Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

In July, Mesa's average daily temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making air conditioning a necessity instead of a luxury. But what happens if you turn on your AC unit and discover it's blowing hot air? You may need an experienced HVAC professional to help fix the problem.

Some of the most common causes of an AC blowing warm air include:

Comfort Experts has NATE-certified professionals on hand to inspect your air conditioner, diagnose the problem, and get things back to normal quickly. We also offer convenient same-day service and free in-home estimates to provide extra peace of mind.

If your AC is blowing warm air, one of the easiest fixes is to check your thermostat settings. It's possible that someone in your home accidentally turned on the heat instead of the air conditioning. If your thermostat is on the wrong setting, all you have to do is switch it back.

No matter how often you clean your home, you can't prevent pollen, dust, and other types of debris from getting inside. You may also have pet hair swirling through the air if you have cats or dogs. HVAC systems have filters to prevent debris from accumulating, but these filters don't last forever. If your AC system blows hot air, have a technician check the filter.

Replacing your air filter has several benefits. First, a clean air filter makes it possible for your AC unit to cool your home efficiently. Replacing a dirty air filter also reduces energy use and prevents your air conditioner from overheating.

Refrigerant is a substance that transforms from a gas into a liquid, allowing it to absorb heat. The more heat it absorbs, the cooler your house gets. If your air conditioner starts blowing hot air, it may not have enough refrigerant. Although it's possible to recharge an AC unit, it's not something you should attempt on your own. Refrigerant is a chemical, so it should only be handled by trained professionals.

Additionally, recharging your system is a temporary solution. You may need a skilled technician to repair the leak that allowed the refrigerant to escape in the first place. Otherwise, the system will keep leaking, putting you in exactly the same position a few weeks or months later.

Think of the compressor as the brain of your air conditioning system. It transfers heat to the condenser, reducing the temperature in your home. If you have a faulty compressor, your AC unit may start blowing hot air. Compressor failures occur for several reasons, such as electrical problems, overheating, blocked coils and excess refrigerant.

An AC compressor contains wires and other expensive components, so it's best to have an experienced technician diagnose and repair the problem. Depending on the cause of the failure, you may need to have someone lubricate your compressor, clean the coils, or check the wiring. In some cases, compressor failure occurs due to a buildup of leaves, dust, and other debris. You may need to move trees and shrubs away from your outdoor unit to prevent blockages.

If you have central air conditioning, your system's condenser coils are part of the unit outside your home. These coils release absorbed heat, keeping your home cool. If there's a blockage, you may notice uneven cooling, higher energy bills, or increased noise coming from the unit. Eventually, your air conditioner may start blowing hot air.

Even if the coils aren't blocked, they may be dirty. Dust, dirt, leaves, and other debris build up over time, reducing the amount of heat transferred from the refrigerant. This excess heat has to go somewhere, so your air conditioner may start blowing hot air instead of cold air. Comfort Experts has experienced technicians available to clean your condenser coils or address significant blockages, ensuring your home stays comfortable all summer long.