Waking up in the morning to an AC that isn’t doing its job is incredibly frustrating. We understand that the last thing you want to deal with in this Alabama heat, is an air conditioner that is blowing hot air. There could be several things wrong with your AC to be blowing hot or warm air and it can be a tedious process to figure it out.
To ease your frustration, the professionals at OnTime Service are here to tell you why your AC is blowing hot air and what you could do to make your home cool and comfortable again!
1. Your Thermostat is on “Heat”
When you feel your AC blowing hot air, check your thermostat and make sure it’s on “cool” instead of “heat.” It might sound silly, but mistakes happen. Someone might have changed the thermostat setting without you knowing.
Also, if your thermostat setting is on “Fan,” set it to “Automatic.” The fan setting blows air through the ductwork even when cooling is not taking place. As a result, warm might be entering through your vents.
2. Your Air Filter Hasn’t Been Changed
Problems with your air filter don’t necessarily cause warm air to blow out of your AC. However, a dirty air filter can reduce the air flow of your AC and freeze up the evaporator coils. Replace your AC filter every 30-90 days depending on the climate and filter type.
3. The Evaporator Coil is Frozen
It’s normal for some condensation to build up around the evaporator coil. But if something goes wrong in your AC, your evaporator coil can freeze up and become ineffective. A frozen evaporator coil can result from restricted airflow, which can be caused by the dirty air filter we mentioned above.
To fix this, turn the unit off and change the air filter. Wait for the unit to thaw and turn it back on again. If it continues to freeze up call an HVAC professional to diagnose the problem for you!
4. There is a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant circulates through your AC system, changing from liquid to gas and assisting in the cooling of your home. If your AC is blowing hot air, it could be that it is low on refrigerant. You can tell if your AC is low on refrigerant if the evaporator coil is frozen – and thawing it as well as cleaning the air filter does not work.
Another way to check if your AC is low on refrigerant is to perform the soap test. Apply a soap and water combination to any supposed leak points with a squeeze bottle. If there is a leak, escaping refrigerant should create soap bubbles. Keep in mind that this method may only be effective with continuous leaks rather than smaller ones.
Refrigerant is a dangerous chemical and you should usually let professionals handle it. If your AC is blowing hot air, showing signs of ice buildup or making hissing sounds, contact a professional immediately.
5. The Outdoor Unit’s Condenser Coils are Dirty
Your AC might be blowing hot air if your outdoor unit’s condenser coils are dirty. If there are any obstructions in your outdoor unit such as leaves and debris, try your best to remove them by hand as they can restrict air flow. You can wash off the smaller pieces using the garden hose but remember to shut off the unit at the source. Read in detail how you can clean up your outdoor unit’s condenser coils and remember to schedule regular AC maintenance.
Your AC might be blowing hot air for a variety of reasons. The best way to prevent this from happening is to schedule annual HVAC maintenance. The professionals at OnTime Service are an experienced group of technicians dedicated to making sure our customers’ HVAC needs are met. To get in touch with one of our knowledgeable team members, call 205-942-1405 or fill out a service request form online.
