We all love the comfort of a cool, refreshing breeze on a hot summer day. But what happens if you find your air conditioner blowing warm air?
In this article, we’ll walk you through some simple tips to troubleshoot and fix your AC unit without breaking a sweat or the bank.
Check Your Thermostat
The first thing to do is to take a look at your thermostat. For all you know, the problem might be as simple as someone accidentally setting it to “heat” instead of “cool.” Make sure your thermostat is set to the latter mode, or check if the temperature is at least lower than the current room temperature.
Inspect Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter can seriously mess with your AC’s performance. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate, restricting the airflow, making your air conditioner work harder than it should, and eventually leaving your AC blowing lukewarm air. So grab a screwdriver and check your filter. If it’s dirty, it’s time for a change or a good clean-up.
Clear the Air Vents
Check if any furniture or objects are blocking the air vents in your home as well. Restricted airflow can leave your air conditioner blowing warm air. Make sure nothing is obstructing the path of cool air from your vents.
Examine the Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioner has an outdoor unit (aka the condenser) that might need some attention, too. Ensure that there’s no debris like leaves, sticks, or dirt clogging this area. Give it a gentle hose-down to clear away any gunk that could be impeding its function.
Give It Some Time
Sometimes, you’ll find your AC unit blowing warm air a few seconds after switching it on. This can be normal as the system works to cool down. Give it about 10 to 15 minutes to see if the air starts getting cooler. If it doesn’t, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
Check for Refrigerant Leaks
The refrigerant is the magic sauce that makes your air conditioner cool your home. If there’s a leak in your system, it can result in warm air coming out of your AC. Spotting a refrigerant leak can be a bit tricky, so it’s best left to the pros. Reach out to a qualified technician to handle this.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Speaking of qualified pros, regular maintenance can help prevent your AC from blowing lukewarm air, not to mention deter other issues from happening in the first place. Consider scheduling annual check-ups with a professional to keep your AC running smoothly.
Stay Cool with Fans and Shades
While you’re troubleshooting, use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate the air in your home. Also, draw curtains or blinds to block out the sun’s heat. These little hacks can help keep your space comfortable while you get your AC sorted out.
Call in the Pros
If you’ve tried all the steps above and your AC is still blowing warm air, it’s time to call in the experts. HVAC technicians have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix more complex issues that might be affecting your air conditioner.
Don’t Try to Be an AC Pro
We get it, DIY is fun. But when it comes to your air conditioner, it’s usually best to leave the big fixes to the professionals. Tinkering with complex systems can sometimes make matters worse. Plus, you might void your warranty if you attempt repairs yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my AC blowing warm air?
To make your AC cool again when it’s blowing warm air, try setting the thermostat to a lower temperature and making sure all windows and doors are closed to keep the cool air in.
Why is my AC blowing out lukewarm air?
If your AC is blowing lukewarm air, it might be because it needs a fresh air filter or it’s low on refrigerant; you can fix this by changing the filter or calling a professional for a Refrigerant refill.
Why is my AC blowing but not cooling?
If your AC is blowing air but not cooling, check if the thermostat is set to “cool” and make sure the air filter is clean. If it still doesn’t cool, it’s best to get a technician to look at it.
Should I turn off the AC if it is blowing warm air?
If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s a good idea to turn it off temporarily to prevent further warm air circulation, and then troubleshoot the issue or call for assistance.
Conclusion
Watching your air conditioner blow warm air on a hot day can be frustrating. With a little troubleshooting and some maintenance, you can get your cool air back in no time.
Start with the tips mentioned above. That way, you can diagnose what’s causing your AC unit to spew out warm air. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted HVAC technician to save the day.
