5 Things to Check if Your Air Conditioning is Blowing Warm Air
When a person is known for “blowing hot air,” it’s usually not a good thing. The same can be said for your air conditioner. Unfortunately, it’s possible for an AC to malfunction and only distribute warm air out of the vents. So instead of being cool and refreshing, the inside of your home quickly becomes hot, muggy, and uncomfortable.
If your air conditioning isn’t working properly and blowing warm air, here are five areas you can check to find the cause of the problem.
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Thermostat
It only makes sense to start with the simplest solution. Check that your thermostat is turned on, is on the “cool” or “auto” setting, and is programmed at the correct temperature. If the thermostat is old or working incorrectly, it may be time to replace it.
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Air filter
Since we’re a few months into summer and the cooling season, it may be time to replace the air filter, if you haven’t already done so. If the filter has a layer of dust, dirt, or pet fur, it can block the flow of air that goes through unit. This can force your unit to work harder (increasing the chance that it will break down) and possibly lead to frozen evaporator coils, which would explain the warm air blowing out your vents.
Most home air filters are intended for 30-60 days of use. To be safe, you can get in the habit of replacing the filter at the beginning of every month or setting up reminders on your phone.
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Circuit breaker
It’s possible that the AC tripped the circuit due to an electrical problem or overdemand of power. Find the electrical panel in your home and check the circuit for the air conditioner. If the circuit is on the “off” position, flip it back on and check to see if the AC starts running.
If this works but then the circuit trips repeatedly, it’s time to call an HVAC professional to investigate the problem.
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Evaporator and condenser coils
The air conditioner has two sets of coils that help capture warm indoor air and release it outside. The evaporator coils (mentioned earlier) are in the inside unit. The condenser coils are in the outdoor unit. If you can access and look at the coils, make sure they do not appear frozen or dirty. When there’s dirt or debris on the coils, the heat can’t be released outside so it gets recirculated inside.
Scheduling routine AC maintenance is a good way to ensure that both sets of coils are cleaned and in proper working order.
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Refrigerant
If the air filter, thermostat, and coils all look OK, it’s possible that your air conditioner is low on refrigerant. As the name implies, the refrigerant is what helps the AC cool the air. If there’s a leak and the refrigerant level is low, then the unit can’t do its job. Since refrigerant can be dangerous to handle, it’s highly recommended that you bring in an HVAC professional to find and fix the leak, then refill the refrigerant to the appropriate level.
It can be very frustrating when your AC isn’t working properly. But instead of blowing off steam, you can keep a cool head and check these five areas of your system. For expert assistance, you can always call Robert B. Payne, Inc. We have a team of experienced technicians ready to help keep your home as comfortable as possible. Send us a message or call us today at (540) 373-5876.