Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air?

You know you are in for a miserable day when you start your morning with an air conditioner blowing warm air during a heat wave.

You cannot reverse the scorching temperatures here in Round Rock this summer, but you can take steps to prevent your central air from turning into a blast furnace.

Our qualified technicians at AiRCO Mechanical can make cooling system diagnosis, repair, and even maintenance as painless as possible for you. We know you depend on your central air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable when the temperatures outdoors climb. We pride ourselves on our timely response to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs.

Simple Checklist

A central air conditioner that blows warm air could require a simple fix or significant repairs. It all depends on the reason it malfunctioned. Here are a few items to consider before calling for professional help:

• Is your thermostat set to heat? It may seem unlikely, but it happens. Simply switch the thermostat to cool. Also, if the thermostat fan setting displays “on” rather than “auto,” the system will circulate air continuously, even when it is not cooling. Set the fan to the auto switch. 
• Check your electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker or a fuse that has blown. 
• When was the last time you checked your air filter? A filter clogged with dirt and dust will restrict airflow. It could cause your air conditioner to overheat. Inspect your air filter every month and clean or replace it when it is dirty, at least every three months. 
• Remove foliage or debris restricting airflow and blocking the outdoor unit.

More Complicated Fixes

Refrigerant is an essential part of the cooling process. Without sufficient refrigerant, your air conditioner cannot produce cool air.

Refrigerant removes heat as it travels through the evaporator coil in the indoor unit of your central air conditioner. When a fan blows air over the cooled coil, the air is cooled too. That cooled air travels through the ductwork and out of the air vents in your Round Rock home.

After cooling the evaporator coil, the refrigerant gas heads to the outdoor compressor. The compressor turns the gas into a liquid. The process transfers heat to the outdoors. The refrigerant, now in a liquid state, travels to the expansion valve, where it transforms into a gas, and the cooling process starts again.

If the system does not have sufficient refrigerant to cool the evaporator coil, it will blow warm air. A low refrigerant level indicates a leak that requires professional attention. Our experts at AiRCO Mechanical are skilled in handling refrigerant and will have your air conditioner working in no time.

A malfunctioning compressor or worn expansion valve also can cause your air conditioner to blow warm air. The compressor turns refrigerant from a gas into a liquid and enables heat to transfer to the outdoors. The expansion valve transforms the liquid refrigerant into gas that cools the evaporator coil.

If your air conditioner is 10 years old and needs significant repairs or costly new parts, consider replacing it. ENERGY STAR^® says you will save up to 20 percent on cooling costs if you install one of its recommended high-efficiency units. 

Our pros at AiRCO Mechanical are experts in sizing and installation. We can help you choose an air conditioner that improves comfort in your home and puts more money in your wallet by lowering electricity bills. We offer affordable solutions and are proud to carry Lennox products.

Maintain Your Equipment

You can extend the useful service life of your air conditioner by scheduling annual preventative maintenance. Through our 40-point inspection and performance test, our trained technicians can identify and fix problems before they need costly repairs or replacement.

Our Smart Start Care preventative maintenance plans make it easy and affordable to keep your air conditioner in top condition.

Call The HVAC Experts

Keep your Round Rock, TX, home cool and comfortable this summer. Turn to our experts at AiRCO Mechanical for air conditioning maintenance, repairs, replacement, and installation. Call us at 512-537-1234 or request service online.