It can be stressful to turn on your air conditioning during the summer in Austin just to realize the unit is blowing hot air. You can be left scrambling to troubleshoot the issues or searching for a licensed technician to come out and fix the problem. If the outdoor temperature is over 90 degrees and your unit is blowing hot air, reach out to a professional as soon as possible to ensure the indoor temperature of your home does not reach uncomfortable levels. Below you can read more about the common reasons an AC unit will blow hot and the steps you can take to get the issues repaired.
Check the Thermostat
While this step may seem obvious or unnecessary, one of the most common causes of an AC unit blowing warm air is some sort of issue with the thermostat. One of the first steps you should take when facing issues with your AC is to check the thermostat to be sure the unit is on and set to an appropriate temperature.
In addition to checking that the unit is on and at a low temperature, you should also check the fan and function settings. Be sure that your fan/blower is set to “AUTO” and that the unit is set to “COOL” so that the fan will automatically come on when the temperature rises. If you are having issues getting the fan to start, try turning the entire unit OFF, waiting three to five minutes, and then turning it back ON.
Leaking or Damaged Ducts
If your home has ductwork throughout the walls and ceiling for your AC unit, the issue may lie somewhere within this system that you are not able to visibly see. It’s common for ducts to become broken, damaged, or to start leaking after a few years of use. Damage to ductwork can also be caused by rodents/animals or a section of the ductwork can become completely disconnected.
When there is a leak or damage to the duct, it can cause serious issues with the unit’s cooling process. This can result in your AC blowing warm air or not engaging the fan at all. Due to the placement of most ductwork, it’s not recommended that you try to fix the issue on your own. Always contact a NATE-certified professional to help with any ductwork problems.
Dirty Air Filters
Another common cause of an air conditioner blowing warm air is a dirty or clogged air filter, as this can cause reduced airflow throughout the unit. For an AC to function properly and provide cool air to your home, it needs the appropriate amount of warm outside air to enter the unit and support the cooling process.
When an AC unit has a dirty filter that is clogged with dust or debris, the system can struggle to cool your home and it can lead to more costly issues if not addressed in a timely manner. If you are unsure of what filters your unit needs or how to complete this maintenance, reach out to Austin AC for assistance.
Issues With Electricity
Many residential HVAC units have both indoor and outdoor system pieces, meaning there are often two or more circuit breakers designated to power the unit. The main issue that can occur is when the breaker for the outside unit trips, but the indoor breaker remains functional. This can cause the inside unit to continue blowing warm air while you are unaware the outdoor unit has no power. If there are no visible issues with any part of the system, reset the breaker and see if the outdoor unit powers up.
If the breaker to the outdoor unit trips again after resetting it, contact a professional company for assistance as soon as possible. Continuing to reset the breaker to try and fix the problem can cause serious damage to your entire unit or could lead to an electrical accident. If you are faced with an AC electrical issue, you should always work with a NATE-certified technician to help ensure your safety.
Blocked Vents
If one of the vents in your home is blocked or closed, it can cause issues with the airflow from the AC system and difficulty with temperature regulation. It’s common for homeowners to accidentally move furniture in front of a vent in their home or for leaves and other debris to clog outdoor vents. When these vents are obstructed, the AC system can struggle to cool your home’s air.
First, take a walk around your home and verify that all of the vents are open and there are no obstructions in or around them. If you run into an issue with a vent and need professional assistance, Austin AC is the number one choice among homeowners in Travis County.
Refrigerant is Low or Leaking
Refrigerant, also called freon, is a heat transfer liquid that works in your AC system to take warm outside air and cool it to help control the temperature in your home. Refrigerant liquid runs on a loop system inside an air conditioner, meaning the liquid does not run out and there is no need to refill it. When there is a refrigerant leak or loss of fluid, your AC will not be able to transfer the heat effectively and the air from the system may feel warm.
You should never attempt to fix a refrigerant leak on your own without the help of a licensed technician! If you suspect there is a leak in the system, adding more fluid will not fix the issue and will only leak out of the system again. Some warning signs of a refrigerant leak include frozen lines, blowing warm air, and a bubbling noise coming from inside the unit.
Contact Austin AC for Help Today
If you are located in the Travis County, Texas area and are dealing with an AC unit that only blows warm air, give Austin AC a call for help! The team of NATE-certified professionals has years of experience and is always happy to provide a free quote on services. Don’t let the temperature inside your home become uncomfortable or reach unsafe levels, try to safely troubleshoot the problem and reach out for assistance with your cooling unit.