Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air? Top Reasons and Solutions Explained

Air conditioning systems are designed to produce cold air and keep your home cool, a necessity during the hot summer months when temperatures can soar and possibly create dangerous health hazards. Therefore, issues like an AC blowing warm air or hot air can cause discomfort and potential problems. Understanding how air conditioners work is essential to identifying and fixing common causes of AC issues, such as a dirty air filter, power shut-offs, a faulty compressor, or low refrigerant levels. Regular maintenance and troubleshooting can help prevent costly repairs and ensure your air conditioning unit runs efficiently. If you are having trouble with low airflow or your AC blowing hot air, it is possible for you to discover and resolve the issue yourself. In this article, we will explore the top reasons why your AC system might be blowing warm air and provide solutions to get your air conditioner working properly again, as well as information on when you should contact a professional.

Common Causes of AC Blowing Warm Air

1) Thermostat

Thermostat setting is a common reason why an HVAC unit is blowing warm air. Since the cooling process begins at the thermostat with the temperature setting, this could be a good place to start if your AC is blowing warm air. The controls may be switched to heat or fan mode, or you may need to replace the batteries. You’ll need to make sure the thermostat is at the desired temperature setting as well. If there is a deeper wiring issue with the thermostat, you may require help from an HVAC technician.

2) Frozen or Dirty Condenser and Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils can become dirty or frozen if they are not receiving the proper airflow. Moisture can build on the evaporator coil and freeze over time, making it less effective. Changing dirty air filters and making sure the condensation drain is cleaned can help this problem. The condenser coil in the outside unit is also subject to debris obstruction that can prevent it from working properly. Be sure to keep the area around the condenser clear of any possible debris buildup that could affect it.

3) Refrigerant Leak

A lack of blowing cold air may be due to a low refrigerant level in your HVAC unit. Refrigerant is what is responsible for creating the cool air out of warm air, so if the levels are low or there is a leak, it will not be able to adequately absorb the humidity in the air to cool it. Since the refrigerant line in an AC is such a dangerous area, rectifying this issue will require the assistance of an HVAC professional.

4) Failed Compressor

The compressor is responsible for moving the refrigerant through the process of the air conditioning system, so if there is a malfunction here, it could affect the whole process. A restricted compressor that is obstructed by a buildup of dirt and other debris can be remedied by clearing away the obstructions. However, deeper compressor issues, such as an aging compressor or motor problems, will have to be handled by a certified technician.

5) Faulty Condenser Fan

If the condenser fan is not spinning in the outside unit, this will cause it to overheat and eventually get shut down through the system’s safety mechanism. The fan could be damaged by a buildup of rust and debris, but the motor for the fan could also be burned out, in which case, a replacement for the entire outdoor unit might be the easiest solution.

6) Electrical Problem

If your air conditioner is not getting any power, this is an obvious reason why your AC would not be able to provide cold air. If the cooling system is using a significant amount of power, it is possible the circuit breaker could trip from a blown fuse or somehow get accidentally switched off. Check your breaker panel and see if the breaker for the air conditioner power has been tripped. Turn it all the way off first before flipping it back on. If this does not restore power or the circuit breaker trips again, you will need to call an electrician.

7) Dirty Air Filters

Regularly changing the filter is one of the most important parts of maintaining your system. Air filters are responsible for filtering every dust particle and allergen floating through the air so that it does not circulate back through your system, preserving your indoor air. This means that these filters become clogged with these dust particles over time and can lead to your entire system becoming less efficient, with low airflow or warm air coming out of the vents. If a clogged air filter is blocking up the workings of your unit, it can certainly be a cause of no cool air getting to your home. You should put a new filter in at least every couple of months if you are using your system frequently.

8) Leaky Ductwork

Your ducts are what carry the air from your system and deliver it through the vents in your home. If these ducts become overly clogged with dirt and debris or have any cracks or holes in them, this can prevent cool air from getting into the rooms in your home. Duct leaks can cause the cool air to leak into areas such as your attic or crawlspace, leading to nothing but hot air blowing in through your vents. You can perform duct cleaning on your own through the vents in your home, but duct sealing is a job that licensed HVAC contractors can perform for you.

9) Clogged Drains

An AC has a system of drains that are responsible for removing any excess water that is produced during the cooling process. When these drains get clogged, the water will be stuck in the system, which can lead to multiple issues with the system, from low efficiency to a complete breakdown. Keeping these drains clear is important to ensuring these AC issues don’t occur.

10) Aged Unit

Lastly, it may be that your AC unit is simply reaching the end of its lifespan if it is frequently blowing hot air through your vents despite not having any obvious issues. In this case, it is best to get a replacement AC system rather than continuously deal with breakdowns and frequent repairs.

Air Conditioning Maintenance and Prevention

Regular maintenance is essential to preventing common AC issues and ensuring your air conditioning system runs efficiently. Things like changing the air filter, clearing obstructions around the outdoor unit, checking the drains and condenser and evaporator coils, and cleaning the ducts can have a massive positive effect on your air conditioner’s operation. Using simple troubleshooting tactics when your AC is blowing warm air can be effective if you don’t want to immediately call in a professional. Just be sure to consult the user manual before you do any work on your own and make sure you have the right materials.

Scheduling annual tune-ups with a professional HVAC technician can help identify and fix potential problems before you find yourself stuck with an AC blowing hot air. It is best to get an inspection done before cooling season begins so you can avoid running into issues in the middle of a heat wave, where it will be extremely difficult to schedule an immediate repair.

John Owens Services has been a professional serving the Santa Rosa area with superior heating and cooling services since 1986. We strive for maintenance and repair solutions to offer you before jumping to replacement, so we are fully committed to offering the very best maintenance jobs that ensure your HVAC system is ready to provide you with a full season of cooling for the hot summer months.

By following these tips, you can help extend the lifespan of your ac unit and prevent costly repairs.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried DIY solutions and your AC system is still blowing hot air, or you run into one of the bigger problems mentioned, such as refrigerant problems, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. A professional can inspect your AC system, identify the root cause of the issue, and provide a solution to get your air conditioner working properly again. You should always call a professional if you are unsure about performing any maintenance or repair task yourself, since these systems can have hazardous aspects, and you need to be familiar with all of the moving parts in order to perform a safe repair. When refrigerant is involved in any way, you definitely should call a licensed technician, since refrigerant is a very dangerous substance. By hiring a professional HVAC technician, you can ensure your AC system runs safely and efficiently, keeping your home cool and comfortable.

At John Owens Services, we offer a wide variety of air conditioning services, including duct sealing, duct cleaning, indoor air quality services, heat pump and ductless mini-split systems, and more!

Air Conditioner Replacement

If your AC unit is old or inefficient, it may be time to consider replacing it with a new one. A new air conditioner can provide improved cooling efficiency, reduced energy bills, and a longer lifespan. A professional HVAC technician can help you choose the right ac unit for your home and install it correctly. By replacing your old AC unit, you can enjoy a cooler and more comfortable home while also reducing your environmental impact. For AC replacement, John Owens can provide a variety of systems to choose from, and our design technicians are capable of helping you obtain the perfect system for your home’s heating and cooling needs.

Get Your AC Unit Blowing Cold Air Again

Whether you are experiencing thermostat troubles, power issues, compressor malfunctions, or refrigerant leaks, John Owens Services is the company to call. We have the tools and training to ensure your AC is in good shape all year round. From tune-ups to replacement jobs, you can count on us as your local HVAC technician to get to the bottom of your air conditioner blowing warm air and solve the problem so that you can stay cool this summer.