Your air conditioner is a critical piece of your home’s infrastructure that allows you and everyone else in your home to stay cool on a hot day. However, none of this is possible if the AC is blowing hot air instead of cold air. In this situation, the AC becomes a burden rather than a source of comfort.
This situation can occur as the result of several different reasons. As a homeowner, you need to be aware of these reasons and know how to respond to them. This will allow you to stay on top of any problems with your AC unit.
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What to Do If Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air & How to Fix It
If you find your AC is blowing hot air, it’s important to try to figure out the cause so you can take the right next steps.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
When determining why your AC is blowing hot air, the first thing you should check is the simplest and most obvious problem. Often, a simple mistake in the thermostat settings is the culprit.
The thermostat may be set to too high of a temperature. It may also be set to “fan” mode rather than “cool” or “auto” mode. In either case, fixing the problem simply involves changing the settings to reflect what you actually want from your AC. Double-check the thermostat’s mode and temperature whenever you suspect something is amiss.
2. Replace Your Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
Another common culprit is the air filter. Every AC system has an air filter in it that prevents the flow of particles in the system. This helps the system run better and improves the air quality within your home.
However, these filters get clogged over time. The particles that get trapped in the filter don’t go anywhere and will build up as time passes. If this happens a lot over time, it can disrupt the flow of air, preventing the system from working correctly.
Luckily, this is another problem with an easy solution. Simply replacing the old filter with a new one will have it running like new again in no time.
3. Defrost the Evaporator Coils
A properly functioning AC unit requires a properly functioning evaporator coil. This is where heat is absorbed from the air and is what allows the air to cool down. However, these coils tend to freeze for various reasons. If this happens, it disrupts the proper functioning of the AC system and prevents the air from being chilled.
To fix this problem, the evaporator coils need to be defrosted. Doing this allows them to function properly once more. However, if they freeze up again, it’s important to contact an HVAC professional to find the source of the recurring problem.
4. Check Your AC Unit’s Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is a key factor in any AC unit. It is the fluid responsible for cooling the evaporator coils and, thus, for cooling the air. In a functioning system, the refrigerant should never run out because it simply cycles through the system again and again.
However, this isn’t always the case. AC refrigerant could leak out and, thus, lower the level of refrigerant in the system too much. When this happens, the system won’t be able to cool down as it should. In these cases, more refrigerant needs to be added to get the system running like normal again.
Unfortunately, that isn’t all that needs to be done. The leak will also need to be repaired. Otherwise, it will just continue to leak more, and the problem will pop back up.
5. Malfunctioning Compressor
The compressor is another vital part of a good AC system. It is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and allowing it to do its job.
That said, any number of problems could go wrong with the compressor. It could break entirely or stop working due to a buildup of dirt and debris. Fixing it requires either cleaning it properly or reaching out for professional AC repair.
6. Replace Your Old HVAC System
At a certain point, HVAC systems simply cannot run any longer. They start to break down and experience problems far too frequently. In some cases, they break to the point where the cost of a repair will end up being more than the cost of replacing the entire system.
If this happens, the only real solution is to replace the system. This means working with an HVAC professional on a full AC replacement.
While this may seem disappointing initially, there is an upside to this otherwise bad situation. Replacing your old AC unit with a new one is your chance to get an even better system. The old system is undoubtedly outdated and less efficient than newer models. It is also likely running less effectively than it would have if it were new and requires maintenance far more often. Meanwhile, a new system will be as efficient as possible and relatively low-maintenance. All of this means savings on energy bills and less hassle overall.
Contact Elite to Troubleshoot Why Your AC Isn’t Working Properly
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my ac blowing hot air?” you can work through some of the reasons listed above to determine the cause. However, working with a professional is the best way to get a real solution. An HVAC technician can examine the situation, determine the problem, and start working toward a solution immediately.
Elite has the professionals you need. If you require simple AC repair, we’ll have your unit running like normal again in no time. If the problem is more serious and you need a full replacement, we can handle the entire installation process. No matter what your AC needs are, Elite can help you.