There are many reasons that an AC will blow hot air instead of cold. Understanding the exact cause of the problem is key to applying the right remedy. Although a homeowner can easily fix some common culprits, like a dirty air filter, other problems may necessitate the assistance of a trained HVAC technician.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Before you worry that there’s a bigger issue with your air conditioner, make sure you’ve checked the thermostat settings. Accidentally setting the thermostat to “heat” rather than “cool” or the fan to “on” rather than “auto” can happen from time to time. If you set the fan to the “on” position, it will continue to blow air even when the air conditioner isn’t cooling, causing the air to feel warmer. The same applies if you accidentally set the AC to “heat” mode.
Refrigerant Issues
The cooling mechanism in your air conditioner relies on refrigerant. If the refrigerant levels are low, it will be unable to cool the air efficiently, which can easily happen if there is a leak. Signs of a refrigerant leak include ice forming on the evaporator coils or a hissing sound emanating from the AC. Never attempt to fix a refrigerant problem on your own; doing so requires the specific knowledge and tools of an HVAC specialist.
Dirty Air Filter
Another common cause of hot air blowing from an AC is a dirty filter. When dirt and dust accumulate in the filter, it limits the airflow that can reach the system. Because of this, the evaporator coils may freeze and stop cooling effectively. You can avoid this problem and make your air conditioner work better overall by cleaning or replacing the filter often, usually every one to three months.
Faulty Compressor
Many people consider the compressor to be the “heart” of an air conditioning system. Its job is to circulate the refrigerant and pressurize it. You won’t have any cooled air from your air conditioner if the compressor stops working. There are a number of potential sources of compressor problems, such as electrical interference, refrigerant leaks or just plain old wear and tear. Diagnostic work and repair of a malfunctioning compressor is typically best left to trained experts.
Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
The outside unit of your air conditioner contains the condenser coils that transfer heat from your house to the outdoors. Your air conditioner will produce heated air if these coils get dusty or clogged, preventing them from releasing heat effectively. To avoid this, make sure to clean the area surrounding your outdoor unit on a regular basis and have the coils cleaned by experts at least once a year.
Electrical Problems
Many types of electrical problems can cause your air conditioner to break down and blow hot air. These can vary from simple electrical issues, such as blown fuses or circuit breakers, to more complicated wiring issues. If you’ve already examined the circuit breaker and it’s not the culprit, it’s advisable to contact an expert to safely diagnose and fix the problem.
Faulty Capacitor
When you turn on your air conditioner, the capacitor will give the motors a little extra juice to get them going. If it breaks, the air conditioner’s compressor and fans might not work, and you might feel hot air escaping through the vents. An abnormally long startup time for your air conditioner or a humming noise coming from your outside unit could be indications of a failed capacitor. Because of the potential for electrical shock, having a professional handle the task of replacing capacitors is essential.
Broken Blower Motor
Distributing airflow throughout your home’s duct system is the job of the blower motor. Inadequate cooling could occur if it is unable to circulate sufficient air over the evaporator coils. As a result, the air escaping from your vents may feel hot instead of cold. Problems with blower motors might arise from a lack of maintenance, electrical issues or normal wear and tear. This is another common problem that requires the assistance of a trained HVAC technician to fix it correctly.
Wrong Size System
An AC that isn’t big enough for your home will result in inefficient cooling and possible overuse of the unit, leading to premature wear and tear. However, if the system is too large and shuts off prematurely instead of adequately dehumidifying the air, it could result in dampness. This causes the air to feel warmer than it actually is. The sizing of an air conditioning system requires professional assessment and calculation that takes into account the specific features of your property.
Tyler’s Heating & Cooling is here to make sure your AC blows cold air instead of hot. We also help homeowners in Mishawaka, IN with plumbing repairs, ductless mini-split systems, boilers and more. Contact us today to schedule an AC repair for your home.
