Air conditioning systems in Arizona are essential, and nobody likes the surprise of discovering that theirs are blowing hot or warm air. It could be as simple as their thermostat being on an incorrect setting or someone accidentally leaning on one of its breaker switches (that would be embarrassing!).
Problems may also be more severe, such as an AC leak. Here are a few things to check to make sure it’s not that.
Check The Thermostat in Arizona
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as coming home to the cooling comfort of an air conditioning system that keeps your living spaces at an ideal temperature. Unfortunately, air conditioners sometimes stop functioning correctly due to various reasons and sometimes require professional services for repair; but you may be able to handle this yourself with these helpful tips.
Be sure to double-check the thermostat before calling in a professional. Your AC may be producing warm or lukewarm air because its thermostat has been set for heat rather than cool. Children fiddling with it or simply forgetting can quickly alter its setting from winter mode to summer mode – both scenarios could result in warm or lukewarm air coming through your vents.
Your outdoor unit’s breaker switch could also have been accidentally switched to “off.” This is often an easy fix with older AC units; simply resetting it will return it to normal operation. However, if it keeps switching back off again there may be an internal wiring problem which requires professional assistance.
Check your air filter regularly – a dirty air filter may limit the flow of cool air to your house and force your AC unit to work harder, leading it to overheat and produce warm air instead of cool air.
Frozen evaporator coils can also contribute to warm air output from an AC, as air cannot pass through them without freezing over and restricting production of cold air.
If you discover any components of your outdoor unit covered with ice, be sure to turn off the system immediately and wait for it to melt. Running it while the coil or other parts are covered can result in further damage; picking or chipping at it could even worsen matters and necessitate professional intervention.
Check the Air Filter
If the air coming from your AC vents feels warm or hot instead of cool and refreshing, it may be time for a filter change. Dirty filters restrict internal air flow forcing your system to work harder to keep you comfortable, increasing energy costs in the process.
An air filter in need of replacement will also circulate dirt, dust and allergens through your vents, leading to health complications for you and others. To achieve optimal results, change your air filter every 1-3 months for best results.
Before replacing your air filter, first make sure all other AC components haven’t been compromised. It could be that your outdoor unit has frozen up, or perhaps its evaporator coil has become blocked due to debris accumulation; once these issues have been rectified you can switch on and install your new air filter and restart your system.
If your AC has one return air duct and register, its air filter may be hidden behind its grill covering it. To access it, remove the register grill and look for a rectangular filter which usually measures poster-size with a removable cover. Alternatively, if your system contains multiple return air ducts and registers, its air filter could be located inside its furnace closet in front of its air handler.
If you want a simpler alternative to changing your air filter regularly, washable or reusable air filters could be just what’s needed. Not only are they more environmentally-friendly than disposable ones but their costs are typically lower too and their life can last five to ten years! Make sure you carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to install your filter correctly – some even come equipped with directional arrows showing where they should go! If any trouble arises during installation or you would like more information about their benefits call us! We would be more than happy to assist!
There are a few reasons why your AC might be blowing hot air. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Low refrigerant levels: The refrigerant is what helps your AC unit to cool the air. If the refrigerant levels are low, the AC unit will not be able to cool the air effectively.
- Dirty or clogged filters: The filters in your AC unit help to remove dust and other particles from the air. If the filters are dirty or clogged, the AC unit will not be able to cool the air effectively.
- Compressor problems: The compressor is the heart of your AC unit. It is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the system. If the compressor is not working properly, the AC unit will not be able to cool the air effectively.
- Fan problems: The fan in your AC unit helps to circulate the air through the system. If the fan is not working properly, the AC unit will not be able to cool the air effectively.
- Thermostat problems: The thermostat is what tells the AC unit when to turn on and off. If the thermostat is not working properly, the AC unit may not be able to cool the air effectively.
If you are experiencing this issue, it is important to have your AC unit inspected by a qualified technician to determine the cause of the problem. They will be able to identify the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix it.
Here are some additional tips to help you prevent your AC from blowing hot air:
- Change your filters regularly: The filters in your AC unit should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on the level of dust and debris in your home.
- Clean your coils: The coils in your AC unit should be cleaned every year to remove dust and debris that can build up and block airflow.
- Inspect your unit regularly: It is a good idea to inspect your AC unit regularly for any signs of damage or wear. This will help you catch any problems early on and prevent them from causing more serious damage.
- Have your unit serviced annually: A professional HVAC technician should service your AC unit annually to ensure that it is in good working order. This will help to prevent problems and extend the life of your unit.
Check the Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerator fluid (more commonly referred to as Freon) is the lifeblood of your air conditioning system, working within an enclosed cycle to absorb heat from your home and convert it to cool air. Without enough refrigerant, your system won’t be able to complete its cycle, rendering its efficiency negated.
Doing a simple test to check refrigerant levels is easy. Simply place a bowl of water under where you suspect your refrigerant line might be leaking and watch for bubbles to appear in it; if they do, that indicates an air leak requiring repair; in this instance it’s important not to add more refrigerant until having addressed its cause.
Leaks in refrigerant lines or coils may cause your system to overheat, leading to warm air being distributed or even its turnoff entirely. In these instances, professional services should be sought immediately for diagnosis and repair.
Your AC could also be producing warm air due to overworking. This could be caused by dirty filters or an accumulation of dirt on its evaporator coil; when such issues arise, it’s essential that they’re regularly checked for and maintained in order to remain efficient.
Clogged drain lines can also contribute to your AC’s overheating and blowout of hot air, as the clog prevents it from removing water from the condenser unit. As such, it’s crucial that both evaporator coils and drain lines be regularly cleaned for maximum performance.
If none of the problems listed have been found, your circuit breaker may have been flipped. If this keeps happening, a service technician should be called out.
Note that a malfunctioning thermostat, improper air filter or low refrigerant levels could all contribute to your AC producing warm air. Though it’s not advised, do-it-yourself repair of these problems is still possible but only with professional assistance; for more tips check out our blog.
Check the Condenser Unit
Air conditioner compressors are at the core of modern AC systems. Compressors consist of small motors and crankshafts which move pistons up and down inside of cylinders to create a vacuum effect, pulling in refrigerant vapor for compression before sending it onward to be cooled by condensers coils. Any issue with one may cause the entire unit to fail completely.
One common problem with compressors is when they produce unusual noises like “chattering” or rattling, signaling something is wrong and could indicate that their motor has stopped running altogether. In such instances, it would likely be wise to contact a professional in order to diagnose and recommend appropriate remedies for their repair.
Another issue with compressors is when they overheat and draw in dirt and debris, leading to coils becoming dirty over time and interfering with cooling processes. To combat this, regularly cleaning outdoor condenser units is vital; additionally it would be wise to clear away leaves or other debris around them as well as trim any plants or bushes within two feet of it for maximum effectiveness.
Clogged or dirty air filters will obstruct airflow, forcing the AC unit to work harder and increasing production of hotter air. This is an extremely common AC problem which is easily rectifiable by replacing its air filter.
Your AC may be blowing hot or warm air. While thermostat settings and filters might help pinpoint its source, for more serious problems it’s best to turn to professionals. When checking electrical panels be sure that there aren’t too many demands placed upon circuit breakers and fuses which could overload them.
Professional cleaning of an air conditioning condenser unit should also be undertaken, to avoid damage or injuries to both you and the unit itself. Cleaning can only be undertaken safely with proper training from professionals; otherwise it could result in major issues with your entire system.
If you need AC Repair in the Phoenix, AZ or Mesa AZ area contact Sure Temp Air Conditioning