Summer temperatures in Pearland, TX can reach as high as the 90s in June, July, and August. For most people, this is the kind of heat they want to avoid as much as possible through the use of indoor air conditioning. 

However, the worst thing to find when you get home is your air conditioner not blowing cold air but running. You hear the system and can feel air flowing from your vents, but it’s still very hot and humid inside. The answer could be any number of things from a buster compressor to an issue with your thermostat. 

Here’s why your AC might not be working as it should and how to fix it.

Dirty Air Filter

Your air filter is one of the most important parts of your HVAC unit. It eliminates indoor air pollutants such as mold, dust, and other allergens. Without a filter, your home would accumulate more dust and become an unhealthy environment to live in. 

As such, it is equally important to regularly replace your air filter. A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and diminish your unit’s effectiveness. It’ll also force your AC to work harder than it should, which can cause it to overheat. 

Depending on where you live, you should replace your air filter every three months or so. You may need to do so more frequently if you live in a dusty area or have pets. 

Thermostat Issue

Another reason your AC may push out warm air is if there’s an issue with your thermostat. Your home’s thermostat dictates when your AC unit turns on and what temperature air it should create. You can also use a smart thermostat so that your indoor air changes throughout the day on a schedule. 

However, a faulty thermostat may not send the right signals to your AC. It can cause your system to turn off at the wrong time or change the temperature setting without your input. This results in not only problems with cooling and heating but also a higher AC bill. 

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is necessary for your AC system to cool the air it circulates. If your system runs low on this, then it won’t be able to do its job. 

Unfortunately, the only way a home’s AC unit runs low on refrigerant is if there is some kind of leak. This is especially dangerous for anyone living inside your home, as refrigerant is harmful to breathe in. It’s also flammable, which puts your property at risk. 

Some signs of a leak include ice on the refrigerant lines, hissing sounds, or a lack of cool air. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, then you’ll want to look for “AC repair near me”. 

Air Conditioner Leaking/AC Pan Leaking

It’s also possible that your air conditioner has developed a leak not related to your refrigerant. AC units naturally give off condensation as they cool the air.

The moisture taken from the air condenses and drips down into a drain pan. This drain pan then redirects the water through a drain line and outside of your house. 

However, this drain pan can clog up and overflow, especially in more humid environments. If this happens, your AC unit won’t be able to function as it should. At worst, your ceiling may suffer some water damage as a result. 

Dirty Condenser Coils

Your system’s condenser coils are crucial to the cooling cycle. They release the heat absorbed from the indoor air to the outside as the refrigerant passes through them. This process condenses the refrigerant back into a liquid. 

If these coils get too dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate heat properly. They need to be cleaned regularly as part of your AC maintenance routine by calling in local AC companies. 

Faulty Compressor

The compressor moves refrigerant throughout your system. It pressurizes the liquid and turns it into the gas that then flows through your condenser coils. If it starts to malfunction, then your cooling process will be directly affected. 

The issue with a faulty compressor is that you’ll need the help of a professional AC company. Getting to it involves specialized equipment, and you could easily cause damage if you aren’t trained to deal with HVAC systems. 

Electrical Component Failure

The failure of various electric parts could result in the disruption of the cooling process. 

Capacitors store and release energy to help power your AC’s motors. This includes the compressor, which is key to moving refrigerant. 

The contactor that controls the flow of electricity throughout your system could become corroded. If this happens, then the AC may struggle to start or maintain functionality. 

Even the circuit board could become damaged due to electrical surges or corrosion. This can keep your system from functioning properly or starting up altogether. You may need an AC repair free estimate to see the extent of the damage and the cost to repair it. 

Evaporator Coil Issues

While the condenser coil releases heat outdoors, the evaporator coil cools indoor air. As such, it’s one of the main components that allows your AC unit to produce cool air.

If you’ve noticed that the air coming out of your vents isn’t cool, then it could be your evaporator coil has frozen over. This happens due to low refrigerant levels or poor circulation. 

To solve this in the short term, you can turn off your AC for a bit so the ice can melt naturally. A dirty filter can also restrict airflow and cause it to freeze over. 

However, the best way to deal with this issue is by calling local AC companies for help. They can find the source of the problem, such as a refrigerant leak or poor circulation. 

Solve Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air But Running

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air but running anyway, then it’s likely one or more of the aforementioned problems. Your AC won’t start working as it should until you have a professional come service your system. 

Homeowners interested in solutions for “heating and cooling near me” should contact P & M Air Conditioning and Heating. We offer our services in Houston, Bellaire, Pearland, West University, and Friendswood. Take a look at our special offers online and schedule a visit to get an AC repair free estimate.