Why is my Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

Well, the sun is shining in Birmingham, AL, which means it might be time to spend the day by the pool. It also means that it is time to turn on your AC. What happens when you turn on your air conditioning unit and it blows hot or warm air? There are many reasons this might be happening. We want to keep you cool at Western Sales and Services, so here are a few simple things that you can check before you call us or request service online.

Check Your Thermostat

Sometimes the simplest explanations are the hardest to see and the most difficult to remember. It is a common mistake that the thermostat is incorrectly set to ‘heat’ when you want it set on cool. Also, check the ‘auto’ setting or if the fan is set to ‘on’ – this means the fan will run even if the AC is not set to cool.

Airflow Restriction/Clogged Air Filter

When was the last time you changed your air filter? The air filter protects your unit by filtering out dirt and debris from the air. If the filter is doing its job the way it is supposed to, it will collect dirt and debris and need to be replaced regularly. Neglecting to change these according to your manufacturer’s recommendation can result in hot air.

Inside and Outside Units Turned On and In Good Repair

Your AC unit needs both an inside and an outside unit to operate. The inside unit has a fan that blows air through the house and needs the outside unit to provide cool air for it to push around. Check if both your inside and outside units are turned on and functioning properly. Check the outside unit for ice which can cause a malfunction in the compression coil, hence the warm air. Also check for dirty coils, this can be another culprit for hot air.

Problems for the Pros

Other more troublesome problems include refrigerant leaks, bad compressors and/or electrical problems and failures. These problems require a professional to diagnose and fix. Refrigerant leaks can be dangerous, and compressors are complicated and can often be misdiagnosed if inspected by someone unqualified to do so.
Call us today or request service online for more information on diagnosing and troubleshooting your AC issues.