Why Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air
As you enjoy the heat of a Myrtle Beach summer, the last thing you want is to come home to find your air conditioner is blowing hot air. With temperatures rising to the high 90s soon, your comfort should be a priority. Before you start sweating (no pun intended) over the malfunction, you need to understand that several factors could be causing the issue. That’s why we’ve compiled some common reasons why your air conditioner might be blowing hot air and explore some troubleshooting tips to help you regain that cool comfort.
Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Blowing Warm or Hot Air
There are several reasons why your air conditioner might not be working properly. It could be something as common as a clog, electrical problems, low refrigerant, issues with the evaporator coil, or problems with the compressor.
If your car’s air conditioning suddenly stops working, it’s usually because there’s a leak in the refrigerant or the coil is dirty. Your home’s air conditioning system can experience the same issue, but figuring out the problem isn’t always as easy.
Fixing your HVAC system isn’t just about being comfortable; it’s also important for safety. Good airflow in an air conditioner helps keep the air inside your home or building healthy.
1. Thermostat Issues
While we always recommend calling a professional when issues arise, you can check for a few basic things. Something as simple as checking your thermostat could fix the problem.
As your AC’s control center, your thermostat shows your home’s current temperature and the temperature you’ve set it to. If the temperature in your home is cooler than what you have it set to, try simply lowering the set temperature. If you have multiple thermostats, be sure to check all around your home. A conflicting setting in one area of the house can affect overall function.
You can also make sure that your fan is set to “auto” and not “on”. If it is on, the fan will run continuously, circulating the air in your home regardless of temperature. If your problem still doesn’t seem to be fixed, it’s time to contact Beach Air!
2. Electrical Issues
Air conditioning not blowing at all? It might be an issue with your circuit box. Take a look at your breaker switches, ensuring that all are turned on. If some are turned off, flip them back on and check your vents again.
Electrical issues such as faulty wiring, capacitor problems, or compressor malfunctions can also lead to your air conditioner blowing hot air. If you suspect an electrical problem, it’s best to leave the troubleshooting and repairs to qualified professionals to avoid safety hazards and further damage to your HVAC system.
3. Dirty Air Filters
A clogged or dirty air filter can obstruct airflow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. Over time, dust, debris, and other pollutants gather in the filter, restricting the cool air flow. Your air filters should be changed regularly, about every three to four months.
Clean air filters are easily changed and inexpensive. It’s a great way to ensure you are not restricting airflow, allowing your system to run optimally.
4. Blocked Vents or Registers
When vents and registers are blocked or closed, it’s like putting a barrier in front of your air conditioner’s cooling efforts. Vents and registers act as the pathways through which this cool air travels. However, if these pathways are blocked or obstructed, the air struggles to flow freely, much like trying to walk through a crowded room.
When vents or registers are closed, the air conditioner’s airflow is restricted, causing pressure to build up within the ductwork. This pressure imbalance can strain your HVAC system, leading to inefficiency and potentially damaging components over time. Beach Air HVAC can help you determine this issue, just give us a call!
5. Overheating Unit
An overheating air conditioner might automatically shut down or blow hot air to prevent further damage. Check for any obstructions around the outdoor unit, such as debris or vegetation, that could restrict airflow and cause the system to overheat. Your outdoor unit should be cleaned regularly, especially after a major storm or winter months.
Additionally, ensure that the indoor unit has proper ventilation and isn’t obstructed by furniture or curtains. Simply blocking a vent can restrict air flow to that entire room. It traps the air inside the vents, causing overheating issues to the entire system.
6. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in your outdoor unit play a crucial role in dissipating heat absorbed from indoor air. Over time, these coils can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, hindering heat transfer and causing your AC to blow warm air.
Regular maintenance, including cleaning the condenser coils, can prevent this issue and ensure optimal cooling performance. Be sure to have your air conditioner maintained regularly to ensure minor issues such as this do not become major problems in the future.
Determine Why Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air With Beach Air HVAC
Beach Air is here to help with any air conditioning issue you’re facing. Our trusted professionals have solutions for all budgets. Whether your AC needs repairs or you’re unsure of the problem, our technicians can assist with a wide range of mechanical issues like dirty evaporator coils or refrigerant leaks.
Turn to expert advice and solutions when determining your thermostat placement. Beach Air HVAC are your trusted local HVAC technicians ready to take on any problems you may have year-round. Learn more about how we can help or give us a call at 843-796-3798 for a consultation.