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A/C Blowing Hot Air?

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Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air? | Air Conditioner Troubleshooting

Warm weather is upon us and that means many of us are turning on the AC for the first time all season! While this is good news for most of us, some will find their cooling equipment isn’t quite up to the task following the long down time. One of the most frequent questions we get is “Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?” It happens at the beginning of the season as often as it happens at the middle and the end, and it can be frustrating for homeowners looking for relief from the heat outside.

So what causes this malfunction? Unfortunately, there’s not one answer. Several things could be going on that would cause your AC to blow warm or hot air. Luckily, many of the issues are easy to diagnose and fix, while others require professional skills. Here are a few quick ways to troubleshoot if your AC stops blowing cool air:

Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Thermostat Settings

This is the classic “Too obvious to bother checking” symptom. It’s easy to overlook the thermostat settings. Make sure you’re on “Cool” and that the temperature is set to the proper degree.

Dirty Filters

Filters are there to get dirty. They collect dirt and dust and other pollutants to keep them from entering your home’s air. When they get too dirty, they restrict airflow and can have a huge effect on how your AC unit performs. Regularly cleaning or replacing your filters is an essential piece of regular maintenance.

Frozen Coils

Like a dirty air filter, a frozen coil will block airflow, meaning only warm air from the unit’s motor will be pushed through the system. Condensation from the unit can freeze along the evaporator coils if the equipment is not regularly maintained. Low on Refrigerant – AC units depend on refrigerant to rapidly chill passing air. Leaks and extended use can reduce the levels of refrigerant, leading to poor performance.

Broken Return Duct

A broken or disconnected return duct could be pulling uncooled air into your home’s ventilation system.

Blown Breaker Switch

Central air systems have two main portions: The indoor component which uses a fan to distribute the air through ducts, and the outdoor component, which is the actual equipment cooling the air. It’s possible for the indoor section to have power, while the outdoor unit does not, meaning the fans will be pushing around air that has never been cooled. A blown fuse, flipped breaker, or poor wiring could be to blame. In any case, it’s essential that you consult a professional to fix these issues.

Broken Compressor

The compressor is the workhorse of an AC unit. They typically last for many years, but after enough time or extended use, they will inevitably fail. Proper maintenance can extend the lifetime of this component.

It’s important to be familiar with your home’s most essential systems. If you’re experiencing poor performance from your air conditioner, call a professional immediately and allow our years of experience to serve you. Many of the issues above can be easily avoided through regular professional maintenance BEFORE an issue arises. We offer discounted service contracts that will allow you to avoid problems with your AC, while extending the life of your equipment.

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