It’s a blazing summer day, and you’ve been sweating for hours. You rush home, craving the cool comfort of your air conditioner. When you turn it on, however, you are met with a blast of scorching air rather than a soothing cool breeze. That’s not what you signed up for, right?
Surprisingly, this is a prevalent condition. Let’s look at why your air conditioner is blowing hot air and how to fix it.
Why Is Your Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?
If your air conditioner is giving you warm breezes instead of the refreshing coolness you need, it could be due to:
1- Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the commander of your AC system, dictating whether it should cool or heat your space.
If it’s mistakenly set to heat mode or programmed to a higher temperature than your room, it’ll send signals for warm air instead of cool.
Always ensure it’s set to cool mode and programmed to a temperature below the current room temperature.
2- Dirty Air Filters
When air filters get clogged with dust and dirt, your AC struggles to work correctly. Restricted airflow means your AC can’t cool the air effectively. To ensure the air flows smoothly, clean or change your air filters regularly, usually every 1 to 3 months.
3- Refrigerant Leaks
The material that pulls heat from the air in your house is called refrigerant. Your air conditioner won’t be able to efficiently cool the air if there is a leak in the refrigerant pipes.
4- Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the engine of your AC system, responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining cool temperatures. Hot air will blast from the vents if your air conditioner isn’t working correctly, which prevents the air from being sufficiently cooled.
Blocked Condenser Unit
The outside of your house condenser unit is essential to releasing heat from the refrigerant. Nevertheless, it cannot function well if dirt, leaves, or other external factors block it.
To guarantee adequate heat dispersion and effective cooling, regularly remove any obstructions from the area surrounding the condenser unit.
5- Broken Condenser Fan
The condenser fan facilitates the heat discharge from the condenser coils. If it isn’t functioning, your vents will blow hot air since the condenser can’t cool down.
A faulty condenser fan can be replaced or repaired by a qualified technician.
6- Electrical Issues
Your air conditioning system may not operate properly due to electrical problems. Issues like failed capacitors or malfunctioning wiring can keep your air conditioner from efficiently chilling the air.
You should take the help of a licensed HVAC technician to identify and rectify any electrical issues safely.
7- Frozen Evaporator Coil
If the evaporator coil freezes due to restricted airflow or refrigerant problems, it can’t absorb heat from your home air. Hot air starts to blast from the vents as a result.
After letting the coil thaw by turning off your air conditioning, take care of the underlying problem to avoid this happening again.
8- Improper System Sizing
In particular, on hot days, your air conditioner may require assistance to chill the air effectively if it is too small for the size of your home.
On the other hand, an oversized unit may cause brief cycling, in which the air conditioner frequently cycles on and off without adequately cooling the air.
9- Ductwork Issues
Hot air may blast from the vents as a result of cooled air escaping before it reaches your living areas due to leaky, unconnected, or inadequately insulated ductwork.
To maintain cooling throughout your house and to maximize airflow efficiency, check your ductwork for any signs of damage and fix any leaks.
Tips to Fix Your AC Blowing Hot Air
It’s time to get your hands dirty and troubleshoot when your air conditioner starts to pump hot air instead of keeping you cool. Here are a few quick remedies to help you stay cool.
1- Check Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat controls whether your AC system produces cool or hot air. Ensure it’s set to “Cool” to ensure your AC is trying to cool your space.
Ensure your thermostat is set at a lower setting than the room temperature. Your air conditioner won’t work to cool the air if it’s set too high.
2- Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Air filters are typically located behind a vent grille on a wall or ceiling or within the HVAC unit. Your air conditioner may need help cooling the air if your air filters are obstructed by dust and other debris, which can limit airflow.
Replace your worn-out filters with new ones or, if reusable, clean them. It contributes to adequate ventilation and effective cooling.
3- Look for Refrigerant Leaks
Check for any signs of refrigerant leakage, such as hissing sounds, oily spots around the AC unit, or decreased cooling performance.
It is advisable to contact a certified HVAC specialist if you believe there is a refrigerant leak. They can safely identify and fix leaks since they have the equipment and know-how.
4- Examine the Condenser Unit
Take a look at your outdoor condenser unit. Ensure it’s free from debris such as leaves, dirt, and grass clippings.
Use a garden hose or a soft brush to gently remove any debris blocking the airflow around the condenser unit. It helps maintain proper heat dissipation and cooling efficiency.
5- Check for Electrical Issues
Examine the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure your air conditioner is getting power. Check for indications of frayed or damaged wires coming from your air conditioning machine.
6- Monitor the Evaporator Coil
Find the indoor evaporator coil in the furnace or air handler unit. The ice buildup on the evaporator coil may be a sign of a refrigerant level or a ventilation issue. Before you tackle the root cause, turn off your air conditioning unit and let the ice melt.
7- Inspect Ductwork
Look for any indications of damage, leaks, or disconnected sections in your ductwork. Use mastic sealant or duct tape to seal any leaks or gaps in your ductwork. It guarantees airflow throughout your living areas and keeps cooled air from escaping.
8- Assess System Sizing
Make sure the size of your air conditioning unit is right for your house. While an excessive unit may result in wasteful operation, an undersized unit may need help to cool your room.
Speak with a certified HVAC professional if you require any additional information regarding the size or functionality of your AC unit.
Call Experts!
The Bee Heat and AC are the experts in all HVAC services. Contact us if your air conditioner is blowing hot air, and our expert team will fix your air conditioner in no time.
People Also Ask!
Why is my air conditioner suddenly blowing hot air?
Your AC might be blowing hot air due to issues like dirty air filters, refrigerant leaks, or thermostat malfunctions. Regular maintenance can help fix the problem.
Can I fix my AC blowing hot air by myself?
Homeowners can resolve minor concerns, such as replacing air filters or monitoring thermostat settings. However, consult an HVAC technician for issues like refrigerant leaks or compressor problems.
How can I prevent my AC from blowing hot air in the future?
Regular maintenance can help prevent your AC from blowing hot air and ensure efficient summer cooling.
