The air conditioner is meant to cool the house, so when it doesn’t, it means there is a serious problem with it, right? One of the most common AC problems you will come across as a homeowner is the unit running but failing to blow air.
If your AC is running but not blowing air, this can be due to plenty of reasons and how you fix it depends on the underlying cause of the issue.
To help you out, here are some of the main reasons for the problems and what to do about it as given by air conditioner repair services providers:
You have a fan or fan motor problem.
In a properly functioning air conditioner, the fan draws air over the cold evaporator coils then re-circulates the air back into the house. If the circulating fan isn’t running or running too slowly, little or no air will flow over the evaporator coils. This will, in turn, cause the evaporator coils to get too cold, and even ice will form on them, restricting airflow even further.
The fan and motor are located inside the cabinet so you will need to remove the cabinet to inspect it. As you are doing the inspections, ensure the fan motor is turning easily and the blades aren’t damaged in any way.
If the motor isn’t turning easily or the fan blades are damaged, you need to replace them. You can inspect by yourself if you have the skills, but let an expert help you out if you have never done it before.
The air filter is clogged.
Air filters clog due to poor maintenance. When is the last time you cleaned your air filter? If you can’t remember, the air conditioner is most likely misbehaving due to the clogged filters. As mentioned above, in a properly working AC, the fan draws air over the evaporator coils where it’s cooled and re-circulated back into the house.
If the air filters are dirty or clogged, little, or no air flows over the evaporator coils, and you suffer the same fate as when the fan or fan motors are defective.
In most air conditioners, the air filter is located in front of the evaporator, which is behind the front grille.
To get your air conditioner to work you simply need to clean or replace the air filter. While at it, look at the evaporator coils. Are they also dirty? Clean them. If the coils are too dirty, clean them with soapy water and a soft brush.
To prevent similar issues from coming about in the future, make it a habit to clean the air filters at least once every three months. Of course, clean them more frequently if you have pets or you suffer from allergies.
You have a problem with the electronic control board
If you have inspected the air filter and fan motor and found no problem, your system must have a problem with the control board.
Often referred to as the PCB, the electronic control board operates the fan motor and compressor circuits using relays mounted on the circuit board. The most common issues the boards have are power output problems.
You need to check the relays using a multimeter to diagnose the problem, so it’s good you leave the work to a professional. If the technician undertakes the tests and finds out the board relay defective, replace it.
The fan motor capacitor is defective.
Most window air conditioners use a run capacitor in the fan motor circuit. If your motor simply hums or turns slowly, you may be having a defective capacitor.
The fan motor and capacitor are located inside the cabinet, and their access will require you to remove the cover.
Once you access them, verify that the motor and fan can turn freely and find out if there is any burnt or damaged wiring to the motor and capacitor.
You can inspect yourself, but if you don’t find any visible signs of damage, let an experienced HVAC repair services Falls Church technician check it with special test equipment.
