When the weather starts to heat up, you can hardly wait to turn on the air conditioning if you are like me. But what do you do if it blows hot air instead of cold?
Do not worry. Many people experience the same situation. This blog post will explain why your air conditioner might be blowing hot air and how you can fix the problem. Stay cool!
7 Reasons Why AC May Blow Out Hot Air
Reason #1: Dirty Air Filter
Dirt in air filters is one of the most common reasons an air conditioner blows hot air. Before entering the AC unit, the air filter traps dirt, dust, and other airborne contaminants.
Over time, these contaminants can clog the filter, reducing airflow and preventing the AC unit from operating correctly.
If you suspect that a dirty air filter is to blame for your problem, check the filter and replace it if necessary.
It is also good to check the filter regularly and replace it as needed to keep your AC unit running smoothly. For example, I check mine at least once a month during the summer.
Reason #2: Dirty Condenser Coils
Another reason an air conditioner blows a dirty condenser coil. The condenser coil is responsible for taking the heat from the air inside your home and releasing it outside.
If the coil becomes dirty, it cannot take in as much heat and remove it outside, which causes the AC unit to work harder and higher energy bills.
If you think the condenser coil might be dirty, you can clean it yourself or call a professional to do it for you. Keeping the AC coils clean is vital so your AC unit can operate at its best.
Reason #3: Frozen AC Coil
Your AC unit can freeze if there is not enough airflow getting in. This problem is often caused by a dirty air filter or a blockage in the ductwork.
If any of these happen, they cause the airflow inside the AC to weaken, affecting the capability of the AC to keep the coils inside warm, leading to frozen locks.
If you think insufficient airflow might be the problem, check the air filter and replace it if necessary. You should also have a professional inspect the ductwork to see if any blockages need removal.
Reason #4: Check the Thermostat
If your AC unit is working overtime, it can cause it to blow hot air. It is usually due to either the thermostat being set too low or an issue with the compressor.
If you suspect your AC unit is overworked, try setting the thermostat to a higher temperature. If that is not effective, you may need to replace the compressor.
Reason #5: Refrigerant Leak
If the refrigerant in your AC unit is leaking, it can cause the unit to blow hot air. Refrigerant helps cool the air inside your home, so it cannot do its job correctly if it leaks.
If you think a refrigerant leak might be the problem, call a professional to come and take a look at your AC unit. They can tell you whether or not there is a leak, and they can also repair it if needed.
Reason #6: Compressor Might Have Failed
The air conditioner is blowing hot air because the compressor is not working. The compressor is a vital part of the air conditioner and circulates the refrigerant through the system.
When the compressor does not work, the fans blow hot air instead of cool air.
There are several causes why the compressor might not be working, including a lack of refrigerant, a clogged filter, or a problem with one of the electrical components.
You will need to identify which component is causing the issue and then replace it to fix the problem.
You can troubleshoot this by checking common symptoms like ice on the lines or unusual noise from the unit.
Finally, if your air conditioner is still spewing hot air after trying all these solutions, it is time to contact a professional. They will be able to identify and repair the issue for you.
Reason #7: Loss of Power to Outdoor Unit
Sometimes older outdoor air conditioners can lose power. One reason can be that it is an older AC unit.
Older AC units often do not work as well as newer models, and they can be more prone to blowing hot air. If your air conditioner unit is over ten years old, it might be time to consider replacing it.
Another reason is faulty electrical wiring. Once the wirings fail or lose contact, you will have an AC that often loses power. Check the capacitor, too, as a bad capacitor can also cause the AC to lose power.
If you think your AC unit might be too old, you can get a free estimate from a professional to see if it is worth repairing or replacing.
How Do I Fix My AC From Blowing Hot Air?
If your AC is blowing hot air, do not panic! There are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem:
Check the Thermostat Setting
If your AC only blows hot air, you should check the thermostat to ensure it is set to “cool.” It seems like a simple fix, but it is one that many people forget about.
Make Sure the Air Filter Is Clean and Not Blocked
As mentioned, a dirty or blocked air filter can cause your AC unit to blow hot air. So, if you have not checked the filter lately, now is the time to do it. First, replace the filter if it is necessary.
Clean the Coils if It Is Dirty
If the coil is dirty, it cannot release as much heat from inside to outside as it can, which causes the AC to blow hot air. You can clean the coil yourself or call a professional to do it for you.
Check for Leaks in the Ductwork
Any leaks in the ductwork can prevent the AC unit from getting enough airflow, which can cause the coils to overheat and blow hot air. Have a professional inspect the ductwork to see if any blockages need removal.
Adjust the Refrigerant Charge if Necessary
If the AC unit is low on refrigerant, it can cause the unit to blow hot air. A professional can tell you if the refrigerant needs to be adjusted, and they can also do it for you.
Replace the Compressor or Condenser Coil if Needed
If the compressor or condenser coil is damaged, it can cause the AC unit to blow hot air. It is a more severe problem that will require a professional to fix.
Call a Professional if You Still Have Any Problems
If you have tried all these tips and your AC unit is still blowing hot air, you must call a professional. These pros can diagnose the problem and fix it for you.
How Do I Prevent My AC From Blowing Warm Air In The Future?
There are many ways you can prevent your AC from blowing warm air. Here are two of them:
Do Regular Checks
Regularly check your AC. For example, I check mine every two months and once a month during summer. When I do these checks, I focus on the following:
- Thermostat – I check this to ensure the temperature is set to cool. You can AUTO set this and make sure it is set to cool.
- Fuse box – I check this to ensure there is electricity and the breaker has not tripped.
- Refrigerant levels – I check this to ensure there are no leaks.
- Compressor – I check for any growling or clattering sound to see if my compressor is malfunctioning.
Clean the Filter Regularly
Aside from checking, regularly clean your filter as well. Regular cleaning will make sure that there will be no clogging and debris build-up. I schedule mine usually once or twice a month.
