AC units do occasionally suffer from malfunctions. One common issue is your AC blowing hot air. If not handled, this problem can turn your home into an uncomfortably hot mess.
There are a few reasons for this issue, and each one could spell trouble if it’s not resolved. If you’re experiencing this, there are things you need to check to ensure you aren’t wasting energy.
Keep reading to learn more!
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A Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the circulatory fluid in your AC unit. The cooling process is impaired without enough refrigerant.
A refrigerant leak means that insufficient liquid is inside the system to keep the system cool and transfer thermal energy from the inside to the outside of your home. This causes hot air to be blowing from the AC vents.
To fix this issue, it’s essential to get it checked right away. You need to identify the leak before adding the correct amount of refrigerant to the system to fix it.
If you need help, you may check the Ultimate Comfort Heating and Cooling services first for more details. Look for professional AC repair services that will not only find the refrigerant leak but also be sure the system is back up and running quickly.
Clogged Air Filters
When an air filter clogs, it restricts the air that flows into the AC unit. This blocks the airflow, leading to an inefficient air conditioning system. The hot air produced from the evaporator coil will linger and blow in the home, resulting in the feeling of hot air.
A clogged filter also blocks air from hitting the blower motor. This makes it run harder than it should, increasing the energy consumed and wearing down the unit faster. Additionally, if the AC filter is dirty, dust and debris can prevent the proper flow of air.
This can lead to more dirt and dust entering the system, leading to more clogs. To avoid this, it is important to regularly replace or clean the air filter to keep your AC running efficiently.
Damaged Thermostat
A damaged thermostat is a potential culprit when your AC is not blowing cold air. This is because the thermostat regulates the air temperature. If it gets damaged, the system can’t change the temperature.
Without a functioning thermostat, your AC unit won’t even turn on to cool the air. Also, if one part of the thermostat is no longer working, like the fan switch, the AC can blow warm air.
Inspect the thermostats for wear and tear or malfunctioning parts immediately.
Malfunctioning Blower Fan
The blower fan is a crucial part of an air-conditioning system as it handles circulating cold air throughout the room. When the fan is not functioning, it can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air.
Many potential causes can lead to a malfunctioning blower fan. A broken motor is one of the most common causes of a worn-out internal component. Also, it can be a disconnected electrical connection or an obstructed warm air return duct.
A Damaged Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is responsible for releasing heat gained by the refrigerant inside the AC. It works by passing this heat to the outside environment, dissipating it away.
If there is a crack, dent, or hole in the condenser coil, this will reduce its ability to transfer heat efficiently, resulting in the air coming from it being hotter than usual. This is because some heat is trapped inside the system – resulting in the air being warm instead of cold.
Additionally, it is vital to check the mechanism inside the condenser coil. Any debris that has managed to enter the system can become stuck and impede its effective operation.
The Compressor Isn’t Working
The compressor is the heart of your AC system. Its job is to compress the refrigerant and circulate it through the system. When the compressor is not working, it can cause the refrigerant not to be adequately ventilated, leading to hot air being blown instead of cold air.
If the compressor isn’t working due to a lack of power, a broken belt, or failed motor, you’ll need to have a professional come. They can diagnose the problem, find what’s wrong, and get your AC system back up and running.
The Thermostat May Not Be Properly Set
Incorrectly set thermostats can prevent the air conditioner from cooling and be the cause of hot air output. Check to see if the temperature has been accidentally set too high or if the fan mode has been changed to one of the heat settings instead of cooling.
You may also have set the ‘hold’ button to cool the house. This will run the air conditioner without resetting the temperature. Ensure the ‘override’ button is not mistakenly set once reset; that may solve the problem.
The Condenser Unit Fan Isn’t Running
The purpose of the condenser unit fan is to pull outside air across the condenser coil to dissipate the heat from inside the home. The condensation process can’t be completed effectively without airflow, leaving your home’s air warm and heavy with humidity.
The fan could have issues with its motor, fuses, or wiring. Also, you’ll need to troubleshoot the AC’s motor and wiring system and replace the fan to get your AC blowing cold air again.
Is Your AC Blowing Hot Air?
A variety of problems could cause your ac blowing hot air. Look for a refrigerant leak, clogged air filters, damaged or not correctly set thermostat, malfunctioning blower fan, a damaged condenser oil, and a compressor or condenser unit fan not working, as these fixes should solve the issue.
Reaching out to a professional for HVAC repair can help get your AC back to optimal working condition. Take action today to be sure your AC is blowing cold air in no time.
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