Temperatures can regularly climb into the 90s in the middle of the summer in Ohio. Many people try to escape this heat by spending time in their air-conditioned homes. However, some AC malfunctions can result in the unit blowing hot air. The following guide explores some of the reasons for this issue, so you can avoid them in the future.
What Causes Air Conditioners to Blow Warm Air?
1. Wrong Thermostat Setting
If you feel warm air coming from your vents, always be sure to check your thermostat first. You or another family member may have mistakenly switched the setting to warm, which is easily addressed by flipping the switch back to cool. Upgrading to a SMART thermostat will allow your system to make these adjustments automatically, depending on the weather.
2. No Power to the Outside Unit
Warm air can come from your vents if your interior unit has power, but the outdoor condenser does not. This is because the warmth from your indoor air is released outdoors by the condenser coil. If this part of the system isn’t functioning, the heat can circulate back inside. The root cause for this problem could be a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. If you’ve ruled out these issues, contact a professional to see if there could be faulty wiring.
3. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Since warm air must pass over the evaporator coils to be cooled effectively, any grime buildup on these parts could interfere with this process. To avoid this, replace your HVAC filter seasonally or if it appears dirty. Arranging for a seasonal tuneup, which includes professional coil cleaning, also helps prevent this issue.
4. A Condenser Clog
Outdoor AC units are often surrounded by shrubbery. Therefore, the coils (the part that looks like your car’s radiator) can accumulate debris such as sticks, leaves, and grass clippings. As dirt and plant debris continues to build up, this organic matter can cause clogs, prevent the system from working properly, and significantly reduce its operating efficiency. Therefore, clean your unit regularly and keep all landscaping at least two feet away.
5. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant absorbs warmth from the air inside your home, so if there isn’t enough of the coolant, warm air will continue to circulate. Cooling systems are closed circuits, so if your refrigerant is low, it means there’s a leak somewhere that needs to be patched.
If you’re experiencing issues with your AC system, turn to Jon’s Plumbing & Heating. Our team of Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Contractors™ helps Mount Vernon, OH, residents maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round. Explore our range of services online. Call (740) 520-2312 to schedule a visit.