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Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Causes of AC blowing hot air

During the Melbourne, FL summer, you’ll need your home’s air conditioner to be running smoothly and efficiently. While keeping up with regular AC maintenance and properly caring for your cooling system will decrease the likelihood of problems, issues can still arise unexpectedly. One common example is an AC unit suddenly blowing hot air while cycling. This not only makes it impossible to bring your home to a comfortable temperature, but it also indicates that something is mechanically wrong with the appliance.

There are several reasons why your home’s cooling system may be blowing hot air. Here, we’ll take a look at a few of the most common possible explanations and what they mean for your air conditioner.

Thermostat Problems

In many cases, an AC unit blowing hot air can be caused by something as simple as a malfunctioning or improperly set thermostat. Your thermostat is where you set the preferred temperature for your living space. The thermostat then communicates this preference to your HVAC system, allowing it to circulate cool or warm air as necessary to improve your comfort. However, if the thermostat malfunctions or gets set incorrectly, it may cause your HVAC system to start distributing warm air when you’re expecting it to be cold.

Before you panic that something is seriously wrong with your AC unit, it’s always wise to check the settings on your thermostat. If it has been set to the wrong temperature, you can simply correct this yourself, and that should solve the problem. However, if the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced or calibrated by your local HVAC professionals.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter is an essential part of your air conditioner. Whenever your AC unit is cycling, its air filter traps a variety of airborne contaminants. This process helps to keep the appliance running efficiently and your indoor air clean and healthy. Over time, though, contaminants will accumulate in the air filter, causing it to become partially or fully clogged. When this happens, it starts to prevent the air conditioner from pulling air through, which can worsen its energy efficiency and cause various problems with its equipment. For example, a dirty air filter can put additional strain on the compressor, motor, or fan. It may also lead to a dirty evaporator coil. These are all issues that may cause the unit to start blowing warm or hot air.

Ideally, you should replace your AC unit’s air filter at least once every few months. Doing so will help to prevent mechanical problems, improve the system’s efficiency, and even increase your air conditioner’s life expectancy.

Low Refrigerant Level

Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to conduct the heat-cold exchange process that’s essential for cooling your home. But sometimes, an AC unit can develop a refrigerant leak, gradually causing its refrigerant levels to become dangerously low. When an air conditioner is short on refrigerant, it won’t be able to effectively remove heat from the house. This means that its cooling will be significantly reduced, and the air it distributes will feel much warmer than it should.

If you believe that your AC unit has a refrigerant leak, you should immediately shut off the appliance and contact your local HVAC professionals. In the Melbourne area, the expert team at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating will be able to locate and repair any leak, restoring your cooling system to peak performance.

Your Trusted HVAC Professionals in Melbourne

There are a few of the most common reasons why your AC unit may be blowing hot air, but there are several other potential culprits as well. For example, you may be experiencing a malfunctioning compressor or a clogged water line. This problem could also be the result of a tripped breaker switch in your home. Whatever the cause may be, it’s important that you refrain from trying to fix the problem yourself. The skilled HVAC technicians at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating can accurately diagnose any issue with your air conditioner and determine the most effective solution. They’ll promptly get your AC unit back to running smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that you and your family remain comfortable throughout the hot Melbourne summer.