It’s a hot summer day in St. Louis. Temperatures are in the high 90s or even triple digits, but your AC just can’t blast cold air. You put your hand against the vent and it’s blowing, but the air is warm, not cool. What can you do to fix it? We’ll go through the easiest fixes and let you know when it’s time to call an expert.
1. Thermostat Is Set Wrong
This is more embarrassing than anything, but everyone has, at least once in their life, accidentally had the AC on heat instead of cool. Since your heat is on, the fan won’t be running. If it is running while on heat, make sure the fan is set to AUTO and not ON. Fan on ON blows room-temperature air between the cooling cycles, which feels like warm air. This is an easy and quick fix if it’s your issue.
2. Dirty Air Filter
Air filters should be replaced regularly, and a clogged filter chokes the airflow and can make your system blow weak cool air or even warm air. Check your filter compartment to see if your filter is clear or clogged. If it’s clogged, it’s time to replace it.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coil
If you are inside and you see ice on your unit, this is when things get serious. The first step is to turn off the unit completely and let it thaw. Once that’s done you can get some respite, but this means the root cause is something you can’t handle on your own. It’s time to start calling a professional.
4. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a compound used in a number of cooling appliances like freezers, refrigerators, and yes, air conditioners. If it’s low, it can cause issues with the cooling cycle. It could be that the refrigerant is evaporating, or it could be that the refrigerant has a leak somewhere in the unit. Either way, it’s time to call an expert, as this is NOT a do-it-yourself job with the amount of chemicals being used.
5. Dirty or Blocked Unit
Your outdoor AC unit needs airflow to ensure proper cooling. Sometimes, especially after storms, things like grass clippings, leaves, or the ever-present St. Louis cottonwood can smother the unit. You should be able to gently rinse off the AC unit of any small debris, but anything that gets stuck in the unit needs a trained professional to look at.
6. Electrical or Compressor Issue
If you went through all of the previous steps, it’s time to look at the components themselves. A tripped breaker, a failed capacitor, or a dying compressor could be signs of major electrical issues. This is the real time to start talking to a pro, and we have the tools to help you.
When to Call JLM
If you’ve checked the thermostat, filter, and outdoor unit and the air is still warm, or you see ice on the system, hear it struggling, or the breaker keeps tripping, it’s time for a technician. We keep our trucks stocked for same-visit repairs and take calls on evenings and weekends, so a hot Saturday doesn’t have to be a dead end. We serve Eureka, Ballwin, Creve Coeur, and the rest of St. Louis County.
Call or text JLM at (314) 221-3149 for fast AC repair, or contact us for a free estimate on a new system.
