Is your AC blowing hot air, creating a hot, humid, and just plain uncomfortable home environment? Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling offers a full range of heating and cooling services. Learn more about their HVAC services on the Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling website or call (816) 286-7258 today.
There are few things more frustrating than your AC blowing hot air in the middle of a warm summer day. Thankfully, there are a few common reasons your AC is blowing out hot air instead of cool. Keep reading to find the most common reasons why your AC is acting up.
1. Thermostat Settings
The first place you should look if you are dealing with an AC blowing hot air is the thermostat. Thermostat settings regulate the function of the AC. Potential issues can include:
- Accidentally setting the thermostat to a warmer setting
- The fan being set to “on” instead of “auto”
- A dead battery
- A failing temperature strip
You can remedy some of the above issues easily. For instance, you can quickly change the temperature or the blower fan setting if it was accidentally changed. You can also replace the battery without issue.
In some cases, setting the thermostat to “heat” temporarily before switching it back to “cool” can help reset the thermostat. In other cases, the thermostat itself may need to be updated or replaced. If none of these issues is the culprit, you can check the following potential reasons for your AC blowing hot air.
2. Dirty Air Filters
If your thermostat seems to be functional or the AC is still having issues after replacing the thermostat, you can check for a dirty air filter. Air filters can become clogged with airborne debris, including:
- Allergens
- Pet dander/pet hair
- Lint
- Dust
While this means that the air filter is doing its job of preventing unwanted debris in the air your AC expels, it also means it’s time to clean or replace the air filter. Some AC models allow you to rinse off the air filter, while others may require a new filter.
Be sure to shut the AC off before attempting to check or retrieve the air filter. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions, or call a local HVAC professional to schedule an appointment.
3. A Flipped Circuit Breaker
Your AC may blow warm air if your outside unit has a separate fuse from the blower unit. A blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker can interrupt the functions of your AC partially or entirely. You can check for blown fuses and tripped breakers with a quick inspection.
Simply go to the fuse box or breaker box of your home and look for any switches in the “off” position. If the AC still isn’t fully functioning after turning the switch to the “on” position, the fuses may need to be replaced. Consult with an HVAC professional to pick a suitable replacement for your unit.
If your AC is still blowing hot air or tripping the fuse in your breaker box, there may be severe electrical issues in your home that need professional attention. In this case, you’ll need to bring in a certified electrician to help find and repair the problem safely.
4. The Exterior AC Unit
If your AC is not blowing cold air into your home, there may be one or more issues with the outside unit. These exterior air conditioner units can experience:
- Frozen evaporator coils
- Clogged condenser coils
- A build-up of debris around the unit
- Refrigerant leaks
If your outdoor AC unit has debris built up around it, you can easily and quickly brush it away. Cleaning the debris will allow better airflow over the condenser coils and should improve the flow of cold air into your home.
If you don’t see any debris, the issue could be a frozen evaporator coil or a refrigerant leak. You can help thaw the evaporator coils by turning the AC unit off while setting the fan to “on.” Don’t try to run the AC unit again until there is no visible frost.
If the AC unit begins to freeze up again after fully thawing the system, there may be a leak in the refrigerant. If this is the case, you’ll need to bring in professionals. Licensed HVAC technicians can safely perform a leak detection and offer repair or replacement services.
Signs of Exterior AC Unit Problems
Hot or warm air from your AC isn’t the only sign of a problem in your air conditioning unit. Homeowners can easily keep an eye and an ear out for potential AC problems. Some signals that your exterior AC unit is having issues may include:
- Hissing noises in the AC unit
- Increase in utility bills that is beyond normal fluctuation
- Visible leaks around the AC unit
If you notice any of the above indicators, you’ll want a technician to inspect the AC unit and take steps to address the above issues. Your power bill is usually a fair indicator of your AC system struggling as the unit increases the amount of power to meet the thermostat setting.
When To Call the HVAC Professionals
When you have an AC blowing hot air, you want to know that it can be repaired quickly and affordably. No one wants to try to relax in a home that is uncomfortably hot and sticky. You can rely on Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling to help keep your AC running at peak performance.
If you’re dealing with an AC blowing hot air and want assistance, you’re in the right place. The team at Air Unlimited is ready to answer questions, provide quotes, and perform AC inspection and repair services. Our team is prepared to handle every potential AC problem you may have.
We offer installation, repair, and replacement for every AC unit out there. You can make an appointment for repairs for your AC blowing hot air. Call Air Unlimited Heating & Cooling at (816) 286-7258 to schedule air conditioning repair in Prairie Village, KS.