90% of US households have air conditioning. 40% of the country’s electricity goes towards heating and cooling.
That’s a lot of wasted energy when systems malfunction. Imagine sitting at home looking to get cool only to ask, “why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?”
Read on to learn a few explanations behind this common but distressing problem.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant facilitates the exchange of hot and cold air. You won’t have cool air without it, and you’ll also have higher electrical bills and an AC unit that won’t last.
The lines that carry refrigerant may leak or get damaged. There may also be problems with the coils or the entire unit may need to be replaced.
Call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. They have the right equipment and proper R-22 or R-410A refrigerant.
Thermostat Settings
The thermostat is the control center of your AC, and it needs the right settings.
Make sure it’s turned to cool. Set the temperature below the outdoor air. Turn the fan to auto and not on.
If you have a zoned system, you may have more than one thermostat. Conflicting settings can lead to several HVAC problems, so take a look at both.
Call a professional if none of this helps. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning and need to be replaced.
Dirty Air Filters
82% of households fail to change their air filters every month. 31% only change it every few months, and 29% never have.
Built-up debris restricts airflow. This forces the other components to work harder and prevents them from cooling the air. The system may even shut off.
Cleaning or replacing the air filter is easy. It keeps your system clean and prevents it from blowing warm air.
Dirty or Broken Outside Unit
When you start to wonder, “why is my air conditioner blowing hot air,” don’t assume the problem is coming from inside even if that’s where the warm air is. The outside unit could be to blame.
If it’s clogged with dirt and debris, it won’t be able to provide cool air. Clean out any debris or plant life. Remove the case of a window unit and clean it with compressed air, a household cleaner, and a soft-bristled brush.
The outside unit may be more than dirty. It may lose power while the interior unit continues to blow warm air.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils extract heat from the air and start the cooling process. They can gather condensation and freeze due to:
- System damage
- Refrigerant leaks
- Poor airflow
Once this happens, the air conditioner will start blowing warm air. Shut down the system, open the access door, and check for frost or ice buildup.
Give them at least 24 hours to thaw. A heat gun or hair dryer makes the process go faster. Calling for HVAC service prevents further damage.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air? Ask the Professionals.
Common AC problems cause the system to warm your home instead of cool it. They include low refrigerant, incorrect thermostat settings, dirty filters, frozen coils, and issues with the outside unit.
Are you still wondering, “why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?” Get a quote for service from MetFab Heating and Cooling to find out today.