On a hot, summer day, the last thing you want to feel is warm air blowing out of your home’s air vents. While this issue often requires an HVAC technician’s help, you might be able to fix it on your own!
WHY AIR CONDITIONERS BLOW OUT WARM AIR
Below, we’ll explain typical reasons why air conditioners stop cooling air and provide troubleshooting steps that you can try before calling a professional.
1. The air filter is clogged.
When your air filter gets too dirty, it blocks airflow into your HVAC system, which can cause the equipment to lose efficiency and overheat. The system might even shut down altogether. When using your AC frequently, you may need to change your air filter monthly, instead of every 90 days.
2. Your thermostat is set incorrectly.
Make sure your thermostat is set to cool your home (not heat). It can also be set to “auto.” If the thermostat is set to “on,” your air conditioner’s fan will run continuously, whether the system is actively cooling the air or not.
3. The outdoor unit doesn’t have “room to breathe.”
Your AC’s outdoor unit (the condenser) needs adequate room to release heat. Make sure that there aren’t any bushes or shrubs growing up against it. The unit also needs several feet of overhead clearance.
4. There’s a problem with the fan in the condenser.
As mentioned above, your AC’s condenser releases a lot of heat outdoors. If there’s a problem with the fan, the equipment can’t efficiently release heat outside.
The causes behind condenser fan issues vary significantly. The fan could have anything from a loose belt to a voltage problem. If the unit won’t turn on at all, you can always check the circuit breaker to make sure the condenser is receiving power. If a tripped breaker isn’t the issue, it’s safest to let a professional HVAC technician diagnose and repair the problem for you.
5. Your system has a refrigerant leak.
Refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor air. Without enough refrigerant, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home. Because this substance is dangerous to handle and harmful if exposed to the environment, refrigerant issues should only be handled by trained professionals.
6. Your air conditioner needs a new compressor.
The compressor changes the refrigerant in your AC system from gas to liquid (and vice versa) and moves the refrigerant between the equipment inside your home and outside your home. Without the compressor, your AC system cannot remove the heat from your indoor air and, thus, cool it.
Unfortunately, a compressor can be a costly replacement. If your air conditioner is old, you might benefit more in the long run by putting that money toward a new system with energy-efficient upgrades, like solar energy and zoning capabilities.
Need an air conditioning repair? Trust the friendly experts at Econo Air! Since 1982, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Brea, CA, and the surrounding areas with outstanding HVAC services.