Why Is Your AC Blowing Hot Air? 4 Causes

Most homeowners rely on air conditioners to provide cool air in the hot summer months. But what happens when your AC stops producing cold air and generates warm air instead? When your AC is full of hot air, you'll need to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. To assess the situation, learn about 4 reasons your air conditioner may be blowing hot air. 

Thermostat Problems 

The AC's thermostat monitors the temperature of the air it produces. If the thermostat and its sensors fail, it may not produce air that matches the temperature setting. If you need to replace your thermostat, consider a smart programmable thermostat that can help save you money on your utility bills. More often than not, a change in temperature just means that someone changed the temperature without telling you. You simply need to adjust the temperature to the correct setting.

Dirty Filter

Your air conditioner has a filter that collects the dust and debris in the air, which can contribute to positive indoor air quality. When the filter gets dirty, you need to clean it or replace it. If you don't replace the filter regularly, the clogged filter can impede airflow. It can even prevent the air from receiving complete temperature treatment. Finally, the dust in the filter can end up back in the air you breathe. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils absorb heat. When air enters your AC, the evaporator coils remove the heat from that air so that it can be redistributed throughout your home at a cooler temperature. A fan helps move air through the coils. When the fan fails, it can lead to frozen evaporator coils. Without working evaporator coils, the unit won't be able to remove the heat from the air it generates. You will need to thaw the evaporator coils and replace the fan. 

Refrigerant Leak 

Refrigerant is the material that cools the air once the heat is removed from it. It flows through the heat exchanger, where it cools the air before the system disperses it. If the pipes leak, refrigerant can leak from your air conditioner. Without refrigerant, the unit may remove heat from the air but not cool it. Be mindful that refrigerant is highly toxic. Civilians without proper training should not work with refrigerant. A professional HVAC technician can repair the leak and refill the refrigerant for you. 

In most cases, you can fix hot air coming from your AC. However, talk to your technician about the benefits of replacing the unit if it's worked past its life expectancy. Otherwise, you may experience additional repair costs in the near future.

To learn more, contact a residential air conditioning repair service in your area.