Experiencing the opposite of the cool, soothing air you anticipate from your air conditioner is not just annoying but downright unpleasant. This problem can range from simple maintenance mistakes to more complicated mechanical issues, and it occurs more frequently than most homeowners think. If you know what might be causing this problem and how to fix it, you should be able to get your air conditioner working again in no time. Some fixes are simple and quick to implement, while others may necessitate help from a trained HVAC expert.
Dirty Air Filters and How to Fix Them
Changing the air filter regularly is one of the easiest ways to make sure the AC blows cool air. The air filtration system’s ability to remove dust, pollen and other particles becomes less effective as time passes. Because of the decreased airflow, the evaporator coils may freeze and stop cooling effectively. To repair this issue, simply locate the air filter and replace it. You can usually find it in the return air duct or the interior unit. Depending on how often you use the AC and the conditions outside, you should change the air filter every one to three months.
Refrigerant Leaks: Causes and Solutions
If your air conditioner has low refrigerant levels because of leaks, it will blow warm air instead of cold air. Damage to refrigerant lines, corrosion or normal wear and tear can all lead to leaks. Symptoms of this type of problem include a decrease in cooling performance, hissing noises and the development of ice on the evaporator coils. Repairing a refrigerant system is more complicated than changing an air filter and requires the expertise of a trained technician.
Checking and Resetting Your Thermostat
Incorrect thermostat settings can be the root cause of hot air from your air conditioner. For best results, set your thermostat to “cool” and set the temperature lower than the room temperature. Verify the schedule settings on any programmable thermostats you may have. Try changing the batteries in your thermostat if it runs on batteries. If none of the above works, you might need to reset your thermostat. To do this, you’ll need to look in the thermostat’s manual.
Inspecting and Cleaning the Condenser Coils
An essential part of your air conditioner’s function is dissipating heat from your house to the outside air via the condenser coils found in the exterior unit. When these coils are dirty or clogged, your system will blow hot air because they are unable to dissipate heat effectively. Because accessing and cleaning the coils sometimes requires special tools and knowledge, it’s best to leave this task in the hands of an expert. Once cleaned, the expert can test the AC to see if it fixed the hot air problem.
Clogged or Blocked Ducts: Signs and Remedies
Damaged or obstructed ductwork can greatly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner, causing it to blow hot air. Dust near vents, higher energy costs and uneven cooling between rooms are all indications of duct problems. Depending on your skill level, you might be able to clean the ducts yourself. However, most experts recommend leaving duct cleaning in the hands of a professional. Experts can safely clean mold, dust and debris from ducts using their specialist equipment. In addition, they can detect and fix any hidden problems with ductwork that may be affecting the interior air quality and AC’s efficiency.
Faulty Compressor: Diagnosis and Repair
Your air conditioner may not work at all or produce warm air if the compressor is malfunctioning. Compressor problems manifest as unusual noises coming from the outside unit, trouble starting or frequent system shutoffs. Expert diagnosis and repair are necessary for compressor problems due to their complexity. When the compressor fails on an older system, it may be more economical to replace the entire air conditioner rather than just the compressor.
Electrical Issues: Fuses, Breakers and Wiring
Tripped breakers or blown fuses can cut power to vital AC components, and faulty cabling can cause the power supply to be intermittent. Another cause of hot air is a problem with the capacitors, which are responsible for starting and running the motors of the compressor and fans. Experts can tell when something is wrong by looking at the connections, checking the voltage and utilizing diagnostic equipment to find the offending parts. After that, they fix or replace the broken components to make sure the air conditioner is safe to use and blows cold air.
Home Comfort Services is here to help make sure that your AC blows cold air all during the cooling season. We also help homeowners in Grand Junction, CO with sewer line repairs, drain repiping, air quality solutions, duct cleaning, geothermal heating and cooling and much more. Call us now to schedule an AC repair for your home.
