5 Reasons Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air and How To Fix It

Picture this: It's a hot summer's day, and you've spent the past few hours sweltering in the heat. You've just arrived home, and you're looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the cool, refreshing air conditioning. However, when you turn on the AC, you're met with a burst of hot air instead. Instead of cooling down, you're battling more uncomfortable heat.

While an AC emitting hot air may seem alarming, it's actually a fairly common problem. In most cases, it can be traced to one of the following issues:

• Incorrect thermostat settings
• Clogged air filters
• Refrigerant issues
• Electrical problems
• Dirty or blocked condenser unit

Let's look closer at these problems and what to do if your AC unit is blowing hot air.

Do you need a professional AC service?

Contact the Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning team for an expert AC repair. Our knowledgeable technicians are familiar with a wide range of brands and models & can identify all types of issues. No matter the problem, you can trust us to solve it.

Before you start worrying about AC repair needs, take a look at your thermostat. As you may know, the thermostat provides a way to communicate with your air conditioner. You adjust the temperature on the thermostat, and then your AC reacts accordingly. So, if you accidentally have the wrong thermostat settings, your air conditioner might produce hot air instead.

The first thing you should do is make sure your thermostat is not set to HEAT mode. Next, make sure that the fan is set to AUTO and not to ON mode. The fan's role is to circulate the existing air in your home. If it's on AUTO, the fan will only blow during the cooling cycle. If it's set to ON, however, the fan will blow 24/7. This may lead to the fan blowing hot air from your vents. Changing the settings will resolve the issue.

If your thermostat settings are correct, the next thing you should check is your air filter. Most air conditioners have an air filtration system that captures dust, dander, and other debris lingering in your home. Over time, the filters can become so clogged with this debris that they block airflow, limiting the amount of cool air you receive.

To prevent this issue, it's essential to regularly replace your air filters. Generally, aim to replace them every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter your system uses. Additionally, scheduling annual AC maintenance can provide a more thorough cleaning, helping to ensure optimal performance and airflow.

Oftentimes, hot air is caused by an internal component, such as the refrigerant. In simple terms, refrigerant is a liquid that absorbs indoor heat. This heat is sent to the condenser coils, which emit hot air from the AC outdoor unit. If the refrigerant can't do its job, you won't experience adequate cooling. Here are a few common refrigerant issues:

• Low levels
• Leaks
• Contamination

During a typical repair, our team can examine your refrigerant levels and ensure nothing interferes with the cooling cycle.

Another reason that you might be experiencing hot air is electrical problems. If there's one thing that your various AC components have in common, they all depend on a steady flow of electricity. Faulty wiring or blown fuses can prevent these components from doing their job, resulting in hot air.

If you suspect an electrical problem, contact a professional for help. Due to safety reasons, you should avoid adjusting the wiring yourself.

Is your AC unit blowing hot air outside? If so, that means the condenser unit is doing its job. As mentioned earlier, the condenser coils are responsible for releasing indoor heat that's been absorbed by your refrigerant. This process is key to keeping your home cool.

Unfortunately, the condenser unit is located outside, so it's exposed to many outdoor elements (such as dirt, debris, and vegetation). Over time, these elements can block the condenser unit or even get inside the coils, preventing the unit from working properly. Replacing condenser coils can be expensive, so it's a good idea to regularly clean this area to limit blockages. If you do happen to need a repair, the experts at Four Seasons are here to help.

Since 1979, our NATE-certified technicians have delivered 5-star cooling services to homeowners across the area. From speedy response times and convenient scheduling to honest pricing and personalized service, we do everything possible to support you. Contact us today for a reliable AC repair.