When dealing with the sweltering summer heat, the last thing you want is a stream of warm, stagnant air coming from your AC system. If your AC is blowing hot air in the summer, frustrations and discomfort will naturally set in.
“How do I fix my AC blowing warm air?”
The following guide will examine the common reasons for and solutions to this inconvenience. Continue reading to better understand how to respond and restore home comfort.
Common Reasons Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air
With its many moving parts, there are a variety of potential reasons why your AC is blowing hot air. Here are the most common explanations:
Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect
One of the most frequent issues stems from simple human error. If the thermostat settings are misconfigured, you won’t get the results you anticipate. This usually happens when the settings are switched to “warm” or “fan,” or when the temperature isn’t set low enough to provide adequate cooling.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Another leading reason is a dirty or clogged air filter. Over time, the AC’s air filters can become littered with dust and debris. As these contaminants accumulate, they prevent the air from being cooled, resulting in a stream of warm air and a noticeable decline in indoor air quality.
Refrigerant Leak or Low Levels
Refrigerant is a crucial component of the AC’s operation. It absorbs humidity and heat from the air to cool the resulting output air. When there are low refrigerant levels or if there’s a leak, the air distributed throughout the home will be warmer.
Electrical Issues or Blown Fuse
An AC blowing hot air can also be tied to electrical issues or a blown fuse. Since AC systems demand a significant amount of power, it’s relatively common to deal with electrical issues like loss of power, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse. These issues can render the system unable to provide cool air or to function at all.
Dirty Condenser Coils or Blocked Outdoor Unit
Warm air blowing from your AC is often tied to problems with the outdoor unit. Dirt, debris, grass, and even small pests can easily cover the condenser coils, causing buildups that diminish performance.
Obstructions surrounding the outdoor unit can also prevent air from flowing in and out, diminishing your AC’s cooling abilities.
Faulty Compressor or Other Mechanical Failures
The AC system can cease to function properly when its compressor or other mechanical components malfunction or fail entirely.
A malfunctioning compressor will not effectively interact with the refrigerant, resulting in inadequate air cooling. Additionally, any type of mechanical issue can impede cooling performance or lead to a complete decline in efficiency.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Extremely cold temperatures can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. A frozen evaporator coil can no longer cool the air, resulting in warm airflow.
How Outdoor Conditions Can Impact Cooling Performance
The primary reason outdoor conditions impact an air conditioner’s cooling performance is linked to the outdoor unit itself. Despite its design, extreme weather or the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris can cause the unit and its components to get dirty or damaged.
How to Troubleshoot an AC Blowing Warm Air
If you’re wondering what to do if your AC is blowing hot air, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.
Check the Thermostat First
First, check your thermostat’s settings. Make sure the temperature setting is set to “COOL” and that it’s low enough to make a difference.
Inspect and Replace the Air Filter
Check to see if your air filter is dirty or clogged. If there’s a large amount of debris built up, it may be time to replace it.
Examine the Outdoor Unit for Debris
Head outside to examine the outdoor unit for debris and surrounding obstructions. Debris may have accumulated on the unit, or something might be blocking airflow. Remove and clean off the debris. If blockages are the issue, clear them out so there’s sufficient space around the unit.
Look for Ice on the Evaporator Coil
Shut off your AC system and open the access door to inspect its interior. Look for the evaporator coil and check for ice formation. You can give it up to 24 hours to thaw, or you can use a hair dryer or heat gun to thaw it faster.
Reset the Circuit Breaker or Check the Fuse
If you’re experiencing a power loss, the first step is to check the circuit breaker. Look to see if it has tripped and needs to be reset. Additionally, check the fuse; if it’s blown, you’ll need to replace it.
When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician
It can be daunting to learn the ins and outs of a complex AC system. If simple troubleshooting tasks prove unfruitful, call a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to accurately diagnose the present issue and follow up with the necessary solutions.
Call (239) 232-6653
Preventing AC Issues in the Future
No one wants to deal with AC issues every summer. Keep your AC system running at peak efficiency, without complications, by developing a preventative routine.
Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
Scheduling regular AC maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid system issues and keep your system running smoothly. Schedule at least once a year before the cooling season begins.
Professional AC maintenance technicians will inspect your entire system, perform essential cleaning, and catch issues before they become severe.
Replace Air Filters Monthly or as Recommended
Replace your system’s air filters monthly or when they’re experiencing severe clogs. This way, you’ll never have to worry about a lack of efficiency or other air filter-related issues.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear
Regularly check your outdoor unit for debris and obstructions. By keeping it clean, you won’t have to worry about dirty outdoor components or a loss of airflow.
Get the Best AC Maintenance Service for Long-Lasting Comfort
Regular AC maintenance is crucial. Scheduling this service annually or as needed ensures that your system runs efficiently, helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, and prolongs its lifespan. Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to problems like your AC blowing hot air.
Fortunately, our skilled team is ready to assist you.
At Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC, we offer expert AC repair, maintenance, and full system replacements. Our best-in-class AC maintenance services are backed by quick diagnosis and the proper resources and equipment to alleviate issues, keeping your home comfortable year-round.
Keep Your AC in Top Shape With Seasonal Tune-Ups
Gulf Shore Cooling, LLC, is Southwest Florida’s leading provider of reliable and high-quality AC tune-up, repair, and installation services. Our in-depth AC tune-up checklist includes component inspections, coil cleaning, refrigerant level checking, and system performance testing.
Turn to our licensed technicians today for prompt and professional service. By catching issues before they spiral out of control, you can effectively avoid costly repairs or replacement.
Schedule Service Today
Frequently Asked Questions
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