Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?
When your air conditioner is supposed to be supplying cool, comfortable air, it’s frustrating when warm air is flowing instead. The reasons for this issue can range from minor and easily fixable to serious problems that may require a replacement. Understanding the causes for your AC blowing warm air can help you determine when it’s time to schedule professional assistance.
Low or Leaking Refrigerant
Refrigerant in your air conditioner is what absorbs heat from your home. When the refrigerant is low and/or leaking, it can cause the system to blow warm air instead of cool air. This situation isn’t easily fixable by a homeowner and should be left to our professional HVAC technicians. Simply topping off the refrigerant isn’t a long-term solution. An expert needs to determine why it’s happening to prevent the problem from recurring.
Blocked Outdoor Unit
A blocked outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, is another potential reason your AC is blowing warm air. The condenser transfers heat out of your home, so if it’s blocked, it can’t do its job properly.
There should always be at least a few feet of horizontal clearance and five feet of vertical clearance. Move away any outdoor furniture, grills, or other items that can block it. Additionally, you should never put anything on top of it or against it.
Clearing away greenery is also important. Remove plants, leaves, and other debris to ensure they don’t clog your unit.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, it could be due to frozen evaporator coils. There are many potential causes for this problem, including dirty coils, blocked vents, or a clogged filter.
Turn your air conditioner off if this happens, and give it some time for the ice to melt. In the meantime, make sure that your vents aren’t blocked and that your filter is clean. If the problem continues, don’t do anything else. An HVAC technician needs to assess the situation.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter can cause many problems with your AC, including being a reason there’s warm air coming out. If this is the issue, it’s typically easy to handle on your own.
Turn the unit off before starting the task. Remove the dirty filter, put the clean one in, and make sure that it’s positioned properly. Turn the unit back on and give it a minute to see if it starts blowing cool air. If it does, then the clogged filter was the culprit. If it doesn’t, there’s another issue happening that requires an HVAC technician.
Regular AC maintenance, including changing your filter, is crucial to help prevent air conditioning problems. You should replace it at least every few months. However, it’s ideal to change it more often, especially during allergy season. This can help your system run more efficiently and lead to improved indoor air quality.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A thermostat that’s not working correctly won’t be able to signal clear instructions to the unit. Some fixes you might be able to do yourself, while others may require professional AC repair.
Check the thermostat’s settings to make sure it’s not set to “Heat” or “Auto.” If it is, switch it over to “Cool” to see if that rectifies the situation. You should also check if the batteries are running low. Replace them if the display says “Low battery.”
If neither of those attempts gets the cool air flowing once again, it’s time to call our team. Our HVAC technicians can check the thermostat and other areas of your system to identify the problem.
Bad Compressor
Your air conditioner can’t run properly if the compressor is malfunctioning. When this component experiences issues, your unit can blow warm or hot air, leading to significant indoor discomfort. If you keep trying to run the AC anyway, it could result in the compressor overheating. This situation typically requires an emergency AC repair, especially during extreme outdoor temperatures when your safety and comfort are at risk. In severe cases, repairing the component isn’t enough, and you might have to replace it.
Take steps promptly to determine why your air conditioner is blowing warm air. Contact SM Air today for an AC inspection and repair in San Marcos, TX. Call our team directly or book services online through our website.