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Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Nothing causes more frustration than feeling warm air flowing from your vents on a hot day in Palm Desert A number of reasons can cause this to happen, which is why you want to have the unit inspected by a qualified HVAC expert. Restoring your air conditioning to proper order keeps you comfortable in your home and ensures your household’s safety when temperatures rise.

Read more below to learn more about the common issues that cause your AC to blow hot air.

Thermostat Issues

When it comes to problems with your air conditioner’s function, the first place to check for malfunctions is the thermostat. The thermostat acts as the control center for the air conditioner and an incorrectly set thermostat can cause warm air issues.

First, check to make sure you have the thermostat set to “cool.” Although it seems like you wouldn’t forget to do this, it happens during season changes. You might forget to switch from the “heat” setting to the “cool” setting.

Also, check the thermostat’s battery levels. Although thermostats get hardwired into the electrical system, they still use batteries for some functions. If the battery indicator light suggests you need a new battery, replace it and see if the situation resolves itself.

If neither of these solutions offers relief, call an HVAC expert for troubleshooting.

Dirty Air Filters

Another common reason AC units blow hot air has to do with the filter. The HVAC filter collects thousands of airborne particulates, trapping them in the fiberglass material, and preventing them from recirculating in the air. After a while, the filter gets dirty and needs changing.

When a filter doesn’t get changed, airflow becomes restricted. A dirty filter also affects the indoor air handler’s evaporator coil where heat transfer takes place. If the evaporator can’t achieve proper cooling, the air conditioner unit will produce warm air.

Ideally, you want to check your AC’s air filter every 30 days. If it appears dirty, change it. Most air filters need changing every 60-90 days. Learn more about indoor air quality!

Clogged Condensate Line

A byproduct of conditioning warm air is water. When your air conditioner produces water, it has to get rid of it in some way. The way this happens is through the condensate line. A clogged condensate line can leak water and potentially produce warm, humid air. Sometimes, it causes the AC compressor to shut down. Regular air conditioning maintenance can ensure your unit’s condensate line doesn’t back up or leak.

Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your air conditioning system facilitates the heat-cold exchange. Any time refrigerant levels dip, the air conditioner cools less. Refrigerant levels often drop when a leak exists in the evaporator coil. Warm air blowing from the vents is a sign of refrigerant problems, but so is a higher electric bill than normal.

One way to avoid problems associated with refrigerant leaks is to schedule seasonal maintenance for your air conditioning unit. During this maintenance call, the HVAC technician checks the refrigerant levels, looks for leaks, and makes any repairs necessary to ensure your AC unit continues to cool your home as intended.

Damaged Compressor

Your air conditioner has a compressor located in the outdoor condenser unit. This essential part of the air conditioning process compresses the refrigerant so the evaporator coil stays cold. Any time the condenser coil can’t work to full capacity, it can’t expel hot air from the home and the indoor air temperature rises.

Many issues can cause compressors to fail at their job. The simplest issue has to do with dirty condenser coils. It’s not uncommon for grass clippings, leaves, sticks, and other natural debris to fall into the condenser and cause dirty coils. However, when a condenser coil gets too dirty, it works harder to do its job and puts pressure on the compressor. Mechanical failure can quickly follow. Low refrigerant levels, electrical issues, an overheated compressor, and evaporator motor displacement can cause compressor problems, too.

Getting to the bottom of why your air conditioner produces warm air does more than ensure indoor comfort levels. It also keeps your air conditioner running without mechanical defects and helps extend the equipment’s lifespan. If you notice warm air flowing from the vents in your Palm Desert home, call the licensed HVAC professionals at Breeze Air Conditioning today to troubleshoot, diagnose, and offer repair solutions for your air conditioner.