Finding out your air conditioner is blowing hot air when you’re trying to cool down is definitely not fun. Remember, June to August in Ohio is the peak of heat and humidity, making it the hottest and wettest season. So, if your AC is on the fritz right now, it’s totally understandable if you feel like you’re melting.
All jokes aside, we understand how urgent it is to get your air conditioner up and running—it’s a top priority. A working air conditioner isn’t just about staying comfortable; it’s crucial for your health and safety too. It ensures proper airflow and circulation in your home, and when that’s compromised, your indoor air quality can take a hit.
With Gahanna Furnace & Air Conditioning’s handy troubleshooting tips, you can figure out why your AC isn’t blowing cool air. As your go-to local experts, we’ll explore the usual culprits behind your AC’s lack of cool air and show you the best ways to troubleshoot it.:
Steps to Troubleshooting an AC That Is Blowing Hot/Warm Air:
Check the Thermostat
First, take a look at the thermostat—it’s the heart of your HVAC system. A faulty thermostat can mess up the whole operation by miscommunicating with your HVAC system, affecting your AC’s performance. Many HVAC issues come from thermostat problems. So, if your AC is acting up, it might just be a thermostat issue.
- Ensure your thermostat is on and working. If it uses batteries, you might need to replace them.
- Double-check that your thermostat isn’t accidentally set to “heat.”
- Lastly, set the thermostat to “auto” rather than “on.” If it’s on “on,” the fan will run non-stop, no matter the temperature.
Check the Breaker
Is your AC unit working? The breaker switch might have tripped, causing the problem. If your unit is blowing warm air, it might not be a big deal for you. Still, it would be wise to do a quick check to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Circuit breakers are usually placed in low-traffic areas like the basement, garage, or utility closet. Take a look at your breaker to see if it’s been tripped by the air conditioner. If it has, just switch it back to the “on” position, and that might fix the problem. If everything works fine after that – awesome! But keep in mind, if your unit keeps tripping the breaker, it could be a sign of a bigger issue that needs a professional’s attention.
Check the Air Filters
A clogged air filter might not seem like a huge deal at first, but ignoring it can cause major issues down the road. This is because when a filter is filled with dust and pollutants restricts airflow, which can lead to problems with key parts like the motor, fan, or compressor. So, keeping up with regular maintenance and changing air filters on time is key to keeping these systems running smoothly and efficiently.
It’s important to keep up with changing your air filters every 1-3 months, based on your filter type, if you have pets, and how often you use your system. But since your AC is acting up currently, check your air filters to see if they need replacing. A quick filter change might actually fix your current HVAC issue.
Check the Evaporator Coils
As a follow-up to the above step, it’s important to understand the significance of keeping a clean air filter. A clogged filter can cause dust and debris to build up on the evaporator coil. When the coils get dirty, their ability to absorb heat from the air drops significantly, hindering the crucial cooling process. So, keeping these components clean is key for your air conditioner to work efficiently.
To keep your system running smoothly and lasting longer, it’s important to regularly check the evaporator coils. If you spot any dust or debris buildup, a gentle cleaning should do the trick. For detailed steps on how to clean your evaporator coils, check out this link.
Check for a Refrigerant Leak
Just like your car needs coolant for the AC to blow cold air, your home’s air conditioning works the same way. The secret to your AC’s ability to swap heat for cold is its refrigerant. If the refrigerant levels drop—maybe due to a leak or just running low—your system will start blowing warm air instead. That’s why regular maintenance is crucial to keep things running smoothly and to avoid the discomfort of a warm house.
If you’re not an HVAC tech, you probably can’t legally get the refrigerant your AC needs. Therefore, it’s best to let the pros handle this kind of troubleshooting. But you should still watch for signs that your refrigerant might be low or leaking. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Hear bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC isn’t running
- Noticing the vents aren’t blowing cool air
- Seeing ice forming on the evaporator coils? That’s a sign of a problem
Check the Condenser (Outside Unit)
Finally, let’s talk about your outdoor unit, known as the condenser. It’s important to know that when the condenser coils get covered in dirt, they can’t expel warm air from your home as effectively. This can result in less cool air circulating. If you ignore this issue, it might not just stick around but could also cause significant damage to the condenser over time.
- Make sure to securely grasp the hose and commence the rinsing process from the condenser’s bottom, progressively moving an inch at a time across the coils from left to right. It’s important to proceed with caution and thoroughness, as hurrying through this process could potentially damage the unit. If you find your condenser coils covered in grime, start by safely turning off the power to the unit. Safety first! Then, put on some gloves and gently wash away the debris with a water hose. Use a softer setting like “shower” or “flat” to avoid any damage. Just steer clear of the “spray” setting to keep the coils safe.
- Keep in mind, for a thorough cleaning, your HVAC technician can handle the finer details of the condenser during your next routine maintenance and safety check. This keeps your unit running efficiently and extends its lifespan, protecting your investment in your home’s comfort.
Having trouble with your AC blowing hot air? While you can try some fixes yourself, sometimes you need a pro. If your air conditioner still isn’t working right, our team is here to help. Our NATE-certified technicians bring years of experience and are ready to assist. We’re available 24/7, every day of the year, so you’re never left hanging.
Get your air conditioning system ready for Ohio’s heat with your Gahanna Furnace & Air Conditioning family. Call us at (614) 379-3602 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!