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Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Top View Of Residential Air Conditioning Unit Outdoors With Fan

So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to turn on the air conditioner, but instead of refreshing cool air coming out of the vents, you’re blasted with warm air. This is incredibly frustrating! In fact, at Mike Watson Heating & Cooling, we handle emergency AC service calls every spring and summer from frustrated Wichita homeowners who ask, “Why is my AC blowing hot air?” There are seven common causes for an air conditioner that’s not blowing cold air, and it helps to know how a central AC system works first.

How Central Air Conditioners Keep Your Home Cool

Refrigerant, like Freon, is the fluid that flows through your AC unit and cools your home. Essentially, refrigerant in the evaporator inside your home absorbs heat & humidity from the air. Then, it travels to the condenser coils outside your home and releases the heat. In order for this process to work, your cooling system must be clean, full of refrigerant, and all components must be working properly. If your AC is blowing hot air, it’s simply a matter of troubleshooting those elements to see which one is causing the issue. For more about how central air conditioners work, visit energysaver.gov.

7 Reasons Your AC is Blowing Warm Air

There are a few things you can check yourself to see if they’re causing warm air to come from your air conditioner. If those don’t do the trick, or you don’t feel comfortable handling them yourself, it’s best to call a trusted AC repair company like Mike Watson Heating & Cooling for AC repair.

1. Thermostat Settings Are Incorrect

It may sound obvious, but sometimes it’s a simple matter of adjusting your thermostat. Double check that the system is set to cool and the fan is set to auto. Additionally, make sure the temperature is set to a number that’s lower than the current indoor temperature. That should trigger the air conditioner to switch on, and after a minute or two you can check to see if the system is blowing cold air.

2. There’s No Power to the AC System

Another simple check is to make sure the circuit breaker for the air conditioner is turned on. If the breaker is on but then it immediately switches off when the air conditioner turns on, that’s a sign the system needs service. Call a trusted heating & air company to have your home’s AC inspected.

3. The Air Filter Is Clogged

Your home’s HVAC system includes a filter to trap dust, dirt and debris in the air as it passes through the blower. But if you have a clogged air filter, there won’t be enough airflow through the blower and over the evaporator coils. Dirty air filters make your cooling system work harder, which costs you more on your energy bills, so it’s a good idea to change your HVAC air filter every 30-90 days.

4. The Outdoor AC Unit Is Blocked

In order for the outdoor condenser unit to cool the air in your home, it needs warm air to flow through the condenser coils. Here in the Wichita area, spring is prime time for cottonwood trees to shed their blossoms. This white fluff may look beautiful floating through the air, but it can get sucked up against your outdoor AC unit and block the airflow. Check your outdoor unit and clear away any debris.

5. The Condenser Coils Are Dirty

Even if the outside of your AC condenser unit looks clean, the coils themselves could be coated with dirt, thanks to the Kansas wind. Dirty condenser coils will prevent heat from being released from your home and make your AC system operate inefficiently. Not only does this raise your electric bill in the summer, but it can also cause your AC unit to blow hot air. Scheduling an AC tune-up each spring will ensure your condenser coils are clean.

6. The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen

If you know where your evaporator coils are in the indoor blower unit, you can check to see if they have frost or ice on them. If they do, your AC unit’s condensate drain is likely clogged and will need to be cleaned. Turn off the air conditioner until the evaporator coils completely defrost and the condensate drain has been cleared. You can also have an HVAC technician handle this for you.

7. There’s a Refrigerant Leak

Without refrigerant, your air conditioning system can’t transfer heat out of the house and generate cool air, so it will just keep blowing warm air throughout your home. If there’s a small leak, you may notice the air from your AC vents getting warmer over time. But if you’re completely out of Freon, your AC will blow hot air immediately. This is an issue that will need to be addressed by a professional like Mike Watson Heating & Cooling. Not only should your HVAC technician replace the missing refrigerant, but they should also find and fix the leak.

Need Air Conditioner Repair in the Wichita Area?

Mike Watson Heating & Cooling is a trusted choice for air conditioner repairs in Wichita, KS, and surrounding areas. We’re here 24/7 for emergency AC repair so we can find the cause of your AC unit blowing hot air and then fix it so you can stay cool all summer long.

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