Why Is My Ac Unit Blowing Cold Air Outside

Why Isn’t My AC Blowing Cold Air? | Curtis Total Service

It's summertime! And you're ready to beat the heat but when you turn on your air conditioner only hot air blows out. After a moment of panic, you ask yourself, why is my AC unit blowing cold air outside?

1. Air Handler Malfunction

The air handler is the part of the AC unit that handles the circulation of air in your home. If this component stops working or malfunctions, your AC may still blow cold air outside. This happens because the cold air is getting trapped and unable to reach your home. To fix this issue, you will need to have your air handler inspected and repaired by a professional.

In some cases, the malfunction could be caused by debris such as leaves and sticks. In these cases, you can try to remove the debris yourself. If your AC unit still won't blow cold air after doing so, then you should call a professional to inspect the air handler and diagnose the issue.

2. Refrigerant Leaks

Another possible cause of your AC unit not blowing cold air is a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is the chemical that is used to cool the air that is circulated throughout your home. If the refrigerant is leaking, it can be very difficult for your AC to cool the air and it may even cause a few other problems. To determine if you have a refrigerant leak, you should have your AC unit inspected by a professional.

If you do have a refrigerant leak, then it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Not only can a refrigerant leak make it harder for your AC to cool your home, but it can also cause long-term damage to your system. Having your refrigerant leak repaired will not only get your AC working properly again, but it will also help extend the life of your AC unit.

3. Improper Insulation

If your AC unit is blowing cold air outside, it may also be due to improper insulation in your home. Improper insulation can prevent cold air from staying inside your home and can cause your AC to struggle to cool your home. In addition to decreasing your comfort level, this can also cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary and lead to a shorter lifespan.

If you suspect that improper insulation is causing your AC to blow cold air outside, then you should have an insulation specialist inspect your home. In most cases, they will be able to identify the problem areas in your home and give you suggestions for how to properly insulate your home. This will not only help you manage the temperature in your home more effectively, but will also help you save money on energy bills in the long run.

4. Clogged Air Filter

Another common cause of an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside is a clogged air filter. Clogged air filters can cause your AC unit to struggle to draw in air and lead to cold air being blown outside. The best way to prevent this issue is to change your air filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, this may be as often as every thirty days. If you haven't changed your air filter in a while, then this could be the cause of your AC unit blowing cold air outside.

If your AC unit is struggling to draw in air due to a clogged air filter, then the easiest way to fix it is simply to replace the filter. Check to make sure you are purchasing the right type of filter for your unit and follow the directions for how often it should be changed. This simple but effective fix may be all it takes to get your AC unit back to working properly once again.

5. Blown Circuit Breaker

In some cases, an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside could be due to a blown circuit breaker. Circuit breakers regulate the amount of electricity that travels between different appliances and outlets in your home. If a circuit breaker is blown, then this can affect the power going to your AC unit, leading to it blowing cold air outside.

If you suspect that a blown circuit breaker may be the cause of your AC unit blowing cold air outside, then you should check your electrical panel to see if a circuit breaker has been tripped. If a circuit breaker is the cause of this issue, then it can be easily reset and should solve the problem. If this doesn't fix the issue, then it is best to call a professional to inspect your AC unit and diagnose the issue.

6. Dirty AC Condenser

One of the most common causes of an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside is a dirty AC condenser. The condenser is the part of your AC unit that is responsible for releasing the heat that is collected from your home. Over time, condensers can become dirty and clogged with debris, preventing them from working properly.

If the condenser on your AC unit is dirty or clogged, then this can prevent the hot air from being expelled and cause the cold air to be blown outside. To fix this issue, you should have a professional inspect your AC unit and clean out the condenser. This will not only solve the issue of your AC unit blowing cold air outside, but it will also help to improve the efficiency of your unit over time.

7. Inefficient Pipe Connections

In some cases, an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside may be due to inefficient pipe connections. If the connection between the air handler and the condenser is loose or faulty, then this can cause cold air to leak out. To fix this issue, you should have your AC unit inspected by a professional to check the connections.

If your AC unit is having issues due to inefficient pipe connections, then the fix isn't quite as easy as replacing a filter or checking a circuit breaker. This is because the connection involves various pipes and hoses that only a professional will be able to inspect and repair properly. Having your AC unit professionally serviced will ensure that the issue is fixed correctly and that it will be functioning properly for years to come.

8. Worn-Out Components

In some cases, an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside can be due to worn-out components. As your system ages, various components such as motors and fans can become worn-out and stop working efficiently. This can lead to cold air being circulated and blown outside instead of being pushed into your home.

If your AC unit is blowing cold air outside and you suspect it is due to worn-out components, then you should have your system inspected by a professional. The technician will be able to identify any worn-out components and replace them as needed. This will help to ensure that your AC unit is working efficiently and will help to extend its lifespan over time.

9. Low Freon

Another issue that may be causing your AC unit to blow cold air outside is an issue with the freon levels. Freon is a type of refrigerant gas that helps to cool the air in your home. If the freon levels are low, then this can cause your AC unit to struggle to cool the air and blow cold air instead.

If your AC unit is having issues due to low freon levels, then the best way to fix this issue is to have a professional inspect your system and recharge the system as needed. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that can help to get your AC unit back to working properly and give you the comfort you desire once again.

Conclusion

Having an AC unit that is blowing cold air outside can be very frustrating, but there are a few reasons why it may be happening. The most common causes of an AC unit not blowing cold air are air handler malfunctions, refrigerant leaks, improper insulation, clogged air filters, blown circuit breakers, dirty AC condensers, inefficient pipe connections, worn-out components, and low freon levels. To determine the cause of the issue, you should have your AC unit inspected and serviced by a professional.

Understanding the common causes of an AC unit blowing cold air outside can help you identify the root cause of the issue and find the best way to solve it. This will not only help you gain the comfort you desire, but it will also help you save money in the long run by ensuring that your AC unit is working efficiently and has a longer lifespan.