Waiting for an air conditioning repair contractor to be dispatched to your home in the middle of summer can seem to take an eternity if the temperatures in your home have already reached uncomfortably high levels. Unfortunately, there will be times when the only way to get your AC unit back up and running will be to turn to a professional for help. However, if you find that your air conditioner is running but not producing cold air, it may be possible for you to remedy this situation without the need for professional intervention by following the simple steps below. 

Step 1: Change Or Clean Your Air Filter

While this really should not come as a surprise, your air conditioner requires air in order to function properly. If your air conditioner is not able to pull the hot air in from around your home because your air filter is clogged with dust and other debris, your AC will not be able to produce the cold air necessary in order to cool your home. In many cases remedying this problem will be as simple as removing the unit's air filter and either cleaning or replacing it. Just remember to always turn your air conditioner off prior to removing the air filter so that dust and debris are not pulled directly into the unit while the air filter is out. This is important since built-up debris inside your AC unit can cause a whole new host of problems that will require the services of an air conditioning repair contractor to resolve.

Step 2: Give Your Cooling Coils Time To Defrost

Another common cause of reduced airflow is cooling coils that have iced over. In many cases, this problem will exist simultaneously with a clogged air filter. If you notice any condensation on the outside of your air conditioner, there is a good chance that your coils are frozen. While a professional repair contractor will sometimes use specialty equipment to apply heat to the area in order to speed up the thawing process, this is not something that should be done on a do-it-yourself basis since heat can damage your unit if applied incorrectly. If you wish to take a do-it-yourself approach to this issue, the best course of action is to turn off your air conditioner and allow ample time for the coils to thaw on their own.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Outdoor Unit Is Free Of Debris

If you still have not been able to restore ample airflow coming from your air conditioner, you will want to check your outdoor condenser in order to ensure there is nothing blocking the airflow. This can be done by removing any tall grass or weeds from around the unit and washing the unit down with a garden hose. You should avoid the use of lawn equipment or high-powered hose attachments when completing these tasks since they can potentially damage your air conditioner. 

If completing all three of these steps does not restore the cold air flowing through your vents, you will require the services of an air conditioning repair contractor to further investigate the cause of your current cooling system issues.