When summer arrives, the need for a properly functioning cooling system is absolutely necessary. The last thing anyone wants on a searing hot day is a malfunctioning air conditioning unit that blows warm air — it’s frustrating and uncomfortable! Unfortunately, this problem can happen at the most inconvenient times.
There are several potential reasons why your AC is blowing hot air. Let’s take a closer look at the most common issues so that you can have an idea of what you’re dealing with.
Dirty Air Filters
When you find your air conditioner blowing warm air, it’s important to know that a dirty air filter could be one of the culprits. Air filters that aren’t replaced or cleaned regularly can become blocked with dirt, dust, and other debris, causing restricted airflow. When airflow is restricted, this can prevent the cooling process from happening, resulting in warm air blowing out of the AC. It’s recommended to check and change air filters at least every three months.
Thermostat Settings
Believe it or not, your thermostat’s current setting could be why your AC is blowing hot air. If your air conditioner isn’t set to “cool,” then it won’t cool the air. That’s why you’ll want to check that the thermostat is set to “cool” and not “heat.” It might sound silly, but it’s a common mistake that can be easily overlooked. If the thermostat is battery-operated, you can also try replacing the batteries.
Refrigerant Leak
When you find your air conditioner blowing warm air, it’s possible that the refrigerant level might be low due to a leak. Refrigerant is an important substance that cools the air in your air conditioning system. If there is a refrigerant leak, this means that your AC unit has low refrigerant levels, and as a result, it won’t be able to cool the air effectively. Most local AC repair companies will recommend calling a technician for help as soon as possible to fix the problem.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can also be why your AC is blowing hot air. Evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing heat from the air, and if they freeze up, they can’t perform their normal function. One of the most common reasons for frozen evaporator coils is restricted airflow, which can be due to a dirty filter or broken fan. If the airflow is limited, the evaporator coils will freeze up and prevent the air conditioning system from cooling the air.
Dirty evaporator coils can also cause this problem. The evaporator coils can collect grime over time, and this can prevent the air conditioner from effectively cooling the air. Dirty evaporator coils can also restrict air flow, leading to frozen coils and warm air blowing out of the AC unit.
Circuit Breaker Problems
If you’ve suddenly discovered your air conditioner blowing warm air, this could mean that the circuit breaker has tripped. The breaker is responsible for providing power to the AC system, and if it trips, the unit will shut down.
Check the circuit breaker box to see if the breaker has tripped. If it has, reset the breaker and see if the air conditioning system starts working again. If the breaker keeps tripping, it could be a sign of a more significant problem and should be addressed by a professional technician.
Schedule Your AC Repair With the Experts
Everyone knows that a malfunctioning cooling system can make your home unbearable — especially during the summer months. When you find your air conditioner blowing warm air, it’s essential to identify and address the problem quickly.
Regular AC maintenance — along with changing your air filters — can prevent many of these issues from happening. However, if you are experiencing problems with your AC, it’s always best to call a technician as soon as possible to take a look.
At Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning, we offer local AC repairs you can count on. We’ll promptly diagnose the issue and provide you with a long-lasting solution. Contact us today to request an appointment in Martinsburg, WV, or the surrounding area!
