Discovering that your air conditioning unit is blowing hot (or warm) air just when you need it to cool you down is definitely something you’d rather avoid. Remember, June to August in Ohio is the peak of heat and humidity, making it the hottest and wettest season. So, if you’re dealing with a malfunctioning AC right now, it’s no wonder you might feel like you’re melting!
Jokes aside, we totally understand how urgent it is to get your air conditioner up and running again. It’s not just about staying comfy—it’s crucial for your health and safety, too. A working AC ensures proper airflow and circulation throughout your home. When these aspects are off, it can impact your indoor air quality.
With Fairborn Heating & Cooling’s handy troubleshooting steps, you can find out why your AC isn’t blowing cool air. As your friendly local experts, we’ll explore the common reasons behind your AC’s lack of cool air and guide you through the best ways to fix it.
Troubleshoot Using These Steps:
Inspect the Thermostat
First, let’s focus on the thermostat—it’s like the heart of your HVAC system. A faulty thermostat can throw the whole operation off by miscommunicating, which affects your AC’s performance. Many HVAC issues actually start with the thermostat. So, if you’re having AC troubles, it might just be a thermostat issue.
- Ensure your thermostat is turned on and working properly. If your model uses batteries, you might need to replace them.
- Next, double-check that your thermostat isn’t accidentally set to “heat.”
- Finally, set your thermostat to “auto” instead of “on.” When set to “on,” the fan runs all the time, no matter the temperature.
Inspect the Breaker
Sometimes the breaker switch trips, which can cause a disruption. If your unit is blowing warm air, it might not be urgent, but it’s always a good idea to do a quick check and make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Circuit breakers are typically located in low-traffic areas of the home, like the basement, garage, or utility closet. Take a moment to check your breaker to see if it has been tripped by the air conditioner. If so, simply switching it back to the “on” position might solve the problem. If that works – awesome! However, if your unit frequently trips the breaker, it could signal a more serious issue that needs a certified professional’s attention.
Inspect the Air Filters
While a clogged air filter might not seem like a big deal at first, ignoring dirty filters can lead to some serious issues. A filter loaded with dust and pollutants restricts airflow, which can cause problems for key parts like the motor, fan, or compressor. So, regular maintenance and timely replacement of air filters are really important to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.
It’s important to stay on top of replacing your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on your specific filter type, whether you have pets, and how often you use your system. So, since you’re currently dealing with a faulty AC, we recommend taking a moment to inspect your air filters to make sure they don’t need replacing. A timely filter change might just resolve the issue with warm air. If this step doesn’t fix the problem, please proceed to the next one.
Inspect the Evaporator Coils
In line with the above step, it’s important to remember how crucial it is to keep a clean air filter. A clogged filter can lead to dust and debris building up on the evaporator coil. When these coils get dirty, they struggle to absorb heat from the air, which hampers the cooling process. So, keeping these parts clean is key to making sure your air conditioning runs smoothly.
For the best performance and longevity of your system, it’s important to regularly check the evaporator coils. If you spot any dust or debris buildup, a gentle cleaning will do the trick. For detailed guidance on how to thoroughly clean your evaporator coils, just head over to this link.
Inspect for a Refrigerant Leak
Just like your car needs coolant for the AC to blow cool air, your home’s air conditioning works the same way. The secret to your AC’s cool magic is its refrigerant. If the refrigerant levels drop—maybe because of a leak or just running low—your system will end up blowing warm air instead. This is why regular maintenance is so important to keep everything running smoothly and ensure you stay comfy with cool air.
If you’re not an HVAC technician, you probably can’t legally get the refrigerant your air conditioning system needs. It’s best to leave this kind of troubleshooting to the pros. However, it’s a good idea to stay alert for any obvious signs that your refrigerant might be low or leaking. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- You might hear bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off.
- If you’re noticing a lack of cool air from your vents.
- Seeing ice forming on your evaporator coils could be a sign of a problem.
Inspect the Condenser
Finally, let’s talk about your outdoor unit, known as the condenser. It’s important to know that when the condenser coils get covered in dirt, they struggle to expel warm air from your home. This can lead to less cool air circulating inside. If left unchecked, this issue can persist and even cause significant damage to the condenser unit over time.
- If you find your condenser coils covered in grime, the first thing to do is safely turn off the power supply to the unit. Safety first! Then, put on some gloves for protection and gently wash away the debris using a water hose, choosing a softer setting like “shower” or “flat” to avoid any damage. Be sure to steer clear of the “spray” setting to keep the coils safe.
- Make sure to securely grasp the hose and start rinsing from the condenser’s bottom, moving an inch at a time across the coils from left to right. Take your time and be thorough; rushing could potentially damage the unit.
- Remember, for a deeper clean, your HVAC technician can handle the finer details of the condenser during your next routine maintenance and safety check. This helps your unit run efficiently and extends its lifespan, protecting your investment in your home’s comfort.
Still having trouble with your AC blowing hot air? While there are some DIY steps you can try, sometimes you just need a pro. If your air conditioner still isn’t cutting it, our team is here to help! Our NATE-certified technicians bring loads of experience and are ready to assist you. Plus, we’re available 24/7, every day of the year!
Get your air conditioning system ready for Ohio’s heat with your Fairborn Heating & Cooling family. Call us at (937) 404-2632 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
