Air conditioning systems can oftentimes experience issues that will cause discomfort in your home, even if you've taken all the preventative measures. AC units blowing hot air is one of those issues. This can definitely be a nuisance, especially during those hot summer days! In this article, we are here to let you know why exactly your unit may be doing this and how to go about fixing the problem.
Hot air blowing from your AC system can stem from a number of different reasons, from a simple dirty air filter to leaks in the ductwork. But there is no need to fear because where there's a problem, there's always a solution!
What To Do If Your AC is Blowing Hot Air
1. Change the air filter
One major cause of warm air coming from your AC unit is a dirty or clogged air filter. It is important to keep a free flow of air circulating through your AC system, so replace the air filter if it is dirty. Replacing/cleaning the filter in addition to annual tune-ups by a professional contractor will allow your system to run at a higher efficiency and will prevent bigger problems from occurring.
2. Check the thermostat settings
Another simple cause of your AC blowing hot air is a thermostat setting error. Some homeowners may have set the thermostat to the “fan” setting instead of “auto”, which would cause air to blow even when the AC isn’t in its cooling cycle and make the air feel warm as a result.
3. Defrost evaporator coils
We also get a lot of "no AC" or "warm air" calls that end up being due to a frozen evaporator coil. If the condensate drain is clogged, the moisture on the coil might freeze, causing your system to function improperly. To combat this issue, turn off the power to the unit, clean the condensate drain, and allow the coils to defrost before turning the power back on. Like many other HVAC issues, a clogged condensate drain and frozen coil can be prevented from routine maintenance.
4. Seal leaks in the ductwork
If your HVAC system uses traditional ductwork to deliver air in your home, air can easily leak out the ducts and into the walls. Since your ducts are located in hot, unconditioned spaces like the attic and walls, hot air can creep into the ducts and be distributed throughout your home. That means you aren't getting the right temperature air, even if the above issues are resolved.
To solve this problem, you can make sure your ducts are completely sealed, or you can upgrade to a small duct, airtight system, like Unico High Velocity. You can also opt for ductless systems, like one from Mitsubishi. Both of these will eliminate the risk of leaky ducts and save you energy, money, and headaches!
5. Refrigerant leak
If your system is low on refrigerant then it won't be able to cool your home properly. Refrigerant leaks are another common reason for an AC to blow warm air, and can only be fixed by having a technician come out to recharge the system. If your system continually leaks refrigerant, it may be due to corrosion or wear-and-tear. In this case, you'd likely have to replace parts or go with an entire system replacement if need be.
6. Replace an aging system
Finally, if your system is nearing the tail end of its life, it's probably just time for an upgrade/replacement. Once your HVAC system gets too old it will start to lose efficiency, resulting in less comfort and higher energy bills. Call your local HVAC company and schedule a free consultation to find out what system will best suit you and your home.
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
