Your A/C blowing warm air is the last thing you would hope for on a hot summer day. When it happens, you might feel the urge to contact your HVAC technician to fix it for you as soon as possible.
But before that, you can try taking a look at your AC unit to see if you can identify and fix the issue yourself. Here are the 5 most common reasons your AC may be blowing warm air:
1. Wrong Thermostat Setting
The thermostat is the first thing you should check if your A/C is blowing warm air. Its temperature setting might be on the wrong level, which you can fix in a second by readjusting it. Another possibility is that the device requires recalibration, or maybe just a set of new batteries. If the thermostat is turned off, simply turn it back on and wait for the unit to start cooling again.
If the thermostat is set to “heat” instead of “cool,” flip the switch and wait a few minutes to see if that corrects the problem.
A faulty thermostat is one of the most common reasons an A/C will blow warm air. It is easy and quick to fix. You wouldn’t even need to spend time or money on professional help.
2. Debris on the Outside Unit
Try walking out of your property and take a look at the outside of your AC unit. Is there any debris clogging the machine? Placing the outdoor unit too close to walls also leads to similar problems.
AC units can sometimes have difficulty dissipating heat, leading to reduced efficiency and increased energy costs. One way to help ensure that your AC unit is running smoothly is to check the outdoor unit for debris. Fallen leaves and branches can clog the machine and inhibit its ability to dissipate heat. In addition, be sure to allow adequate clearance around the unit.
Without a smooth dissipation, the heat will cycle back into the indoor unit and get blown out again indoors. Arranging a proper clearance for the outdoor AC unit should fix your issue.
3. Dirt Accumulated
Look at the air filters, evaporator coils, and condenser of your AC unit. If one or more of them are dirty, then your AC will likely blow out warm air. Cleaning up and replacing the filters should be enough to settle the problem. If the coils or condenser are visibly dirty, then it will likely require a professional cleaning.
If you’re not comfortable with cleaning these parts of your AC unit yourself, then it’s best to leave the job to a professional. A clean AC unit will run more efficiently and last longer.
Things like this are easy to avoid by giving your AC unit proper maintenance every six months. This service usually also includes total cleanup.
4. Leaky Refrigerant
The refrigerant should stay in a closed loop of a pipe that connects the evaporator and the condenser. But sometimes, the pipe can break and allow the refrigerant to leak. Without a sufficient amount of refrigerant, your system will fail to transfer the heat as expected, thus the warm air.
Replace the refrigerant as soon as possible to ensure your system is running at its best. You can either call a professional or do it yourself, but be sure to follow the proper safety precautions. Do not try to fix something if you don’t know what you’re doing–you could end up making the problem worse. Always consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to proceed.
If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced HVAC technician, contact the team. We offer comprehensive services to meet your needs, and we’re always here to help.
5. Leaky Air Duct
In a central AC, a leak in your air ducts can also cause the unit to blow warm air. Unfortunately, air duct leaks are hard to find manually. Even if you manage to locate the leaks, you are not supposed to fix them by yourself. You need to hire a professional to do the job.
The best way to find air duct leaks is by using a smoke detector. Turn off all the fans in your house and run the detector around the edges of your walls and ceilings. If it starts beeping, you have found an air leak. You can then seal it with some duct tape. As a general rule, you should also have your air ducts inspected and cleaned every few years. This will help to ensure that your AC is running as efficiently as possible.
If you call an HVAC contractor and tell them about the possibility of leaky air ducts, they will come with the right equipment to do so. After they locate the leaks, they will inform you and offer you the correct solution.
Not every problem can be solved with a DIY fix. But if you can understand the problem, you will be able to determine whether your HVAC technician knows what they are talking about.
It’s important to be able to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate claims from your technician. Many times, a technician may try to convince you that you need a new part or system when you really don’t. They may also make recommendations that are not necessary. So, how can you tell if your HVAC technician is legitimate?
The best way to know for sure is to ask around. Ask your family and friends if they have ever used the technician before. If they have, ask them what their experience was like. Were they happy with the service? Did the technician solve their problem effectively?
If you don’t have any friends or family who have used the technician before, you can check review websites like Yelp or Google My Business. These websites allow customers to leave reviews of businesses that they have used. Reading through the reviews can help you get a sense of what to expect from the technician.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the technician lots of questions. They should be able to answer all of your questions clearly and concisely. If they can’t, that may be a sign that you need to find someone else.
ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.