Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

As a family owned and operated company, All Temp Heating & Air Conditioning has become the first choice for tens of thousands of families throughout the Chicago, IL and surrounding areas area. We sell quality furnaces, air conditioning, boilers, air purifiers, humidifiers, ventilation, water heaters, and provide expert equipment installation, tune-up, and repair services. Our courteous, fast, and friendly staff is here to service all of your needs, including when your air conditioner is blowing hot air.

If your AC unit is blowing hot air, it can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience, especially during the hot summer months in Chicago, Bolingbrook, Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Woodridge, and Darien, IL. Several factors can contribute to this problem, and it’s essential to identify the cause to find the appropriate solution. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common reasons why your air conditioner might be blowing hot air and what you can do to fix the issue.

Thermostat Settings

One of the simplest reasons your air conditioner might be blowing hot air is due to incorrect thermostat settings. Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat is set to “heat” or “fan,” your AC unit will not cool the air.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your air conditioner to work harder and eventually leading to a system malfunction. When the airflow is limited, the evaporator coil can freeze, preventing the AC unit from cooling the air effectively. To avoid this issue, replace your air filter regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on usage and environmental factors.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from the air inside your home and releases it outside. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it will not be able to cool the air effectively, resulting in warm air blowing from your vents. Low refrigerant levels can be caused by a leak in the system, which requires professional AC repair. As one of Bryant’s highest-rated dealers in the nation, All Temp Heating & Air Conditioning’s skilled technicians can quickly diagnose and repair refrigerant leaks.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is responsible for absorbing heat from the air inside your home. When the coil becomes dirty or covered in debris, it can’t absorb heat efficiently, leading to warm air blowing from your vents. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the evaporator coil, can help prevent this issue.

Outdoor Unit Problems

Several issues with the outdoor unit can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air:

• Dirty condenser coils: When the condenser coils are dirty, they can’t release heat effectively, causing the AC unit to work harder and blow warm air.
• Blocked airflow: Debris, such as leaves or grass clippings, can block the airflow around the outdoor unit, hindering its ability to release heat.
• Faulty compressor: The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. If it fails, your AC unit will not be able to cool the air.

Ductwork Issues

Problems with your ductwork can also cause your air conditioner to blow hot air. Some common ductwork issues include:

1. Leaks in the ductwork
2. Poor insulation
3. Improper sizing or design

These issues can allow cool air to escape and warm air to enter the system, resulting in ineffective cooling.

What to Do When Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, follow these steps:

1. Check your thermostat settings and ensure they are correct.
2. Replace your air filter if it’s dirty.
3. Check the outdoor unit for debris and clear any obstructions.
4. If the issue persists, contact a professional AC repair service, like All Temp Heating & Air Conditioning, to diagnose and resolve the problem.

Regular maintenance is key to preventing issues with your air conditioner. Schedule annual tune-ups with All Temp Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure your AC unit is running efficiently and to catch potential problems before they lead to a breakdown.

In conclusion, an air conditioner blowing hot air can be caused by various factors, from simple thermostat settings to more complex issues like refrigerant leaks or compressor failure. By understanding the potential causes and taking appropriate action, you can restore your AC unit’s cooling capabilities and enjoy a comfortable home during the hot summer months in Chicago, Bolingbrook, Skokie, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Woodridge, and Darien, IL. Remember, for expert AC repair and service, trust the family-owned and operated All Temp Heating & Air Conditioning, serving the Chicago, IL and surrounding areas area with quality workmanship and exceptional customer service.