Why is My AC Unit Blowing Hot Air?

Feeling your air conditioner emit hot instead of cold air on a stifling summer day in Charlotte is not something you want to deal with. Figuring out why your AC unit keeps putting out warm air takes some effort. Below are 10 possible reasons why you’re feeling hot air from your air conditioner.

1. Clogged Air Filter

One of the simplest explanations, and an easy one to check for, is that you have a clogged air filter. A filter that’s too dirty will hinder airflow through it. This, in turn, will make your air conditioner have to work harder to cool down your home, and the air coming from your AC won’t feel as cold. An AC that has to continually operate harder than it should may eventually stop functioning altogether, the worst-case end result from dirty filters.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your system’s air filter about every three months. If you have any pets in your home or you run your AC often during the summer, you may wish to swap out the filter every month or so. Besides changing the filter, you could also inspect it every so often and clean it if it’s dirty. Air filter changes are one of the services a professional technician from Integrity Heating & Cooling can perform during a routine inspection.

2. Thermostat Settings Incorrect

Another thing you can check on yourself is the thermostat. It could be simply that someone adjusted it to the wrong setting. If it’s set to “ON,” the system will run but won’t actually pump out the cool air you need. Make sure the thermostat is set to cool mode as well as “AUTO.”

Of course, if you have your thermostat at the right setting and your AC still blows hot air, there could be an issue with the thermostat’s wiring. If you have an older model, it could also be on the verge of breaking down. Have a technician come over and inspect your thermostat. It might be time to upgrade to a programmable or a smart thermostat for your home.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

Your air conditioner constantly putting out warm air could indicate low refrigerant levels. Your unit could also have a refrigerant leak somewhere, which is a much more serious issue. Whatever the issue is that’s related to refrigerant, it’s imperative to have an experienced HVAC technician come over and handle it. These professionals are the only ones trained and with the proper equipment to take care of refrigerant problems.

4. Leaks in the Ductwork

A central air conditioning system typically relies on ductwork to transmit air throughout your home. If there’s a leak somewhere in your ductwork, this could be why you’re feeling hot instead of cold air from your AC. Warm air could find its way into your ducts, with the result being this air then getting pushed throughout your home. This is another issue that requires the expertise of a trained technician. Your tech can check the ductwork for any holes or leaks and then help seal them to correct the problem.

5. Outdoor Unit Not Functioning

Air conditioners typically comprise of both indoor units and outdoor units. The outdoor portion of your AC is not something you might think about often, but it’s critical to the proper functioning of the system. If the outdoor unit isn’t working as it should, for whatever reason, this may be why you’re getting hot, not cold, air. Have a technician inspect the outdoor unit to find out what’s going on.

6. Evaporator Coils Frozen

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils help cool the incoming air from your system. Sometimes, these coils might freeze up. Reasons for this can include clogged drain lines or a dirty air filter. Frozen coils will hamper the unit’s ability to blow cool air throughout your home. As with the many other delicate parts of an AC, it’s best to use the services of an HVAC professional to check out the coils.

7. Condensate Drain Line Clogged

The drain line of your air conditioner helps push water from the drain pan to the system’s outside unit. If you have a clog anywhere along the condensate drain line, this will affect how your AC runs and could cause problems like mold growth in addition to the blowing of hot air. Let a technician clean out the drain line every so often to prevent clogs and other issues from forming.

8. Evaporator Coils Dirty

In addition to freezing up, the evaporator coils can also accumulate dirt over time. If the coils get too dirty, this will cause the AC to not work as it should, with one effect being that it starts putting out hot air. Keeping your evaporator coils clean will go a long way to maintaining your AC so it continues to run optimally when you need it to.

9. Air Conditioner Too Old

If you’ve had your AC for anywhere from 10-15 years, it may be nearing the end of its life. Some of the signs of a failing AC include not just decreased airflow and short cycling but also hot air coming from it. If you’ve also had to make one repair appointment after another lately, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer unit. We can help you determine if it’s time for an AC replacement as well as perform the installation.

10. Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

One other reason for an AC blowing hot air that may not be obvious is the circuit breaker for your system keeps tripping. Any electrical issues could cause your unit to not operate properly, with one result that it starts blowing hot air. For this type of issue, consult with an electrician to check out the breakers.

Regular Maintenance Can Help

One of the best ways to keep your AC blowing cold air and running well year after year is through routine maintenance. With regular tune-ups, you’ll not only get the air filter changed, but you’ll also have the lines checked and cleaned and ducts unclogged. During an annual inspection, your technician will also spot any other issues that could affect how well your system runs. Any small issues the technician notices will get fixed at that time before they have the chance to grow and get worse. The best time of year for a tune-up is in the spring before you have to use your air conditioner during the hot summers in Charlotte.

Contact Us Today!

At Integrity Heating & Cooling, we’ve proudly served Charlotte and surrounding communities for more than 35 years. Our goal is to ensure the complete satisfaction of each and every customer. You can put your trust in our NATE-certified technicians and our experienced staff members who always strive for fantastic communication. In addition to our air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance services, we also provide the same for heating systems. Additional services we offer include indoor air quality assessments, ductwork and duct sealing, and commercial HVAC.

Call the team at Integrity Heating & Cooling today if you need service for your air conditioner at your home in Charlotte.