In Singapore, where the weather is hot and humid year-round, having a functional air conditioner is essential for daily comfort. However, it can be frustrating when your aircon suddenly stops blowing cold air, leaving your space warm and sticky.
This issue can be caused by several factors, such as dirty filters, refrigerant leaks, or thermostat problems. The good news? Many of these issues can be resolved without calling in an HVAC professional. Understanding the common causes and their solutions, you can keep your aircon running efficiently, ensuring a cool and comfortable environment even on the hottest days!
8 Reasons Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
Reason #1 Thermostat Settings
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling, the first thing you need to check is your unit’s thermostat settings. There’s a chance that the thermostat isn’t set for optimal cooling, make sure that your aircon is set to cool mode and that the temperature is low enough for a comfortable experience.
Reason #2 Dirty Air Filter
Another common reason why your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air is because of a dirty air filter. The air filter of your air conditioner is responsible for removing all the dirt and impurities and preventing them from spreading. However, these filters can become blocked with dust and debris, especially when they aren’t being cleaned as often as they should be.
Check on the air conditioner’s air filter regularly to avoid obstructing the air circulation inside the unit, which can cause a wide range of issues. Here’s how you can clean your air filter:
- Power down your air conditioner and remove the panel. Locate and remove the air filter from the unit.
- Use your vacuum cleaner to remove any loose particles from the filter. Alternatively, you can use a soft brush.
- Soak the air filter in some soapy water and leave it for around 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once the remaining debris is softened, use a soft brush or a sponge to gently scrub away the remaining dirt.
- Let the air filter dry completely before putting it back inside your unit.
Reason #3 Refrigerant Issues
Refrigerant plays a very important role in the overall cooling process of your air conditioner. In case you didn’t know, refrigerant circulates your unit to remove the heat from the air. Any issue with your air conditioner’s refrigerant levels, whether it’s simply low refrigerant or a refrigerant leak, can compromise the cooling ability of your unit.
Unfortunately, the only way to address this issue is by having your unit professionally checked by an HVAC technician.
Reason #4: Dirty Coils
Just like your air conditioner’s air filter, its coils can also accumulate a significant amount of dirt over time. Not only will this prevent your air conditioner from cooling your space efficiently, but it can also cause other problems, such as ice formation inside your unit. The best thing you can do is to check on your unit’s coils regularly and clean them when needed.
Here’s how you can clean your air conditioner’s coils:
- Shut down your air conditioner and remove the panel to locate the coils. Feel free to consult your unit’s user manual.
- Remove all the loose dirt and dust with a soft brush.
- Spray the coils with a commercial coil cleaner or a soapy water solution. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- If needed, wipe away any stubborn grime with a damp cloth.
- Rinse the coils with water before letting them dry.
Reason #5: Clogged Drain Line
Your air conditioner produces a significant amount of condensation during the cooling process, and all this moisture is expelled from the unit through the drain line. However, if the drain line becomes clogged with dirt, then your unit won’t be able to get rid of the accumulated water, resulting in this moisture reentering your unit and causing issues, such as low cooling performance.
Here’s how you can keep your drain line clean and clear:
- After turning off your air conditioner, locate the drain line of your unit.
- Use a flexible brush to remove any visible clog and buildup inside your drain line.
- Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water and use this solution to flush your drain line. Leave it to sit for 30 minutes.
- Flush the drain line with water to wash away the white vinegar solution, and any dislodged debris.
- Once you’ve ensured that the line is completely cleaned, let it dry before turning your unit back on.
Reason #6: Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen evaporator coil can prevent your aircon from cooling efficiently. This often happens due to restricted airflow, usually caused by dirty air filters or blocked vents. If left unchecked, it can lead to more severe damage to your system.
Reason #7: Wrong Aircon Size
Installing an aircon that is too small for the room size can result in insufficient cooling. On the other hand, an oversized unit may cool the room too quickly without properly dehumidifying it, leaving the space feeling clammy. Many homeowners in Singapore make this mistake when purchasing an aircon, especially for HDB flats or compact office spaces.
Reason #8: Mechanical Problem
Issues with the compressor, fan motor, or refrigerant levels can impact the cooling performance of your aircon. A refrigerant leak, for example, reduces cooling efficiency and can increase energy consumption. Regular maintenance can help detect these issues early before they become costly repairs.
What Do You Do If Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
Don't be immediately alarmed when your AC system stops blowing cold air into the room. Unplug the unit, and check for any possible causes and easy fixes first, before deciding to call a technician.
- Check the thermostat: Ensure that the thermostat is set to "cool" mode and at the right temperature. Sometimes, incorrect settings can make it seem like the aircon is not working properly.
- Replace air filter: A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the aircon to work harder and potentially leading to cooling issues. We always recommend our clients clean or replace air filters regularly, especially in Singapore, where dust and humidity levels are high.
- Verify power connection: Check if your aircon is properly connected to the power source. Sometimes, loose or faulty wiring can disrupt cooling performance.
- Clean the drain line: A clogged drain line can cause water buildup, leading to system malfunctions.
- Inspect the condenser unit: The outdoor condenser unit plays a crucial role in heat exchange. If it's covered in dirt, leaves, or debris, it won’t function efficiently. Make sure it’s clean and unobstructed.
- Examine the blower: A malfunctioning blower can reduce airflow and affect cooling performance. If the blower is faulty, it may need cleaning or replacement.
When to Contact Professional Help?
If your aircon is still not cooling after trying to fix it yourself, don’t worry–Luce is here to help!! No matter the brand of your aircon or where your unit is located in Singapore, our team is just a phone call away to provide a thorough checkup and expert AC maintenance service.
Book an appointment today and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home!
