Cooling the house down on a humid, hot day is an absolute must. Many of us will choose to close the blinds, turn off the lights, and blast our air conditioners in an effort to keep comfortable.
However, our air conditioning systems can experience problems when we least expect them to. If you’ve found your air conditioner not blowing cold air like it’s supposed to, it can be easy to panic — especially when it’s the middle of summer or the height of a heatwave. Fortunately, the problem can usually be solved in a quick and simple way. Let’s discuss the potential reasons why your air conditioner is blowing warm air.
Wrong Thermostat Setting
Is your air conditioner not blowing cold air but running as if it should be? Your thermostat fan and temperature setting could be to blame. First, check that your thermostat is set to “cool” instead of “heat.” While this is a simple fix, it can potentially address the issue.
Next, you’ll want to see if your thermostat’s fan setting is set to “on” instead of “auto.” Although it may sound like it will keep you cool, setting your fan to the “on” setting has no added benefits. Instead, the fan will continue to run even when a cooling cycle isn’t in progress — making it seem as if your AC unit is malfunctioning or working incorrectly.
Dirty Air Filters
If you ask an HVAC technician how often you should replace your HVAC system’s air filter, they will likely tell you every 90 days. Why so often? When it comes down to it, a clogged or dirty air filter can significantly affect your air conditioner’s performance.
When troubleshooting why your air conditioner is not blowing cold air, you’ll want to ensure that the air filter is clean. A clogged filter can negatively affect the airflow throughout your home and could be why your air conditioner is blowing warm air. Luckily, replacing the filter can also help keep your system running efficiently, so you can avoid paying for an unexpected repair or premature AC installation in Richmond, VA.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
When you find your air conditioner not blowing cold air, don’t overlook the importance of a clean air filter. After all, a dirty filter can also cause your air conditioner’s evaporator coils to freeze.
The main responsibility of evaporator coils is to absorb heat from the air. However, if dirt and various other types of debris collect in your air filter, this makes it challenging for air to flow toward your air conditioner’s evaporator coils. As a result, the coils can freeze over and lead to warm air circulating throughout your home.
Obstructed Outdoor Unit
If you’re still wondering why your air conditioner is blowing warm air, you might want to inspect your outdoor unit. All central air conditioners have outdoor compressor units. These units also have condenser coils, which are responsible for removing hot air from the inside of your house. If these coils become clogged with dirt, leaves, and various types of debris, it becomes difficult for the air conditioner to function correctly.
When you find your AC not blowing cold air, you might feel relieved to know that cleaning your outdoor unit is an easy process. You can wipe dirty coils with a coil brush or small broom. Additionally, you can rinse the coils with a little bit of water if you think they can use an extra cleaning. Remember to shut off your air conditioner at the circuit breaker and keep safety in mind when performing any work on your outdoor unit.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant leaks are another potential reason why your air conditioner is blowing warm air. More often than not, these leaks are a result of old age. Your air conditioner experiences a lot of use over its lifetime — and this constant wear and tear can lead to several problems, including higher energy bills, a need for frequent repairs, and refrigerant leaks.
Refrigerant is critical to the overall function of your cooling system. When refrigerant levels are low, you may discover your air conditioner not blowing cold air like it’s supposed to.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Running as Smoothly as Possible With Southern Goodman
So, why is your air conditioner blowing warm air? As you can see, there are several potential answers to this question. Although this problem can be an easy fix, some issues — such as refrigerant leaks — will require the assistance of a professional HVAC technician.
Southern Goodman is a leading source for air conditioning repair in Richmond, VA, and the surrounding areas. We know how important it is to have cool air on a hot summer day, which is why we’re committed to providing quality services to our customers.
When you find your AC blowing warm air, it’s crucial to act quickly for the safety of your household. Fortunately, you can trust our team of air conditioning experts to have your back — after all, we are the official sponsor for indoor weather! Contact us today for more information about our services.