Air conditioners offer many homes relief from the record-breaking temperatures of recent summers. For many individuals, the AC unit is an essential appliance for keeping the family cool during any heatwave. But what happens when the AC suddenly starts blowing hot air? A look at possible reasons for a malfunctioning AC can provide guidance in troubleshooting the issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Sometimes hot air blows out of an AC due to a problem with the thermostat. In the simplest cases, the thermostat setting might still be on “heat” instead of “cool.” However, some dial thermostats might also fail to produce cool air if they haven’t been calibrated correctly. If this is the case, you can contact an HVAC professional to replace or recalibrate the thermostat. You may also wish to install a programmable or smart thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures even when you are sleeping or away from home.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels can also cause your AC to blow hot air. Refrigerant is an essential AC fluid that produces a cooling effect when expanding or vaporizing. It helps remove heat and humidity from indoor air so it can flow outdoors. If the refrigerant starts to leak, however, your AC will not perform at its best. Since resolving low refrigerant levels is not as simple as pouring liquid back into an AC, it is important to contact an HVAC professional once you suspect any leaks. If left uncorrected, refrigerant leaks can damage the compressor and other internal components of the system.
Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
Air conditioner coils play a crucial role in the successful operation of your unit. There are two types of AC coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils. Evaporator coils help absorb hot air. Once the evaporator coils absorb this air and the refrigerant does its job, the condenser coils can then expel the hot air outside. Without proper airflow, however, the evaporator coils can become frozen or otherwise dirty. Condenser coils can also become dirty due to exposure to dust, grime, debris, or other outdoor elements.
Clogged Condensate Line
Every AC produces condensation during the process of conditioning the warm air. The condensate line is a drain system that collects this excess moisture and delivers it outside. Over time, this drain can accumulate water or even contaminants like mold or algae. If the condensate line becomes too clogged, your AC unit will lose the ability to remove humid air and can blow out hot air as a result.
Get Help Today
While an AC unit that blows out hot air is frustrating, the situation is not hopeless. Complete Heating and Cooling provides AC maintenance and AC repair services for homes in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. We also offer new AC installation and can evaluate your home for indoor air quality. Contact Complete Heating and Cooling to resolve any AC problems today.
