Why Is My Central Air Not Working? Uncover the Hidden Reasons!

When your central air isn't working, it can make life unexpectedly difficult. One common question we often hear is, "Why is my central air not working?" There are several reasons your central air system might stop working, including low coolant, blocked or dirty air filters, frozen coils, or an electrical issue.

​To troubleshoot what's wrong with your central AC, it's important to identify the common issues first. If you're feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start, you can always request a certified technician from our team to assess the status of your central air system. They can help determine the problem and fix it quickly. Just click below to start a service call and get your home cool again.

Why Is My Central Air Not Cooling?

When hot air is coming from the vents instead of cold air, it can be frustrating, especially when your house refuses to cool off. This could be an indication of a filter that is clogged or coils with built-up dirt or ice. If your cooling unit is running but no cool air is coming out, or if it’s taking longer to cool off the house, your air conditioner might need a charge of coolant. Home cooling units often use freon as a coolant, but newer A/C units might use refrigerant like R410A or Puron. If your central air conditioner requires more refrigerant, it’s crucial to avoid running the unit as it can result in a damaging compressor. For safety, always have a certified technician work on your coils if there is an issue.

Why Is My Central AC Running But Not Blowing Air?

If your AC unit is running but there's no air or just a minimal amount of airflow from the vents, it’s often a fan-related issue. The fan might have a faulty capacitor that has stopped it from running and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the blower belt could be broken and also requires being replaced. Occasionally, a blockage in the filter might be the problem, which usually results in warm air instead of no airflow. If you’re on an HVAC maintenance plan, such maintenance issues might already be included.

Why Does My Central Air Keep Freezing Up?

From personal experience, I’ve found that the most common reason your central air unit is freezing over is due to a clogged or dirty air filter. When this issue isn’t resolved in a timely manner, it can escalate quickly. If your central air unit freezes up, it might be tempting but risky to simply replace the air filter and hope the ice melts off the coils naturally. Continuing to run your central air with this issue could cause other parts of the system to malfunction. I would recommend having an HVAC technician inspect the unit first to make sure the filter is the cause. They can also remove the ice from around the coils and conduct a full inspection to determine if the problem possibly stems from something else altogether.

Why Does My Central Air System Not Run At All?

If your central air isn't working at all, start by checking the main electrical panel in your house. It might be a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. In that case, just reset the breaker or replace the fuse. Also, check your thermostat setting; ensure it's set a few degrees lower than the ambient room temperature. On days with high humidity and high temperatures, your typical thermometer setting might not be sufficient for your desired level of comfort.

How Long Do Central Air Units Last?

When thinking about how long your central air unit will last, it’s important to understand that most systems like these, especially HVAC ones, typically last around 10 years. This lifespan can extend depending on how rigorously the systems are used and how well they are maintained. Some systems can even go beyond 20 years if maintained properly. However, if you’ve had your system for more than 10 years and start noticing frequent malfunctions, it might be time to investigate whether a full system replacement is necessary. An experienced HVAC technician can help you make this decision, ensuring your unit is used well and maintained for as long as possible.

How To Avoid More Problems With Your AC In The Future

Ensuring your home's HVAC system is functioning properly brings peace of mind. One easy thing you can do is to keep your air conditioner running efficiently by regularly changing its filter in the spring and fall. Scheduling annual tune-ups is a small investment that can save you thousands down the road. These maintenance services help ensure your comfort throughout the year. If you're in Montgomory County, PA, or near Reading or Allentown, PA, you can contact the team at AC Repair Annandale in Green Lane, PA, conveniently located between Allentown, King of Prussia, and Reading, PA. This proactive approach not only keeps your system running smoothly but also prolongs its life and efficiency.