Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air in My House?
Having AC issues can be such a distressing experience during summer days. Imagine getting home on a hot day, looking forward to being in the cool comfort of your home. You get inside the house, and boom, it is warm. You rush to your AC, and to your disappointment, it is blowing hot air.
The next question on your mind will be: Why is my AC blowing hot air? Now, if you don’t know what might be the primary cause of this scenario, calling an HVAC technician is the best solution.
But what if this isn’t a complicated issue and you can easily solve it yourself? This article will discuss all the possible reasons why an AC might be blowing hot air and their solutions. This way, if it happens to you, you can decide whether it necessitates an HVAC technician or if it’s something you can easily sort out yourself.
Top Reasons Why Your AC Blows Hot Air
Basically, an AC is meant to blow cool or cold air during warm months. Here are some explanations if you are asking yourself, “Why is my AC blowing hot air?”
- Low Refrigerant
Why is my home AC blowing hot air? If this is the question on your mind, check the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant is one of the leading causes of hot air coming out of an AC. A refrigerant is meant to control a unit’s performance. It is a fluid that travels within the AC system absorbing humidity and heat.
If your AC is not producing cold air, it could be because the refrigerant is leaking, and whatever is inside cannot keep your house cool. If this issue is not fixed immediately, it can cause further damage to the compressor motor.
The build-up of ice, as well as hissing or bubbling noises, are some of the signs of a leaking refrigerant. Contact your technician if you notice any of these signs. Leaking refrigerant is a threat to your safety and health. Therefore, have it fixed as soon as possible.
- Thermostat Issues
Thermostat problems may also lead to your home AC blowing hot air. If the AC was incorrectly set up, it poses a threat to the thermostat. It is important that you check with the manual to ensure that the setup was done correctly.
You can have your thermostat recalibrated or replaced if this problem persists. Outdated control systems tend to break down from time to time.
In addition, a simple issue such as setting the thermostat on a heat mode might be the cause of your problem. So, before looking for complicated problems, ensure that the thermostat is set in the correct mode.
You should also consider investing in a programmable thermostat in the long run. It helps to easily maintain a consistent temperature inside your house.
- Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters in the AC can cause more than one issue.
First, they interfere with the operation of a thermostat. The air ducts are blocked if the filter is not cleaned properly. This leads to the freezing of the evaporator coil; hence your AC blows hot air.
Therefore, it is crucial to change your AC filter once every three months. It will help in the smooth running of your AC. A clean filter will also reduce the burden on energy prices.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
Does any of the above information answer the question, why is my house AC blowing hot air? If not, look at the evaporator coils next. If they are frozen, then it is a cause for alarm.
The coils are sponge-like components, which absorb heat from the AC. And, the evaporator becomes extremely cold without proper airflow.
As a result, some ice will build up, hindering the proper function of the AC and causing it to release warm air. Dirty air filters usually lead to frozen evaporator coils.
Contact an AC expert who will assist you in cleaning the coils. Do not handle them yourself as they are easily damaged.
- Fan Problems
There are instances when the fan in your AC unit is not functioning properly. This might be caused by a lack of lubrication, worn-out belts, or a faulty motor.
Debris and dirt are also other causes of fan blockages. This will cause poor airflow; hence, the AC will blow warm air. And if you ignore it, this might lead to compressor failure.
To resolve this, ensure that the fan motor is replaced or cleaned thoroughly. Use a soft cloth or vacuum to clean away the dirt.
- Leaking Ducts
In the event that your energy bills increase during the summer months, check your AC system’s ducts. A leak may not be outrightly noticeable but might be the cause of the hot air. Generally, duct leaks are caused by careless installation or rodents.
Since ducts usually run via ceilings and walls, they are quick to cause the AC to blow warm air. Investing in an overflow switch would work well to solve this problem.
Look for a reliable specialist to help you in inspecting the ducts. They will seal the leaks or holes and conduct repairs if needed.
- Dirty Condenser Coils
Still wondering, “Why is my AC blowing hot air?” Consider your condenser coils. They are tasked with getting rid of heat and disposing of it from your home.
From time to time, they are exposed to grime and dirt. This affects heat transfers in the AC. Subsequently, this will cause the AC to blow hot air in your home. The dirty coils affect the entire operation of the AC and will lead to increased tear and wear of some parts.
To control this, ensure that the outdoor unit of your AC is cleaned regularly. This will allow the condenser to breathe well.
Additionally, remove the debris and weed that is outside the AC unit. Ensure that as you clean it, the power is off to avoid damage.
If you notice these problems and address them in due time, you will be enjoying your summer days comfortably. You can also hire a professional to help you.