What to Do If Your Air Conditioner Is Blowing Warm Air
Is your air conditioner blowing warm air? Don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to identify simple fixes and if it is something more serious, there is always an air conditioning engineer on hand to help.
Confirm the Problem
On a hot day, it’s easy to panic if your air conditioner doesn’t start cooling instantly. However, it’s common for AC systems to blow warm air during the first few minutes after being turned on. Before troubleshooting, give your system a few minutes to run – most air conditioners take a little time to begin cooling effectively.
If your air conditioner is still blowing warm air after a few minutes, there are a few key things you can check to help identify the issue. We’ve outlined some simple troubleshooting steps below to help you get your system cooling again as quickly as possible.
If that doesn’t work, don’t panic, trusted professionals like Premium Heating Plumbing & Cooling are always on hand to help. Reach out to an AC expert who can get your system back up and running in no time.
Check the Thermostat Settings
Start by confirming that your thermostat is set to “Cool” mode, not “Fan” or “Heat.” It may sound simple, but this is a common factor that can make your AC seem like it’s not working.
Also, ensure the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature. If you have a smart thermostat, double check for any errors or incorrect scheduling that could be affecting performance.
Inspect the Air Filter
Another quick and important check is your system’s air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, making it harder for your AC to cool effectively. To avoid unnecessary strain on your system and prevent it from blowing arm air, it’s recommended to replace the filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months.
Check the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit could also be the reason your air conditioner is blowing warm air. You can verify that the condenser unit is running properly by ensuring it’s free from debris like leaves, dirt, or other obstructions. It’s also a good idea to listen for any unusual noises, such as buzzing, screeching and rattling coming from the compressor or fan; these could be a clear sign of an issue that needs professional attention.
Check for Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils can be another reason your air conditioner is blowing warm air. An evaporator coil is a key component in your AC system that uses refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air, cooling it before it’s recirculated into your home. Reduced airflow or refrigerant issues can cause coils to freeze. If you find that your unit does have frozen evaporator coils, turn the system off and let it thaw for several hours.
Do not run the system while frozen, this can cause further damage to your air conditioning unit.
Inspect Circuit Breakers and Power Supply
You should also check for a tripped breaker or power supply issue, especially for the outdoor unit. Locate your breaker box and reset any tripped switches. While it may seem like another obvious step, power interruptions are a common cause of air conditioners blowing warm air and can easily go unnoticed.
Make sure both the indoor and outdoor units are receiving power, as the system won’t function properly without it.
Check the Refrigerant Level
If none of these checks solve the problem, your AC’s refrigerant level should be checked.
Low refrigerant can prevent the system from cooling and cause your air conditioner to blow warm air.
Only licensed HVAC technicians can test and refill refrigerants. So, at this stage you must contact trusted HVAC engineers such as Premium Heating Plumbing & Cooling.
Call a Professional HVAC Technician
If none of these steps have solved the problem and your air conditioner is still blowing warm air, it is likely necessary to contact an HVAC technician about air conditioning repair.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
If none of these steps have solved the problem and your air conditioner is still blowing warm air, it is likely necessary to contact an HVAC technician about air conditioning repair.
Common AC Issues That Require Professional Attention:
- Faulty compressor
- Refrigerant leak
- Broken capacitor or contactor
- Faulty control board
A trusted air conditioning engineer will be able to identify and resolve any of these issues for you, ensuring your air conditioner quickly stops blowing warm air and your space is cooling efficiently again in no time.
There are a few steps you can take to prevent your air conditioner blowing warm when you need it most.
Scheduling an annual air conditioning service is a great way to ensure that your system is running efficiently. Regular maintenance helps identify and resolve potential issues early, before they turn into more serious, expensive problems, especially during peak summer months when you rely on your AC the most.
Keeping your AC’s filters clean and units free from obstructions is another effective way to prevent issues such as your unit blowing warm air.
Also, it’s a good idea to test and monitor your air conditioning system early in the season. This allows you to catch and address any issues before the weather heats up, helping you avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need efficient cooling the most.
If your AC still isn’t cooling, it’s time to bring in a licensed HVAC technician for expert support. Reach out to experts such as Premium Heating Plumbing & Cooling today and restore your comfort fast.
