It’s a hot summer day and the AC is running on high. But you don’t feel cool at all.
You put your hand over the vents and the air is warm. What could be the problem?
It could be the ductwork, refrigerant, and more. Some issues are a simple fix and others require professional help.
Continue reading to find out why your air conditioner is blowing hot air.
- Incorrect Thermostat
- Duct Issues
- Clogged Air Filter
- Refrigerant Loss
- Why Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air
Incorrect Thermostat
First, take a look at the thermostat. It could have been switched to heat mode or your goal temperature could also be too high.
Make sure the thermostat is set to a lower temperature than the room. It should be 5 degrees cooler or more. Check the batteries and replace them if needed and switch to the auto setting so the fan is only used when the AC is cooling air.
Turning your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees back from its automatic temperature can save you up to 10% per year on AC costs.
Duct Issues
If you have ducted air conditioning, the airflow issues may be coming from the ducts. Disconnected ducts, cracks, and holes in the ducts will disrupt airflow throughout your AC unit.
Instead of leaving the AC, cool air will blow into the spaces where the ductwork is located. This could be your crawl space, attic, or walls. The other problem could be that the return air isn’t reaching the air conditioner.
Call in a professional if you can’t get easily get to the ducts. Full disconnections may be from faulty construction. Critters like mice could eat holes into the ducts.
Clogged Air Filter
Air has to flow properly for your air conditioner to cool air. The evaporator coil brings in heat from the outside air. This heat is necessary for the refrigerant to secrete cool air.
Air filters become dirty over time and not as much air can enter. The decrease in airflow also decreases the temperature of exiting air. The AC will only push out the same warm air at some point.
Disposable air filters should be replaced every 1-3 months. Replace high-efficiency filters every 6-12 months.
Refrigerant Loss
Refrigerant is the main ingredient that brings you cool air. It runs through the AC line in a loop. Air conditioners don’t need new refrigerant unless there’s a leak.
Do not try to fix this problem on your own. Call a professional to find the leak, repair it, and replenish the refrigerant.
If your system uses Freon, consider replacing your AC unit. Freon production ceased in 2020. Future leaks will either be very expensive or impossible to fix.
Why Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air
A range of issues could be why your air conditioner is blowing hot air. Leave problems such as duct tears to the professionals.
Use this guide to figure out which problem your AC unit has and get back to feeling cool again.
If you repair your AC unit frequently, it might be time for an AC replacement.
