It can be unnerving, especially during a heatwave, to turn on your air conditioner, only to discover that it is barely blowing air. You’ll probably think, uh oh, what’s going on now? Is this something I can fix by myself, or do I have to pay for a repair person to come?
Below, we offer you some suggestions on what the problem may be, and some ways to try to fix these problems. However, if you attempt to fix the problem with no luck, or if you are simply too intimidated to try, don’t worry – we at Ambient Edge have decades of experience fixing problems just like yours. Just give us a call to get started.
Dirty Air Filter
Chances are good that you are not getting a proper air low because some part within the AC unit is dirty. Start with the air filter. Most of the problems we see when someone’s air conditioner is blowing out a weak stream of air begin with a dirty air filter.
The best way to prevent problems relating to your air filter is not only to clean it regularly, but also to replace it when cleaning is no longer an option. You’ll know this is the case because it either looks dirty even after you clean it, or it just looks worn out. Typically, depending on usage, you’ll need to replace your air filter every 90 days, or every 60 if you have pets due to the dander buildup.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Another reason your AC may be unable to blow a strong stream of air may be due to a frozen evaporator coil. If the evaporator coil gets too cold and builds up ice, the ice will stand in the way of air being able to pass through.
There are two reasons why your evaporator coil may freeze. Either there is something restricting airflow over the coil, like dirt in the air filter or a blower that’s on the fritz, or you have a refrigerant leak. The best way to diagnose this problem is to call in a professional to take a look.
Blower Malfunction
Let’s get back to that blower malfunction for a second. This is something you definitely should not be trying to fix yourself, unless you have prior experience as an HVAC professional.
The blower, or fan, can cause problems if it becomes too dirty or suffers a blockage. There are several reasons why a blower may stop working, including a clog, a stuck wheel, or a loose fan belt. The good news is that these problems are common and can be fixed. However, you will have to hire a professional to fix them.
Blocked Air Ducts
If you have central air conditioning, then the problem may lie within your air ducts. Anything from a leak to a clog could interfere with the flow of air coming out of your air conditioning vents.
Problems with air ducts tend to develop over time, so if you’re only just noticing a significant decrease in the power of your AC’s output, your air vents are probably not the cause. However, if you’re realizing now, thinking back on it, that your AC’s air pressure has been lacking for a while now, then the problem may very well be your air ducts. Call an HVAC professional to help determine and fix the cause.
Leaky Air Ducts
Maybe your air ducts are not blocked but leaking. You’ll know it’s a leak if your attic or crawlspace seems unusually cold – that’s where all the cooled air is going. In fact, per Energy Star, on average home duct systems lose between 20 and 30% of the air that passes through it – air that you have paid to use energy to cool off.
Just like a blocked air duct, you should leave a leaky air duct to the professionals. If you think you may have a leak, give Ambient Edge a call for assistance.
Is Your AC Giving You Trouble? Ambient Edge Can Help!
If your AC unit isn’t blowing out a strong stream of cold air as it should, let our team at Ambient Edge take a look. Sometimes it’s as simple as cleaning a dirty air filter. Other times, the problem is more complicated and, especially with a central air system, you’ll need an experienced technician to come and check out the problem for you.
Start by giving us a call or filling out the contact form on our website. We know you’re busy, so we’ll schedule a service call that works best for your schedule and give you a 1-hour window – which we stick to – informing you of our arrival. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all our products and labor, so don’t wait – call now, and let’s get that AC fixed once and for all!