Trying to lower your AC temperature only to find it blowing hot air is frustrating. Remember, from June to August, Ohio experiences its hottest and wettest months, with heat and humidity peaking. So, if your air conditioner isn’t working, it’s likely you’ll feel uncomfortably hot – perhaps you may even feel like you are melting.
Jokes aside, we know how important it is to get your air conditioner working again. It’s not just about staying comfortable; it’s also about your safety. A working air conditioner helps keep the air in your home flowing and clean. Without it, your indoor air quality could suffer.
Now, keep in mind there are several factors that can cause your AC to blow out hot air instead of cool air. Join us at Centerville Heating & Cooling as we discuss the most common reasons for this issue and guide you through the best troubleshooting methods.
You Can Troubleshoot by:
Checking the Thermostat
Let’s look at the thermostat, the main controller of your HVAC system. If the thermostat doesn’t work right, it impacts the whole system. A faulty thermostat means it can’t properly tell your HVAC when to start or stop, messing with your AC’s operation. Often, the root of HVAC issues is the thermostat. So, if your air conditioner is acting up, checking the thermostat might just fix it.
- First, ensure the thermostat is on and responsive. You might need to replace the batteries, depending on your model.
- Then, check that the thermostat is not set to “heat.”
- Make sure the thermostat is set to “auto” instead of “on.” Setting it to “on” keeps the fan running continuously, regardless of temperature.
Checking the Circuit Breaker
Is your AC unit on? If not, it’s possible that the breaker switch may have tripped. If your unit is blowing out warm air, it might not be an issue. But it’s still worth checking. Circuit breakers are often found in areas of the home like the garage, basement, or utility closet. If your air conditioner stops working, check to see if it has tripped the circuit breaker. If it has, just switch it back to the “on” position. If this fixes the problem, great! But if your unit keeps tripping the breaker, there’s probably a deeper issue that requires attention from a licensed professional.
Checking the Air Filters
A clogged air filter might not look like a major problem, but if ignored, it can lead to significant issues. A dirty air filter filled with dust and airborne particles restricts airflow. This can cause problems with the motor, fan, or compressor.
Change your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter, if you have pets, and how often you use your system. It’s smart to check your filters now to see if they need changing. This might solve your warm air problem. If not, move on to the next step.
Checking the Evaporator Coils
This troubleshooting step is closely related to the one before. If an air filter is clogged, it can cause dust or debris to pile up on the evaporator coil. When these coils get dirty, they can’t absorb heat properly, which messes with the heat exchange needed for cooling to work.
To fix this problem, check your evaporator coils. If they need cleaning, do so gently. For a step-by-step guide on how to clean your evaporator coils properly, click here.
Checking for a Refrigerant Leak
Just as your car’s air conditioner needs coolant to produce cool air, your home’s AC system works the same way. The refrigerant in your AC is crucial for cooling; if it’s low or there’s a leak, you’ll end up getting warm air instead.
If you’re not certified in the HVAC field, you probably won’t have access to refrigerant for your AC. So, it’s better to leave this troubleshooting to a professional. However, you should watch for these clear signs that your refrigerant might be low or leaking:
- If the AC makes bubbling or hissing noises even when turned off
- If there’s no cool air blowing from your vents
- If you notice ice forming on the evaporator coils
Checking the Condenser (Outside Unit)
Finally, let’s discuss the outdoor unit – the condenser. Dirty coils in the condenser mean it can’t pull warm air from your home efficiently. This reduces cool air flow. Furthermore, if this issue is ignored, it can damage the condenser unit.
Here’s what to do if your condenser coils are dirty: First, turn off the power to the unit for safety. Put on gloves, and gently rinse the coils with a water hose, using a gentle setting like “shower” or “flat” to avoid damage. Avoid the “spray” setting. Start at the bottom and carefully work your way up, moving inch by inch from left to right. It’s important to be patient and thorough to avoid damaging the unit. Remember, for more detailed cleaning, your HVAC technician can take care of it during your next maintenance check.
Still having trouble with your AC not blowing cool air? While there are a few things you can troubleshoot yourself, some problems still require professional help. So, if your air conditioner still isn’t working, we’re here to assist you. Our technicians are NATE-certified and have years of experience. We also provide 24/7 emergency services every day of the year.
Prepare your air conditioning system for Ohio’s heat with us. Call Centerville Heating & Cooling today at (937) 353-1169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
