An AC blowing warm air can quickly make everyone in your home uncomfortable, and it can even affect your energy bills. It’s important to have an idea of what can cause this common issue and when it’s time to reach out to a professional HVAC technician to get your system working properly again.
Here are three potential reasons your AC might be blowing warm air:
1. Refrigerant Leaks Leading to Poor Cooling
An AC blowing warm air can indicate a low refrigerant level, which can only occur when there’s a leak. Low refrigerant keeps the coils from properly cooling the air, so the system will push warm or untreated air back into your living spaces.
You’ll need a technician to repair the leak and top off your refrigerant level. In addition, getting an energy audit from your HVAC company can help you maximize efficiency, saving you money on utility costs.
What Kind of Refrigerant Does My AC Use?
To verify the refrigerant type on your system, check the owner’s manual. If you misplaced the manual, the manufacturer’s sticker on the outdoor compressor will list the refrigerant type. Alternatively, you can ask your AC repair professionals about your refrigerant type.
Due to the recent refrigerant phase-outs, any new air conditioner should use R-454B or R-32 refrigerants. If you have an older unit, your system probably uses a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant, which is hazardous to the environment. Any refrigerant should be handled only by professionals.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils That Won’t Release Heat Properly
For an AC blowing warm air, look at your condenser coils in the outdoor compressor. Over time, those coils will collect dirt and debris. Those contaminants allow moisture to collect, leading to frozen coils. You’ll need an air conditioner repair expert to clean the coils and replace damaged components.
How Often Should I Schedule Coil Cleaning?
Just as you rely on duct cleaning for proper airflow, you’ll need occasional coil cleaning to maintain cooling performance. Your HVAC technician will typically clean the coils once a year as part of your tune-up.
If you use your AC more heavily or for a longer period than normal, you might need additional service. Keeping up with coil cleaning can help you reduce the need for AC repair.
3. Overheated Circuits Interrupting the Compressor
Electrical issues can lead to an AC blowing warm air. As the circuits overheat, the breaker may trip and stop delivering power to the outdoor compressor. The indoor air handler runs on a separate circuit, so that unit will continue running.
Since the system isn’t cooling the air, this results in the blower fan pushing out warm air. You might need electrical repairs to fix the problem.
Get Solutions to Your Cooling Problems from the Pros
No matter the cause of your AC blowing warm air, the experienced team at All-Temp Heating and Cooling can handle the job. Whether you need urgent repairs or a brand-new unit, we can help you find the right solution for your needs. Contact us to schedule service in Staunton today.