Air conditioning is a part of life in Texas that few are willing to give up. When an A/C starts blowing hot air, you're on a time crunch to resolve the issue before things begin to heat up. How do you approach an AC blowing warm air? Here are a few things homeowners can do before calling an HVAC technician:
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Low Refrigerant Levels
When an AC unit is blowing warm air, refrigerant leaks are often the cause. The refrigerant absorbs heat and moisture from the air, helping your air conditioner supply crisp, cool air. Whether a component in your system was poorly installed or suffered damage to a refrigerant line, you have a problem. Finding and repairing the refrigerant leak will be essential for bringing cold air back into your home.
Unfortunately, this issue typically requires professional assistance. An HVAC technician will perform a UV dye test to find the exact source of your Freon leak(s) without replacing various components. It may be tempting to purchase Freon and avoid the refrigerant leak but the warm air will quickly return.
Dirty Or Clogged Air Filters
Never underestimate the power of your air filter. Air conditioner air filters are the first step in the process, controlling the initial intake. A dirty air filter can severely restrict air flow, stressing the HVAC system and causing it to blow hot air.
To correct the issue, replace your air filter every three months or as needed.
Check The Thermostat
Before troubleshooting the AC, take a few seconds to check your thermostat settings. Ensure the system is set to cool, not to the thermostat's fan setting and ensure the temperature is set to a comfortable level. If the AC unit doesn't respond or gives the incorrect reaction, you may need a thermostat setting calibration. Calibrations are typically done by professionals but can be completed by a savvy homeowner.
Frozen Or Dirty Evaporator Coil
Dirty and/or frozen evaporator coils will have your Air conditioner blowing hot in no time. Evaporator coils partner with refrigerant to absorb heat, producing cooled air for the home. When a dirty air filter sits too long, the evaporator coil will either will start collecting dirt or freeze because of decreased air flow.
The easiest solution for evaporator coil issues is to change dirty filters promptly and perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system. Once the issue hits your evaporator coils, you'll need a professional to service your air conditioner.
Dirty Or Damaged Condenser Coils
The condenser unit is part of the outdoor AC unit, serving to disperse heat from the AC system. When the condenser unit becomes cluttered with debris, dirt, and muck, your entire AC system will suffer. Assuming you have a dirty condenser and not a damaged component, the fix is simple.
A nice rinse is good for the outdoor unit and can increase efficiency for the entire AC system, so don't be afraid to give it a thorough rinse. Washing away the debris from your outside unit will improve circulation and deter warm air.
Fan Failure
The fan is an essential component that helps the air conditioner create cold air. When the fan slows or stops, you can count on reduced AC unit performance. This should be one of the first things examined if your AC starts blowing warm air. There are a few things that could be afflicting your fan, including motor issues, debris buildup, and worn belts, so let's walk through the diagnosis process.
First, turn the system off to ensure your fan will not function while cleaning. This is done from the breaker box, which will altogether remove power from the AC unit. Remove the cover and use a shop vacuum to remove any dirt or debris from the fan. If there is anything left after vacuuming, carefully wipe the blades with a damp cloth after equipping gloves. With a gardener's glove or similar protection, attempt to rotate your fan and add lubricant if it seems stiff.
Replace the cover and reset the tripped breaker to inspect the fan motor. If the cleaned fan is operating sluggishly failing to turn on, it's time to call the AC experts.
Leaking Ducts
Air ducts push cool air throughout the home, in the walls, ceilings, or floors. If a duct is punctured or damaged from home repairs, remodeling, sloppy installation, or various unforeseen factors, you could be hemorrhaging cold air. Common signs of air duct damage are increased energy bills coupled with minimized output at your vents.
Ventilation and ductwork are typically left to the professionals unless the leak is apparent or accessible. Hardware stores sell HVAC repair supplies to patch holes, but it's always better to let an HVAC technician do anything in-depth.
Clogged Drains
Your air conditioner draws moisture from the air, which is later expelled via the drain line. When debris buildup blocks the drain, it can cause water to back feed into the air conditioning system, inflicting severe damage and potentially initiating leaks.
To remedy your clogged drain, remove the hose to thoroughly rinse dirt and debris. Performing this preventatively can deter clogs and ensure your air conditioning unit is expelling water properly.
Don't Let Your AC Blow Warm Air
Troubleshooting an AC blowing warm air can take time, but cool air is a commodity in Texas that nobody wants to live without, so the effort is well worth it. Checking the components you can access as a homeowner, spraying the outdoor unit, and performing basic maintenance may improve the air temperature, preventing you from calling a professional. But, when the at-home air conditioner troubleshooting isn't enough, don't hesitate to contact an HVAC technician.
Their knowledge, expertise, and specialized tools will quickly diagnose why your AC is blowing warm air and provide a solution. Calling a professional can ultimately save time, money, and hassle, but the time to schedule your AC unit checkup is before the problem occurs, not after.
Routing air conditioning maintenance can prevent unnecessary damage and deterioration, ensuring that "AC blowing hot air" is never a search for you.
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