Why Is My Home AC Blowing Hot Air?

why is my ac blowing hot air

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why is my air conditioner blowing hot air?” you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll go over the basic functions of an air condition (AC) unit, the importance of proper functionality, and troubleshooting tips. The experts at Sunny Services know that home air conditioning units are essential for maintaining indoor comfort, especially during hot summer months. That’s why we’re going to go over why the proper functionality of your AC unit is crucial. Not only does it ensure that your home remains cool and comfortable, but it also contributes to energy efficiency and lowers your utility bills. Additionally, a well-maintained AC system can prolong its lifespan, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements. In the following sections, we’ll explore common issues that may cause your AC to blow hot air and provide practical troubleshooting tips to resolve these problems effectively.

How Does an AC Unit Work?

To troubleshoot AC issues effectively, it’s essential to understand how these systems operate. Air conditioners work by removing heat and humidity from indoor air, using a chemical called “refrigerant”. There are three main components of an AC unit: a compressor, a condenser coil, and an evaporator coil. The compressor raises the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature, sending it to the condenser coil to convert it to a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then enters the evaporator coil indoors, where it evaporates, absorbing heat from the indoor air. A fan blows air across the cold coil, cooling it, and the cooled air is circulated indoors. The heated refrigerant gas is sent back outside to the compressor, where the heat is released into the outdoor air, and the cycle repeats until the desired temperature is reached indoors.

Reasons Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air and How to Fix It

Low Refrigerant Levels

One common culprit behind hot air blowing from your AC is low refrigerant levels from leaks or damage to your AC unit. There are a couple of ways to check the refrigerant levels, but the simplest way to check for leaks is the ‘soap bubble’ test:

1. Turn off your AC system.

2. Prepare a mild soap solution in a spray bottle.

4. Clean the area with a dry cloth.

5. Spray the solution over the surface and observe for soap bubbles.

If you see bubbles form, then your AC most likely has a refrigerant leak. This may not always be the best test to perform, and we advise contacting an HVAC technician for further assessment with specialized tools. 

Dirty or Blocked Air Filters

Blocked or dirty air filters can hinder airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. To check your air filters:

  1. Turn off your AC system.\Remove the existing filters.
  2. Inspect for dirt and debris buildup. If they’re dirty, replace them immediately.

Although a dirty air filter may seem minor, it can lead to significant issues. Restricted airflow can cause the motor, fan, or compressor to overwork and potentially shut down the system. Over time, this can even lead to the AC system freezing up. Regularly replacing air filters is an easy and affordable way to ensure proper airflow and optimal system performance.

Faulty Compressor or Condenser Unit

A malfunctioning compressor or condenser unit can also cause your AC to blow hot air. If you hear “chattering” or “ticking” noises, it may indicate that the compressor is struggling to turn on and cool the air. Similarly, rattling, clicking, or rumbling noises could signify a failing compressor motor, leading to loud and unusual sounds. It’s advisable to seek a professional inspection to assess these strange noises and address any potential issues.

Try These Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check the Thermostat Settings

Check your thermostat settings to make sure that it’s set to the correct temperature you want. Sometimes your thermostat could be set at a high temperature and will blow out hot air. While you’re checking your thermostat, check your fan settings. Your fan should be set to “auto”, if it’s set to “on”, then the fan will run all day. 

Inspect the Air Ducts & Vents for Blockages

When your AC unit blows warm air, it’s usually due to issues down the line. Duct leaks allow warm air to mix in and cold air to escape, reducing effectiveness. Blocked return vents, often closed or obstructed, limit airflow and cause poor performance. Solutions include fixing duct leaks and clearing obstructions from return vents to restore cool airflow.

Find out Why Hot Air Is Blowing Through Your AC Unit With Sunny Services

Maintaining a cool and comfortable home environment relies heavily on the proper functionality of your air conditioning unit. By understanding the fundamentals of AC operation and recognizing common issues, you can troubleshoot and resolve problems more effectively. Regular maintenance, including checking thermostat settings, inspecting air ducts and vents for blockages, and promptly addressing any issues ensures optimal performance and longevity of your AC system. 

With Sunny Services, you can trust that our experienced professionals are dedicated to keeping you cool year-round. Don’t let hot air blow your comfort away – stay cool with proactive maintenance and reliable HVAC experts.