It’s hot outside, and it’s hot in your house, too. Why is your AC blowing warm air, and how do you troubleshoot what the issue is? There are six main reasons that a central air conditioning system blows warm air. Explore them below and learn how to resolve the issue.
The Air Filter Needs Replacement
When warm air passes through your ducts, it’s going to collect your pet’s hair and dander, your hair, dust and pollen from the air, and cooking odors and aerosolized grease. It passes through an air filter to capture those particles and smells. Over time, an air filter clogs up because of everything that’s collected from each room in your home.
An AC system’s filter has to be changed every couple of months. In a home with multiple pets or a lot of dust, the filter may need to be changed every month. If you’re not doing this, it blocks the airflow and allows warmer air to enter your rooms. The longer it takes air to flow through your system, the warmer the air gets.
When your AC blows warm air, check the filter first. If the filter appears dirty, you’ll see it. Change the filter and see if that resolves the problem. If not, move on to the next AC troubleshooting tip.
The Condenser Is Dirty
The condenser is the part of the AC system that sits outside in the large box. Over time, lawn clippings, pollen, dust, leaves, and other particles get into the box and build up grime on the condenser coils. If those coils are dirty, it’s harder for the system to release the heat captured inside the home.
Check the condenser regularly to make sure the vents on the box are clean. Clean the coils by spraying them with your hose. You might need to use a mild soap to remove stuck-on grime. Ask your AC technician what cleaning product they recommend. Remember that anything you use goes into the soil, so it should be something that’s not harmful to the environment.
The Ducts Have Holes or Cracks
Once cool air is moving around your home, it should exit through the vents in each room. If there are holes or cracks in your ducts, the cold air can end up in the attic, crawl space, or walls. Your rooms will be warmer for that reason.
You can inspect any ducts that are in the open, such as those in your attic or closet. It’s harder to see them if they’re in the walls. Hire a professional AC technician to inspect your ducts. If there are holes or cracks, have the ducts sealed or restored, depending on what’s recommended.
The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen
On the interior unit, you have evaporator coils that absorb the heat from the air within your home. If those coils are covered in frost or ice, they can’t do their job. Turn off your AC and set the fan to high. That should thaw the coils.
You also need to address why they froze. It’s often the result of a dirty air filter or low pressure with the refrigerant. You can fix the dirty air filter on your own, but other issues may require service from a South Florida AC repair specialist.
The Refrigerant Is Leaking
An AC system works by absorbing heat from the home into the refrigerant, releasing it outside, and having the refrigerant change from a gas to a liquid in a cycle. It gets cold within the home, releases that cold as heat is absorbed, and repeats the cycle. Proper levels of refrigerant are necessary for this to happen.
Refrigerant levels can dwindle if there is a leak somewhere. Coolant is not good for the environment, and a leak is not something to put off. Have the repair made ASAP by a qualified AC technician.
The Thermostat Isn’t Working
Try turning your thermostat down a few degrees. Does it start working harder to cool your home or does that change anything? You could have a defective thermostat. Over time, the wiring and thermostat simply become worn out due to age and use.
If the thermostat isn’t working, have it replaced and see if that fixes the issue. If not, an AC repair specialist can move to the next potential issue and keep troubleshooting to find the cause of the warm air. If you have new thermostats installed, look into smart thermostats that are easy to use and monitor from your office, friend’s home, restaurant, or anywhere you happen to be. You can program the temperature to increase a few degrees when you’re at work and have your home back to the normal setting when you walk in the door after the workday ends.
Scheduled Maintenance Eases Headaches
Have your central AC system inspected and cleaned each year. If you keep the components clean and in like-new condition, you’re less likely to run into issues. You have an AC system that works properly throughout the year.
Not all of your AC system has to be cleaned and inspected yearly. The condenser and evaporator are important, but ducts usually go a few years before they need to be inspected and possibly cleaned. In a clean pet-free home, you might not need to have your ducts cleaned more than every five or six years. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends every three to five years.
Work with a professional AC repair and installation company that specializes in your unit’s brand when possible. The more training technicians have with that specific brand, the higher the quality of the repairs. All Year Cooling works with all brands including popular companies like Daikin, Goodman, Rheem, Ruud, Trane, and York.
It’s also important to remember that a central AC system doesn’t last forever. With the heavy use it gets in Southern Florida, it’s not unlikely to have a system that only lasts 10 to 15 years, even with exceptional care. Replacing an AC system is expensive, but newer systems are far more efficient than in the past, so you’ll end up saving money on your energy bills.
Seek Repairs ASAP
When your central AC isn’t working effectively, don’t wait until your home affects your family’s health and comfort. Don’t let humidity levels climb and start to increase the risk of mildew and mold growth. Call a South Florida air conditioning expert.
All Year Cooling diagnoses AC problems, makes the necessary repairs, and gives an honest assessment of whether the repairs needed now and in the next few months will be worth it. If you’re going to spend thousands on repairs and your AC system is getting old, a new AC system is the smarter option.
We’re fully licensed and are a Florida state-certified OIR Warranty provider. Our experience and time in the industry help make us the best in Florida AC repairs and installations. Call All Year Cooling’s expert team to schedule a consultation and have your system’s problems diagnosed.