Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Air?

The last thing you want to worry about on the hottest days of the year is an air conditioner that won’t function properly. One of the most common issues that homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding areas experience is an AC system that stops blowing air. Understanding why your system has ceased to function properly is the first step toward reaching a resolution.

In this troubleshooting guide, the AC experts at Dean’s Home Services explain common causes and provide some practical tips on how to address an air conditioner that’s not blowing air.

What Causes an AC To Not Blow Air?

Your air conditioner may stop blowing air for several reasons, the most common of which are:

Clogged Air Filters

One of the most common culprits behind an air conditioner that stops blowing air is a clogged filter. Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles to maintain good indoor air quality. However, these filters can become clogged over time, which can significantly restrict airflow and prevent your AC from blowing air.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Another frequent issue is frozen evaporator coils. These coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air indoors. When they become too cold, they can freeze, stopping air from flowing over them. This can be caused by low refrigerant levels, insufficient air circulation, or continuous operation at low temperatures.

Faulty Blower Motor

The blower motor is what’s responsible for circulation. Failures in the motor can prevent your air conditioner from blowing air, regardless of how well the other system components may be functioning. Common signs of a failing blower motor include unusual noises, intermittent operation, or complete startup failure.

Obstructed Condenser Unit

The condenser unit is responsible for expelling heat from your home. If the outdoor condenser unit is covered by debris, leaves, or outdoor furniture, it won’t be able to transfer heat efficiently, potentially causing a complete shutdown of air circulation.

Issues With the Thermostat

In some cases, the issue isn’t with the air conditioner at all but rather the thermostat. Whether due to incorrect settings or improper calibration, your unit may stop blowing air altogether if you’re thermostat isn’t working properly.

How To Fix Your AC

Before contacting a professional for air conditioning repair services, try troubleshooting your air conditioner on your own using the following tips:

Check & Replace Air Filters

First, check your air filters. If they are visibly dirty or have not been changed in over three months, it’s time to clean the filters or replace them. This is an easy DIY task that can often restore airflow quickly.

Defrost the Evaporator Coils

If you suspect frozen evaporator coils are to blame, turn off your system and let them thaw. This can take several hours, so be patient and check the airflow once more after the system has defrosted.

Inspect the Blower Motor

Check for any signs of wear or damage to your blower motor. If it seems to be the issue, you might need to call for professional air conditioning repair or replacement services, depending on the severity of the problem.

Clean the Condenser Unit

Ensure that the outdoor condenser unit is not obstructed and clean the area around it. Remove any debris that might be blocking the airflow, such as leaves, dirty, or other materials.

Verify the Thermostat Settings

Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature. If it is programmable, check that the times and settings are correct.

Call Dean’s for Expert AC Repairs in the Twin Cities

If troubleshooting the issues on your own hasn’t fixed the problem, Dean’s Home Services has the team you need to get the issue resolved swiftly and efficiently. With same-day AC repair availability and over 100 combined years of service experience across our expert team, you can rest assured that your air conditioner will get back to full functionality in no time.

Schedule AC repairs in the Twin Cities by contacting Dean’s Home Services today!