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AC Blowing Hot Air

InterCounty Supply • Mar 02, 2021

AC Blowing Hot Air? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

window ac unit hanging from brick building

Our air conditioners are essential machines. Without these systems keeping us cool and comfortable every single year, it would be difficult making it past the warm summer months. However, just like all machinery out there, problems can happen eventually. This is especially true if you have an older air conditioning system or one that isn’t properly maintained.

If you’re experiencing AC blowing hot air, you’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common AC issues. Luckily, there are some quick and easy troubleshooting tips that can help. Keep reading to learn why your AC may be blowing hot air, including some ways to fix this frustrating issue.

Check Your Thermostat

If you’re dealing with AC blowing warm air or hot air, you should first check your thermostat. It's very possible this equipment could be set to “heat” instead of “cool” or “auto.” Head over to your thermostat and look at this setting. If it’s set to “heat,” simply slide the dial over to the “cool” position. This should power on your AC unit and produce that magical cool air you’ve been dying to have.

If your thermostat is adjusted correctly, make sure this device has working batteries. If these are dead or dying, it could be causing your system issues. You also want to ensure the indoor temperature isn’t set too high.

It’s also a good idea to have a complete understanding of your thermostat settings. Remember that the “auto” feature will only turn on the fan when air is being conditioned. When set to the "cool" position, this makes your system run 24/7 to circulate indoor air, even if your AC system is completely off.

It’s recommended to use the “auto” feature for the most part, and only switch to the “cool” setting if you need some extra cooling power. However, never leave it on this setting as this can waste a lot of energy and lead to an uncomfortable home.

Not sure what temperature to set your thermostat at? During the warm summer months, it’s best to set the indoor temp to around 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When you’re away from home, you’ll want to adjust the temp 7-10 degrees higher. This can be achieved with a setback period. This involves the time that your HVAC system doesn’t power on, which could save tons of energy if done properly. In fact, if you choose a setback period of at least 8 hours, this can save you around 10% on your yearly air conditioning and heating costs.

Buying a brand new thermostat can also lead to energy savings and fewer HVAC issues. Speak with an HVAC professional to find the right thermostat for your needs.

Look at the Circuit Breaker

If your thermostat has batteries and the settings look good, head over to your electrical panel. You’ll want to make sure your air conditioner has power. As HVAC systems consume a lot of energy when in use, there could be too much power to keep up with the demand. This can cause the circuit breaker to shut off to prevent a fire or safety concern.

To troubleshoot this, head over to your electrical panel and look for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. If it is tripped, flip the breaker to the “off” position, then turn it on. If there’s a blown fuse, this will have to be replaced. If your breaker continues to trip with no clear indication of the problem, contact an HVAC professional for assistance.

Examine Evaporator Coils and Filters

If you have AC blowing warm air, it’s also a good idea to check your filters and evaporator coils. While air filters don’t involve changing temperature, dirty or clogged filters can be a serious HVAC problem. This can cause your air conditioner to not function as it’s intended. If an air filter is too dirty, this can also lead to frozen evaporator coils. This can also result in serious cooing problems. Frozen evaporator coils could be the culprit to your AC blowing hot air.

For the best results, be sure to change your air filters every 30-60 days. If you constantly run your AC unit or have a large household with pets, you may need to change your filters more often. We suggest setting a monthly reminder to examine these filters. To check if an air filter needs to be changed, hold it up to a light and replace it if light barely passes through it.

When dealing with a frozen evaporator coil, power down the AC unit and replace the filter. Once the coils have thawed out, turn the system back on. If you notice these coils freeze up once again, immediately shut down the unit and call an HVAC technician. This problem could mean you have a refrigerant leak or a compressor issue.

If you’re dealing with AC blowing hot air, these troubleshooting tips may help. No matter what AC problem you're having, it's always best to call an HVAC professional.

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