What Should I Do When My Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air?

Summer has arrived, and with it comes excessive heat and humidity. If you’re a home or business owner, that means it’s time to make sure your AC system is in the best shape possible. You’re going to need relief from what Mother Nature’s dishing out!

But what if you flip on the system only to realize, “My air conditioner is blowing warm air!” You check the thermostat and see that it’s supposed to be at a chill 68 degrees, but it’s clearly wrong.

You may think that an HVAC blowing warm air in Chalmette, LA means that you’re going to have to deal with extremely expensive repairs. However, this may not be the case, as what really matters is the source of the warm air issue—and there are multiple possible reasons for this malfunction. Read on to find out how to reverse this problem and get your AC pumping cool air again.

Troubleshoot

The first thing you should do is check for the leading, most common causes of air conditioning blowing warm air:

• Thermostat: Take a look at the thermostat again. If it’s switched to AUTO, this could be the problem. Switch it to COOL, set the temperature and see if this resolves the issue. It’s also possible that there’s a communication issue between the thermostat and the AC unit.
• Air filter: Another possibility is that the air filter on the AC unit is dirty or otherwise malfunctioning. The air filter is responsible for collecting dirt and other particles so that they’re not distributed into your home. Airflow is completely essential for your air conditioning system to work the right way. When the filter gets clogged, that’s when the HVAC may begin functioning improperly. Some filters are reusable, while others must be replaced. A clogged or worn-out filter can result in the evaporator coil becoming dirty and failing. Remove the blockage from the filter, and if that doesn’t work, then call in a trusted technician for assistance.
• Condenser unit: Check the outside unit of the AC system. Is there anything interfering with the parts’ movement? Branches, leaves, dirt and grass could be the root cause. Again, remove the blockage, and if this doesn’t resolve things, call in the pros.

Other potential issues

Once you’ve explored all the obvious possibilities, then it’s time to look at potential other causes. There are a wide range of reasons you could be saying, “My air conditioning is blowing warm air,” so eliminating only a few possibilities is just a start:

• Air ducts: It’s possible that a leak in an air duct could disrupt the entire cooling process. The ducts are typically located in the walls, attic and basement. For this step, it’s best to have a licensed technician check the ducts, as they have the tools and experience to locate any leaks.
• Refrigerant: A refrigerant leak is another possibility, which will mean that the HVAC system is unable to deliver cool air. Freon is the main source used to cool your home or business, so when the AC unit doesn’t have enough, it may begin blowing warm air. Conversely, it may also cause the coils to freeze. Again, this is best examined by a professional who will know what the refrigerant level should be and, if a leak is the issue, exactly how to fix it.
• Electrical: Another potential issue is a loss of power to the unit. Take a look at the circuit breakers and emergency switches. If any of them have tripped, flip them back on and see if it resolves the issue. But even having to check the circuit breaker may mean that there’s a deeper electrical problem at the core of the AC unit’s malfunction. Only a qualified technician will be able to tell if there’s some bigger problem with the electrical setup.
• Other possibilities: If all of these have been explored and the AC is still blowing warm air, you may have an issue with the compressor malfunctioning. Another possibility is a return duct that’s disconnected or broken and taking in unconditioned air from the outdoors or from an attic space. These kinds of complex issues need the attention of a professional.

Maintenance

Performing AC maintenance regularly is necessary to keep the unit firing on all cylinders. Did you have your system checked out in the spring? If not, long-term issues can spring up quickly and cost you in the long run. It’s always best to deal with items preventatively if possible.

Also, the U.S. Department of Energy says that maintenance of your HVAC system is the number one way to increase overall energy efficiency and lower your cooling bills. That’s because technicians will spot common things like dirty air filters, which can improve efficiency by up to 15 percent. They will also keep the coils, parts and lines all clean and free of blockages.

Along with this, a licensed technician will deal with more complicated issues like damaged compressors. When these problems go unresolved, they make the HVAC unit work overtime to compensate, leading to bigger—and more expensive—repairs.

Is your HVAC blowing warm air in Chalmette, LA? No need to suffer the sweltering temperatures without relief. Instead, call JMB A/C & Heating LLC. We deliver service you can count on to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long without breaking the bank. Our wide variety of services includes installation, repair, maintenance, cleanings, inspections and more.

Whenever you need a helping hand with your AC unit, furnace and ductwork, we’ll provide solutions that improve efficiency, lower energy costs and extend the life of your forced air system. Our team of talented and friendly technicians will make sure you’re always able to rely on your HVAC system, no matter the season or the climate outside. We’ve been working with both commercial and residential clients and have earned a reputation for providing outstanding customer service for repairs, routine maintenance and more. Give us a call right away to learn more about us and schedule a free consultation.

Categorised in: Air Conditioner