AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Troubleshooting Tips for Cincinnati Homeowners
If your home is not being adequately cooled, it may not mean a broken AC unit. Here are some steps you can take before paying the cost of an AC repair done by a professional:
Do some basic checks
Check the thermostat. Make sure it is set to “cool,” and the target is lower than the current room temperature.
Look at your air filter. If the filter is dirty, or you have not changed it in months, replace it.
Look at your vents to make sure they are open and not obstructed.
Inspect the outdoor condenser unit
Make sure the unit is getting power. Locate the electrical panel and check if the breaker labeled “AC” is tripped.
Check the unit. If it is covered in dirt, leaves or debris, clean it carefully to restore proper airflow.
Look at the condenser fan. If it is not running, you may have an electrical or motor issue.
Do some more detective work
If your AC is running but not cooling, your refrigerant level may be low. A professional will need to check and refill it.
If ice has built up inside the indoor unit, turn off the AC and let the ice thaw. Then recheck for dirty filters or airflow blockages.
A bad capacitor or failing compressor can stop cooling. Listen for a humming sound or if the fan spins but the compressor doesn’t turn on.
If the AC isn’t running at all, the capacitor may be faulty and need replacement.
When to call a professional
- If the AC still isn’t cooling after the above basic troubleshooting.
- If there’s a refrigerant leak (you may notice hissing sounds or ice on the lines).
- If the compressor or fan motor isn’t running.
Other issues and how to troubleshoot them
AC won’t turn on
This can be caused by a tripper circuit breaker, faulty thermostat, blown fuse or bad capacitor.
What can you do?
- Check the circuit breaker and reset it if it is tripped.
- Replace your thermostat batteries if needed.
- If you hear a humming sound but the outside AC unit won’t turn on, the capacitor may need to be replaced by an HVAC pro.
AC is making strange noises
A banging/clanking noise can mean loose or broken parts. Screeching can indicate a faulty fan motor or belt. Hissing is usually a refrigerant leak.
What can you do?
- Turn off the AC and look for loose screws or parts
- If you hear hissing, call a professional
- Lubricate or replace worn-out motor parts if needed
Water is coming from the AC
You may have a clogged condensate drain line, or a dirty air filter is causing the coils to freeze and thaw. Another possible cause is a broken drain pan.
What can you do?
- Clear the condensate drain line using a vacuum or drain cleaner.
- Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
- Check the drain pan and replace it if there are cracks.
The AC is freezing up
There are three common reasons for this situation:
- a dirty air filter,
- blocked airflow or
- low refrigerant levels.
What can you do?
Turn off the AC and let it thaw. Replace dirty air filters. Ensure all vents are open and unblocked. Call a professional if the freezing persists (you may need a refrigerant refill).
The AC is short cycling (turning on and off frequently)
An AC will short cycle if it is not properly sized for your home, your air filter is dirty or the thermostat is placed near a heat source.
What can you do?
Replace the air filter, move the thermostat away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and if the AC is oversized, consult an HVAC technician.
A Jansen technician can diagnose your AC problem quickly and fix it for a reasonable cost. Contact us any time your home is not as comfortable as you would like.