Air Conditioning Not Blowing Cold Air? 7 Common Causes (And What It Usually Costs to Fix)
If Your Air Con Isn’t Cold… It’s Usually Fixable
Few things are more frustrating than switching your air conditioning on at home, waiting for that rush of cool air… and getting nothing but warm airflow. You might start thinking the worst:
“Has it broken?”
“Is this going to cost a fortune?”
“Do I need a whole new system?”
The good news is this: most cases of air conditioning not blowing cold air are caused by common, fixable issues — and many of them are surprisingly quick to resolve.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the 7 most common reasons your home air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, what each one usually means, and the type of repair involved (so you have a realistic idea of what to expect).
1. The Filters Are Dirty or Blocked
This is one of the most common reasons a system stops cooling efficiently.
When filters clog up with dust and particles, airflow becomes restricted. That means your unit might still run, but it struggles to push enough air through to cool the room properly. Some systems will even start to behave strangely to protect themselves.
This is usually the easiest fix and often gets things working again immediately.
Typical fix: filter clean or replacement + system check
Why it matters: a dirty filter makes your system work harder and costs more to run
2. Your System Is Low on Refrigerant
Refrigerant is what your air conditioning uses to remove heat from the room. If the level drops, cooling performance drops with it.
Low refrigerant usually means there’s a leak somewhere — and leaks should always be handled by a qualified engineer. Not only because it affects performance, but because refrigerant handling is tightly regulated in the UK.
A lot of homeowners assume refrigerant “runs out” over time, but in a properly sealed system it shouldn’t. So if it’s low, it’s important to find out why.
Typical fix: leak detection + repair + correct refrigerant recharge
Common sign: the unit runs but never feels properly cold
3. The Outdoor Unit Is Blocked or Struggling
Your indoor unit cools the air, but the outdoor unit is responsible for releasing the heat outside. If your outdoor unit is blocked by leaves, dirt, or even poor airflow around it, the system can’t do its job properly.
This often happens in gardens where the outdoor unit is tucked away or where debris builds up unnoticed over time.
Typical fix: outdoor inspection + cleaning + airflow clearance
Common sign: weak or inconsistent cooling, especially in warm weather
4. The System Has Been Put on the Wrong Mode
This happens more often than people think — especially with households where multiple people control the unit.
If the system has accidentally been set to HEAT mode or FAN mode, it will blow air, but it won’t cool. Even worse, auto settings can sometimes behave unexpectedly if your temperature target is set too high.
A quick check of the remote or wall controller can save a lot of stress.
Typical fix: settings adjustment + correct temperature setup
Pro tip: cooling works best when set to a steady, realistic temperature like 20–22°C
5. The Coils Need Cleaning
Over time, the coils inside your air conditioning system collect dirt and dust. Once that happens, it becomes harder for the system to transfer heat efficiently.
This means your system may still operate, but it can’t cool properly — and it often becomes noisier and less efficient too.
Coil cleaning is one of those things most homeowners don’t think about… until performance starts dropping.
Typical fix: professional internal clean + airflow check
Common sign: the system cools slightly but never feels “crisp”
6. There’s a Sensor or Thermostat Issue
Your air conditioning relies on sensors to detect room temperature and manage output. If a sensor is faulty or misreading the room temperature, your unit may stop cooling too soon or behave inconsistently.
Sometimes the room feels warm, but the system thinks it has already done the job — so it reduces cooling before it should.
Typical fix: sensor diagnosis + calibration or replacement
Common sign: cooling starts then stops, or never reaches the set temperature
7. A Component Has Failed (Fan, Capacitor, PCB, Compressor)
If your air con has completely stopped cooling, and the basic checks don’t help, the issue may be a failed component.
This sounds scary, but not every component failure is catastrophic. For example, fan issues, electrical faults, or board-related problems can often be repaired without replacing the entire system.
The key is getting it diagnosed quickly — because the longer a failing component is left, the more likely it is to cause bigger damage.
Typical fix: parts repair or replacement after professional testing
Common sign: unit turns on, but performs poorly or shuts down unexpectedly
So… What Does It Usually Cost to Fix?
This is the part homeowners want to know straight away — and it’s completely fair.
The cost depends on what’s actually wrong, but most domestic fixes fall into a few general categories:
If it’s a simple airflow issue (filters, cleaning, settings), the fix is normally fairly quick and affordable. If it’s refrigerant-related, it tends to be more involved because leaks must be identified and repaired properly. And if a component has failed, costs can vary depending on parts and labour.
The best thing to do is book an inspection early. Small issues caught in time are almost always cheaper than waiting until the unit fails completely.
What You Can Try at Home First (Before Calling an Engineer)
Before you assume the worst, here are a couple of quick checks you can do safely:
- Make sure the unit is set to COOL mode
- Check the temperature setting is low enough (around 20–22°C)
- Look for obvious dust buildup on the filters
- Make sure doors and windows are closed in the room
- Check the outdoor unit area isn’t completely blocked
If it’s still not cooling properly after that, it’s time for a professional diagnosis.
When to Book a Repair (Don’t Wait Too Long)
If your air conditioning isn’t blowing cold air, it’s tempting to leave it for “later” — but that usually makes things worse.
You should book a repair if:
- Your system is blowing warm air consistently
- Cooling has become noticeably weaker over time
- You hear unusual noises (buzzing, rattling, clicking)
- The unit shuts off unexpectedly
- You’ve tried basic checks and nothing improves
A quick call-out can often restore performance before it turns into a bigger problem.
Need Help Fixing Your Home Air Conditioning?
If your air conditioning isn’t cooling properly, JP Air Conditioning can help.
We provide professional domestic servicing, diagnostics and repairs across Hampshire, Surrey and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners get their systems running efficiently again — without confusion or unnecessary upselling.
Want to get your cooling back?
Call 01252 929395 or visit www.jpairconditioning.co.uk to book a home repair or inspection.


























































