Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?
When you’re hunting for relief from the scorching summer sun, there’s nothing like soaking in the comfort of your home air conditioner. But what happens when that cool blast is replaced by a toasty gust of air? An AC unit that blows warm air rather than cold may seem like one of the strangest cooling problems to have, but it’s actually one of the most common. If this happens to your AC, you may find yourself wondering what your options are. That’s why our HVAC experts at Colonial Heating & Cooling have put together this guide. Read on to discover why this AC issue happens in the first place and what steps you can take to regain your cool.
5 Reasons Why Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air
When dealing with extra heat from your cooling device, as well as its impact on your home humidity, you can usually narrow your list of explanations to a handful of the most common ones. Some reasons why your air conditioner is blowing warm air may include:
- Thermostat mistake: Before you panic about your air conditioner, it’s always a good idea to check your thermostat. Sometimes, we simply forget to switch our thermostat settings as we round the corner from spring to summer. A quick adjustment can get it off its winter settings.
- Dirty air filter: This simple and small issue can have a huge impact, restricting your AC’s airflow to the point that it emits warm air under the strain.
- Leaking refrigerant: With less refrigerant in your unit, your AC’s ability to absorb and combat heat becomes compromised. If this is the case, you’ll need a technician to repair it.
- Outdoor unit clogged: Your indoor AC works in balance with an outdoor unit, which can get dirty easily. If the outdoor unit Is covered with debris, It can eventually cause warm air to blow out.
- Frozen evaporator coils: The evaporator coil is a crucial component of your air conditioner’s ability to cool, and when it freezes the AC unit will blow warm air.
How To Fix an AC When It’s Blowing Warm Air
With so many potential sources for your air conditioning unit’s hot air, there are plenty of troubleshooting options that may tell you whether this is a situation you can handle yourself or whether a skilled technician is a safer choice. Ways to check include:
- Check the thermostat and air filters: This is an easy one to do yourself, and it is helpful to get in the habit of cleaning your air filter.
- Clean the outdoor unit: Remove dirt and debris and make sure the area around the unit has at least a few feet of clearance.
- Check for refrigerant leaks: If your suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s best to contact a professional as refrigerant is a dangerous substance to work with.
- Check evaporator coils: If they are frozen, give the coils a chance to gently warm up. Don’t try to actively warm them yourself or you may damage them. If they don’t thaw, reach out to a professional for repairs.
- Look for compressor problems: Listen for chattering and ticking and reach out to a technician if you hear them.
Schedule AC Repairs With Colonial
Troubleshooting is an important way to take charge of your home ownership, but so is knowing your limits and calling for professional repairs rather than causing more damage with DIY methods. The team at Colonial Heating & Cooling has upfront pricing and same-day emergency service. You can put your faith in the 50+ years of experience we bring to every house call.
Stay cool with prompt AC repairs from Colonial! Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Livonia or the surrounding areas.