Countless people across the United States rely on air conditioners to provide them with cool air throughout the summer. The summer heat can make indoor temperatures unbearable, leading to decreased comfort, increased utility bills, and health risks for you and your family. When you’re depending on your AC to cool your home only to find that the system is producing warm air, you know that something has gone wrong. There are several potential reasons for an air conditioner to warm your home, most of which require the services of a professional air conditioner repair tech.
1. Leaking Refrigerant
In AC units, the refrigerant is a fluid that cools the air that is circulated inside the system. As it passes through indoor and outdoor coils, this chemical coolant removes heat and moisture from the indoor air and releases it outdoors. The process does not reduce the volume of the refrigerant inside your system. However, if there is a leakage in the refrigerant lines or the coils, the refrigerant level lowers. The result is reduced cooling performance, meaning your AC will not blow cold air. If your unit has low refrigerant levels, it will overwork to cool your home, which can lead to higher energy consumption. Additionally, low refrigerant levels can cause damage to the compressor or other major components, leading to expensive repairs.
It’s difficult for homeowners to recognize a refrigerant leak unless it’s so large that it causes an audible hiss. But there are some signs you can look out for to know whether your AC has refrigerant leaks. If it continuously takes longer for your system to cool your home, it could be a sign that the refrigerant levels are low. Another indicator is when your system fails to cool well during the day when temperatures reach their highest but does a good job in the evening.
You should never attempt DIY repair on refrigerant leaks. Professional technicians have the tools and training required to discover and repair leaks. They also recharge the refrigerant to the ideal amount to ensure your AC runs properly and efficiently. Additionally, there are laws in place that prohibit unlicensed individuals from handling refrigerant.
2. Dirty or Clogged Filters
A dirty filter is another reason your AC may fail to blow cold air. Your system’s filter is found inside, close to `the indoor air handler unit. These filters trap dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other particulates that may be circulating in your indoor air. This ensures that the indoor air is clean and healthy for breathing. They also keep the components inside your unit clean and operating optimally. However, over time, these filters can get clogged with debris, which restricts the airflow and impedes the system’s capability of cooling your indoor area.
Restricted airflow makes your AC work harder in order to cool and distribute the air, causing the system to overheat. Therefore, the system may either blow warm air or shut down completely. Keep in mind that an overworking system can increase the wear and tear process of the components in the unit. Experts generally recommend that filters be changed once every 30 to 90 days. But the frequency with which you change the air filters should depend on the pollution level in your area and the number of people living in your home.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
The thermostat plays a key role in controlling the temperature inside your home. It communicates with your system and turns it on and off, depending on the temperature settings. If it is faulty or working incorrectly, it may fail to control the system well, resulting in a lack of cold air. Additionally, if your thermostat is wrongly calibrated, it can cause cooling problems. You should check the settings and ensure that it is set to cool. This is important because ACs will not turn on until the temperature in the room rises above the control setting. If the settings are correct and your system is not blowing cold air, you should call a technician. An experienced professional will check the thermostat and determine whether it needs a repair or replacement to get your unit working optimally again.
4. Problems With the Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coil is part of the AC where the refrigerant absorbs heat. It is inside or near the air handler where the blower fan is located. As the refrigerant flows, the blower fan draws hot room air over the evaporator coil. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the circulating air. When water vapor in your indoor air meets the cold evaporator coils, it condenses and becomes liquid. It then drips down to the condensate pan, which drains the water outside. However, if these coils are covered with dust and debris, their air-cooling capability reduces. Also, the water vapor may freeze over these coils, further impeding their cooling ability. This results in inadequate cooling and higher energy bills, forcing your system to work harder.
5. Malfunctioning Compressor
The compressor also plays a key role in your AC system. It compresses and distributes the refrigerant in your unit. If the compressor fails to work correctly, it affects the entire system. Your system then loses its cooling capacity, and your vents fail to produce cold air. There are various reasons why your compressor may malfunction, including electrical issues, mechanical problems, refrigerant issues, and a lack of maintenance. Contacting a professional can be beneficial since they will easily identify and fix the main problem.
6. Incorrectly Sized AC
AC units are sized according to how much cooling they can provide in British Thermal Units per hour. Normally, an undersized AC will not show any problems. However, when the temperatures outside start to rise, your AC may operate for extended periods and struggle to blow cold air. This can lead to high utility bills while still not getting the most out of your unit. Additionally, if your home’s AC is too large, the system will turn on and off more frequently. This makes it impossible for the system to adequately cool your entire home.
7. Blocked Registers
A blocked register can have the same effect as a clogged air filter. The air register receives air into the system while the supply vents blow conditioned air into your indoor space. Clogs or blockages in one of the locations can lead to difficulties for your AC. Furniture, potted plants, and other items often block the registers. Making sure that no item is blocking the registers can be helpful in preventing problems with cold airflow.
The best way to keep your system from blowing warm air is to schedule an annual tune-up. Regular AC tune-ups can help reduce utility costs, identify refrigerant leakages, and ensure your system performs at peak efficiency. Inadequate cold airflow can be caused by many issues, ranging from simple to complex. If you cannot be sure what the problem is, contacting a professional technician can be beneficial.
Contact the Professionals
Is your AC running but not blowing cold air as it is supposed to? The AC experts at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing can assist in restoring the cool and comfortable environment inside your home. If you reside in Chandler or the surrounding areas, give us a call at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing and schedule an appointment. We are also experts in other HVAC services, including installations and repairs. Reach out to us if you need indoor air quality and ductless HVAC services.
