Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?
An air conditioner blowing hot air? Seems like a contradiction. Unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common repair call we receive at AirCo Heating & Air Conditioning. Texas is among the hottest states in the country, so we recommend scheduling service right away.
So, what made your central air turn from cool to warm? There are several possibilities. Most frequently, it means the ventilation elements (blowers, fans) are doing their job just fine, while the cooling elements (evaporator, condenser) are slacking.
The best way to prevent your AC from blowing hot air (or developing other mechanical issues) is simple – replacing your air filter and scheduling seasonal maintenance.
Changing your air filter once a month protects your equipment from dust and debris, and keeps your indoor air quality (IAQ) intact. Air filter replacement also helps you achieve maximum efficiency. Homeowners who regularly swap out their air filter spend about 15% less on their energy bills yearly, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Additionally, remember to schedule seasonal maintenance visits for your heating and cooling equipment. These vital visits allow your HVAC specialist to perform a 40+ point safety inspection and performance test. That way, you can catch mechanical problems before they turn into costly repairs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. This fall, let an AirCo Heating & Air Conditioning expert examine your heat pump, furnace, or boiler before colder days begin in Round Rock.
What should I do if my AC is blowing hot air?
If hot air is coming out of your vents, there are a few things to check before making a service request.
- Inspect your thermostat settings.
Was someone messing with the thermostat? Make sure you’re on “Cool” mode, and the fan is set to “Auto” or “On.” Additionally, make sure your target temperature is 78° F or below.
2. Check your air filter.
If your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your AC’s cooling ability is compromised. If you haven’t changed your filter in awhile, try running it with a fresh one.
AC still blowing hot air? Call your AirCo Heating & Air Conditioning professional. Here’s what could be going on:
- Freeze-Ups
The condenser coils transmit refrigerant, which pulls heat and humidity outside and cools your home. Over time, these coils become caked in dirt and debris, obstructed or punctured. All of these issues can lead to “freeze-ups,” where a layer of frost forms on your equipment. This interrupts the heat transfer, preventing your AC from properly cooling.
2. Poorly Placed or Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat could be providing the wrong directions to your AC. Check to see that it’s properly placed – ideally in the center of your home. Inappropriate areas include behind an appliance, in your kitchen or near a window – all of which will give your thermostat an inaccurate temperature reading. Alternatively, it could be malfunctioning.
3. Disconnected Indoor and Outdoor Components
The indoor components team up with the outdoor compressor to extract heat and humidity. When the elements become disconnected, they can’t cool. When this happens, it may trip switches on your shortage breaker. If this happens more than once, it’s a good idea to leave them off and make a repair call right away.
Call AirCo Heating & Air Conditioning Today for Friendly and Reliable HVAC Service.
We hire only the most qualified and respectful HVAC specialists in the Austin area. Whether you need an installation, repair or maintenance, we can make it happen. Call our Round Rock, TX office at 512-537-1234 or request service online.