the coil and reduce energy efficiency, and lead to your AC not blowing cool air.
7. A dirty condenser coil may also be causing the issue. The condenser coil wraps around the outdoor unit condenser and can also accumulate dirt, filth, and debris, which will restrict important heat transfer.

   

8. Check your outdoor disconnect. This box is mounted near the outside AC unit and is a safety feature that can shut off the electrical unit. If the disconnect power is shut off, turn it back on. You can also check for damaged or faulty issues that may be causing an issue and will require a call to the professionals at the Intelligent Air Services.

   

9. A dirty or frozen evaporator coil may be the problem causing your AC to run but not cool the air. When an evaporator coil is dirty, it blocks the heat transfer from the air to the refrigerant and causes the coil to freeze. Some signs of a frozen evaporator coil are frost formed on the copper refrigerant tubing, increased utility bills, and the system not adequately cooling. If this is the case, turn the AC off and allow your system to run on ‘fan only’ until the coil is no longer frozen, and then turn the AC back on.
10. A dirty indoor fan motor can also create problems leading your AC to not blow cool air. When this fan is dirty, the fan cannot pull enough hot air into the unit to cool your home adequately. This fan cleaning can be completed by one of our HVAC pros. Give us a call (512)323-2500 and we’d be happy to help!

    

11. Another potential source of your issue is a clogged condensation drain hose. The condensation drain hose removes moisture from the condensation created when the AC removes the humidity and directs it outside the home or to a floor drain. These drain hoses can become blocked by mold or algae growth, but this can be easily removed by a small screwdriver or something similar to clear the clog. If you find a clog high in the line, using suction from a wet/dry shop vac can often remove it.
12. Sometimes, a refrigerant leak may be your problem. This chemical is crucial for the cooling process, and a leak can cause your unit not to blow cool air, run for longer periods, and cause damage to your compressor or a system shutdown. Call iAir for a guaranteed fix if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
13. If you have air blowing out of your vents but your house is not cooling, a leak in the ductwork may be the cause. Ductwork leaks can lead to the cold air escaping before it reaches rooms, causing it to feel uncomfortably warm while other rooms feel colder. Finding the leak and fixing the ductwork can help with efficiency and performance. Call us, and we’d love to send out one of our knowledgeable techs to diagnose the issue – https://www.iairservices.com/contact-us/
    

14. A faulty compressor, a broken capacitor, a malfunctioning contactor, and a faulty condenser fan motor are all parts of your outdoor unit that can malfunction and lead to the air from the vents not being cool in your home.

    

15. Last but certainly not least, it may be time to look at replacing your AC unit due to age or insufficient capacity to cool your home. Call on the experts since 2013, Intelligent Air Services, to take advantage of one of our amazing financing offers. We will discuss all your wants and needs to help you select a new, properly sized unit to keep you super cool all summer long. Give us a call at (512)323-2500 to learn more.

    

If your air conditioner is still running but not blowing cool air after trying these troubleshooting steps, it’s likely time to call in the experts. At Intelligent Air Services, we’ve been helping Austin homeowners beat the heat since 2013 with reliable and professional HVAC services.

Don’t let a malfunctioning AC leave you sweating—contact our team for prompt assistance. We’ll diagnose the issue and restore your system’s cooling power, ensuring your home stays comfortably cool, even on the hottest Texas days. Give us a call anytime at (512)323-2500.