There are few things worse than coming home to a house that’s hot and steamy when it shouldn’t be! If you’re asking yourself “Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?” then you’re in the right place.
There are several potential causes for this problem. We’ll go through a few of the most common and also give you some troubleshooting tips. When you’re done, you’ll know whether you can try to fix the issue yourself or if it’s time to call in the pros.
1. Thermostat Problems
One common reason why you might have an AC blowing warm air is an issue with your thermostat. Thankfully, this is also usually a very easy fix. Before you do any major troubleshooting, check to make sure the thermostat isn’t set to “heat.”
It seems silly, but it’s entirely possible that someone else in your home unintentionally bumped into it and hit the setting by mistake. You’ll also want to check to see if you have your thermostat set to “on” or “auto.” If it’s set to “on” then the fan will blow even when the unit isn’t cooling, which would cause warm air to blow out your vents.
Hopefully, you find that this is the problem, and making this small adjustment can fix your issue. However, if that’s not the case, then next thing you’ll want to check is your air filter.
2. Restricted Air Flow
Another very common problem is restricted airflow. This is usually caused by a dirty air filter. When your filer clogs up with dirt, there’s not enough air coming out of your vents to keep your home cool.
If the flow is really restricted, it can also cause your compression to freeze up. Dirty coils may also be to blame, especially if your AC unit hasn’t had its annual maintenance.
In this case, start by replacing your air filter with a new one. If that doesn’t help, it’s time to take a look at the coils. You may be able to clean them yourself, but it’s often easier to call an AC repair pro to take care of it for you. Either way, this maintenance task should fix the problem.
3. Clogged Outdoor Unit
Still no luck? It’s time to head outside!
Air conditioner systems have two major components – the indoor and the outdoor unit. The indoor unit is what holds the fan that blows cool air around your home. However, if your outside unit isn’t working, this is when you’ll notice that your ac is blowing hot air.
There are a couple of things that can cause problems with your outdoor unit. First, check to see if the unit is clogged with dirt or debris. If this is the case, the unit will have a problem removing heat, which will cause your AC to blow warm air.
You can fix this by clearing all leaves, branches, and other debris away and cleaning your outdoor unit. To keep this from happening again, make sure to add this task to your regular home maintenance list.
4. Loss of Power
If your outdoor unit has lost power but the indoor unit hasn’t, you’ll likely notice your home ac blowing warm air. This is often caused by a blown fuse. You’ll want to check your circuit breaker and fuse panel.
This is an easy fix, but it’s important to note that if you’re frequently having problems with your circuit breaker, you could have a more serious electrical issue. In this case, you’ll definitely want to call in a professional to take a look.
5. Low or Leaking Refrigerant
If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting tasks above and you still find yourself saying “My air conditioning is blowing warm air!” you might have a more serious problem. One of the final issues that causes this problem is low or leaking refrigerant.
The refrigerant is what absorbs heat from the air in your home. If this is low or leaking, the units will have trouble keeping up. One common sign that this is happening is ice forming on your outdoor and indoor AC units.
Unfortunately, this problem does not have a DIY fix. You’ll need a professional to come to your home and service your units.
The good news is that even if this isn’t the problem, an AC expert will be able to do a thorough diagnosis and get to the bottom of the issue. For example, you may find that you have a broken or disconnected return duct or some other issue.
No matter what the cause, calling in a professional AC repair company is the best way to make sure that the problem is resolved once and for all.
Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air? Don’t Suffer Any Longer
If you’re dealing with an air conditioner blowing hot air, you won’t want to wait long to get it repaired. Warm air blowing into an already warm home is a recipe for disaster!
Luckily, Branson AC Repair is here to help. We’ll take a deep dive into your unit’s health and make sure that everything is working as it should. We can also help you with ongoing maintenance, which will help you prevent having problems with your ac unit blowing hot air in the future.
We’re an honest, professional, family-owned-and-operated company with a stellar reputation. Learn more about our AC Repair services and contact us today to schedule an appointment.
