It’s a hot day outside, and all you want to do is sit inside your house and enjoy the cooling air of the AC unit. Except you can’t even do that because when you turned it on, you found that the AC unit is actually blowing hot air from the vents. Now, you’re sitting there, still sweating and getting more and more frustrated by the minute.
What are you supposed to do? How do you fix the problem? Below, the expert HVAC professionals at Calvey Heating & Air put together a list of practical solutions to help you get your AC unit to produce cold air again.
Check Your Thermostat Settings
The first thing you want to do is check the thermostat. Make sure the temperature is set to the correct setting. Professional HVAC technicians recommend that the temperature on the thermostat be set roughly 7°F higher or lower than the temperature outside.
If the thermostat is set to the cooling temperature of your preference and the AC is still blowing warm air, there are other things you can check:
• Check the batteries and replace them if needed.
• Remove the thermostat panel and check to ensure it’s properly connected – sometimes, faulty wiring is the cause of many AC issues.
• Check the circuit breaker and reset it for the air conditioning system if needed.
If none of these suggestions work, you may need the help of a local HVAC technician.
Dirty Air Filter Could Be the Culprit
A dirty air filter can throw off the proper function of your air conditioning system in a big way. Air filters have an important role in catching dirt and dust in the air circulating through the AC system. Overtime, the filter gets over-congested with an accumulation of dust that must be cleaned.
The accumulation of dirt on air filters creates friction and infuses heat into the air. As a result, the air conditioner will have trouble reaching the desired temperature on the thermostat settings.
To avoid this problem, make sure to change or clean the air filters every three months. During the summer months, when the unit is used daily, air filters should be changed or cleaned at least every four weeks.
Dirty also air filters cause the following air conditioning issues:
- decreased energy efficiency of the AC unit
- reduced air quality
- excessive strain and tear of the compressor
Is Your Condenser Unit Running?
Your air conditioning system is designed with two main parts: the indoor unit (air handler) and the outdoor unit (condenser). The condenser unit is responsible for pushing heat out of the house. If it isn’t running, this could be the reason why your air conditioner is blowing hot air.
Here’s what to check on the outdoor unit
- Is the fan spinning? If not, there may be an issue with the safety switch, motor capacitor, or the circuit wiring. If the unit is completely still, this could be tied to a general AC malfunction.
- Do you see ice build up? If so, the airflow will be restricted.
Check the circuit breaker to see if the AC has flipped and try resetting it. Call a professional HVAC technician if this doesn’t restore the air conditioner’s cooling performance.
Low Refrigerant Levels or a Leak Could Be Causing Warm Air
Refrigerant fluid is a key component that flows through the air conditioning system. The compressor turn this fluid into a gas and pushes it into the air to cool it. Low refrigerant levels will hurt the air conditioner’s ability to cool the temperature. As a result, the AC will be blowing warm air through the vents, adding to the discomfort of a hot day.
Here’s what to look for:
- Increased energy bills – low refrigerant levels cause the AC unit to work harder and use more energy than necessary.
- Pools of fluids around the outdoor unit, indicating a refrigerant leak
Unfortunately, refrigerant fluid issues have to be handled by a certified technician. If you’re suspecting such problems call Calvey Heating & Air for lasting repairs.
When To Call An HVAC Professional
Sometimes, no matter what you try, nothing works. That’s probably when you start considering hiring a professional HVAC technician. Here’s when you should call and get a professional pair of eyes on your problem:
- You’ve noticed a puddle of refrigerant leaking out of the air conditioning system.
- Resetting the circuit breaker did not help the issue
- There are burning smells coming from the vents
- None of these troubleshooting tips above worked
Call Calvey Heating & Air for Reliable AC Repair
Is your air conditioning system failing to deliver the comfort levels you expect? Call our HVAC repair team for simple, hassle-free AC repairs – no pressure, no upselling, just honest and fairly priced repairs. We will be able to provide an honest overview of the problem and offer practical solutions that will save you time, money, and stress down the line.
FAQ: The AC is Blowing Warm Air
How do I know if my compressor is broken?
A good sign that the compressor is not working is when the air conditioner is blowing hot air. The compressor is the heart of the whole AC system and is responsible for cooling the air before circulating it through the home. If you don’t hear it working, this could also be an indicator that it is broken. Additionally, listen for any banging, clanking, or grinding as these are all signs that the compressor’s parts are loose.
Is it safe to keep running the AC if it’s blowing warm air?
If the air conditioner is blowing warm air, it is best to turn it off, as this poses some risks to the whole system. The compressor can become damaged, especially if the reason for the warm has to do with low refrigerant levels. The compressor will work harder than required to reach the needed temperature, increasing its wear and may even trip the circuit breaker.
Should I repair or replace my AC if it keeps blowing hot air?
It is best to investigate the reason for the AC blowing hot air and try to fix it. Most of the time, if the HVAC technician is skilled and experienced, they are able to provide practical solutions that last. However, if even after repeated repairs the air conditioner is still blowing warm air, it might be worth considering replacing the system.