Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air? How to Identify an Issue and Get Professional Help
Cooling Systems HVAC Services & Maintenance
Indianapolis is known for burning rubber on the race track, but how about burning heat? With an average high temperature of 85 degrees, the Circle City can experience blazing hot days during the summer. So when you crank up the AC for the first time this year and it’s blowing hot air into your Indianapolis home instead of cold air, you may start to panic.
Don’t sweat it. We’ve got insights into the most common problems that cause an air conditioning unit to blow hot air, along with DIY tips so you can troubleshoot the issue. If that doesn’t work, we’ll help you decide when it’s time to contact an HVAC professional.
How Your Air Conditioner Works
Air conditioning systems use a chemical refrigerant to absorb the heat in your home’s interior, then compress it and release it outside in the form of water vapor or condensation. Most air conditioners have the same basic parts and the same general process for keeping your space cool, but if something goes awry with a single step, you may find your home AC unit is blowing hot air back into your environment.
Problems can occur in your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, or inside your home. Most often, the AC’s compressor and condenser are housed outside, while the evaporator and blower are indoors. All parts are at risk of damage or issues as a result of age or improper maintenance.
Common Reasons Your AC System is Blowing Hot Air
There are a lot of typical reasons behind your air conditioner’s failure to produce cool air. The good news is that many of these can be assessed and tested out quickly, and you may be able to resolve the issue on your own.
Thermostat Issues
The simplest fix, which you’ve probably already checked, is the thermostat setting. But just in case, check one more time to make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” and adjusted well below room temperature. It’s possible to accidentally bump the thermostat and change the setting without realizing it, and when that’s the case, simply set it back to “cool,” lower the temperature, and see if that takes care of the problem. Also, if you’re handy, check the wiring in the thermostat to ensure the wires are securely fastened to the terminals.
Low Refrigerant Levels
As mentioned, refrigerant is the chemical inside your AC unit that works to absorb heat. You may know it by the common brand name of Freon. If your AC is blowing hot air, low refrigerant levels, often caused by a refrigerant leak, could be to blame.
If you’re losing refrigerant, you may be able to spot obvious leaks, but if not, you’ll need to call in a professional to find the issue and make repairs. Remember that refrigerant is a dangerous chemical compound, and it’s actually illegal for anyone but a qualified professional to handle it.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Air filters should be swapped out for new ones every 90 days or so, although you may want to do it even more frequently if you have pets, live in a dusty climate, or have people in your home with allergies.
Check to see which size and type of air filter your AC manufacturer recommends. Often, you can order them in bulk to save money and have them on-hand when you need them. If you find your filters are filling up or clogging before you hit the 90 mark, you may want to ask a professional to see if there’s an underlying issue.
Dirty Condenser Coil
The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit of a split-system AC. If the condenser is too dirty, heat exchange is blocked. You can try to clean it yourself by shutting off power to the unit at the disconnect plug, and then spraying the sides of the unit with a foaming coil cleaner, followed by rinsing with a garden hose. Continue to spray the entire unit until it’s clean.
Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil is generally located on top of the furnace in an upflow system. You may need to remove a few panels to access the evaporator. If there is ice accumulation on the evaporator, turn the AC to “fan” mode or turn on the furnace to help melt the ice.
Before doing so, check the air filter and change it if it’s dirty. Poor airflow across the evaporator creates ice buildup. Also, use the foaming coil cleaner on the evaporator. If ice returns, call your technician.
There are other causes for frozen evaporator coils, such as an electrical problem or incorrect refrigerant charge. Your HVAC tech needs to handle those issues.
Compressor Problems
When you cleaned the condenser coil, you also cleaned the compressor, which helps prevent overheating. However, if you hear humming, grinding, or rattling from the condenser unit, it may be malfunctioning. Turn off the AC and call your technician.
Electrical or Wiring Issues
It can be hard to determine whether you’re dealing with electrical issues in your air conditioning unit or not, but there are a few things you may notice, like visible damage to wires, or a burnt smell when the AC kicks on. You may also notice power surges, tripped circuit breakers, blown fuses, or unusual noises from the unit. In these cases, shut the entire air conditioning system and call an HVAC professional.
Outdoor Unit Obstructions
Most of the time, you’ll want to have around two feet of space on all sides of your AC’s outdoor unit. Allowing debris to accumulate could cause a major problem. This includes general yard debris, overgrown or untended weeds, leaf piles, trash, outdoor furniture, or even fences of neighboring homeowners. Ensure your unit has adequate clear space, and if not, remove what you can and see if that takes care of the problem.
When To Call a Professional
There’s a lot you can DIY when it comes to optimizing your AC unit’s cool airflow, but even these “simple” problems can indicate something deeper. If you notice these issues persist, even when you’ve tried the above troubleshooting methods, it’s time to get professional help. Or if you’ve checked these issues and determined the problem is likely to do with the electrical system, refrigerant, or a broken part, call a trusted HVAC company to confirm your suspicions and make an AC repair plan.
We understand that it’s not always ideal to call in a professional service, but there are some significant benefits to letting a qualified HVAC technician take the reins, including:
- Assurance that the issue will be repaired correctly
- Peace of mind that the problem is much less likely to recur
- Cost savings on energy bills from operating more efficiently
- A cooler and more comfortable living environment
- Potential warranties on parts and work
- Reduce risk of personal harm or property damage
Preventative Tips to Avoid Future AC Problems
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and in hot weather, it’s worth a lot of cool air! Keeping your air conditioner and your HVAC system maintained may be easier than you think, and could save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Here are a few steps you can take to avoid major issues down the road:
- Change your air filters every 90 days
- Check refrigerant levels and keep an eye out for leaks
- Clean both the evaporator and condenser coils on a regular basis
- Test your thermostat
- Schedule an annual checkup with your HVAC service provider
Tired of Your AC Blowing a Bunch of Hot Air? Contact Airtron Today!
Summers can be sweltering, and you don’t want to find out on the hottest days of the year that your air conditioner is blowing hot air into your home. Stay proactive, look for potential issues, and know that help is just a call away. Whether you’re in Indianapolis or in any of the regions we serve, Airtron is your partner in heating and air conditioning, for comfort you can count on.
Beat the heat before it beats you, and contact Airtron Heating & Air Conditioning today!
