You installed an air conditioner to provide cool air throughout your home when the temperatures outside are unbearable. Thus, it may be quite frustrating to come home from work and realize that your AC is not blowing cold air. This issue is concerning, and several reasons could lead to your AC blowing warm air. You need to understand these reasons so that you may know how to prevent their occurrence. Here are some main reasons why your AC is blowing warm air.
1. Low or Leaking Refrigerant
The refrigerant is a chemical that circulates inside your AC, changing from gas to liquid as it absorbs and releases heat. During this process, the refrigerant removes heat from your indoor area, thus, cooling down the space. It then releases the heat to the outdoors. This chemical goes through repeated cycles of condensation and evaporation but does not dissipate. It always remains at a certain preset level. You should note that every AC has its unique preset level, which ensures that it has the right balance for heat exchange. If the refrigerant level is low, it will lead to problems with the functioning of your AC. It will eventually lead to a complete loss of its cooling capability. This leads to warm air being blown by your AC.
Low refrigerant levels may be caused by leaks along the line or in the compressor. Note that you will not notice any dripping as the chemical usually evaporates as it escapes. However, the first sign you might be able to notice of leaking refrigerant is frost over the indoor coils. The indoor coils serve as the evaporator coil, where the refrigerant absorbs heat. Thus, with lower refrigerant levels, there is less heat absorption. The result is that the coils remain cold, and moisture starts to freeze over them. As more frost builds up, the level of heat absorption goes down significantly, which initiates a downward cycle that ends with a solid block of ice that covers the indoor coils. This blocks the whole process of heat exchange from occurring. The system may be forced to work harder to provide cold air into your home, leading to higher energy consumption and increased utility bills.
Furthermore, low refrigerant leads to damage to the compressor. The compressor is a pump device that pumps the refrigerant through the AC system. Since it is designed to compress a certain amount of refrigerant, it gets damaged if there is very little refrigerant. In worst cases, the compressor might break, leading to a complete air conditioner breakdown. You should call professionals immediately if you notice that the refrigerant is leaking, which can save you from expensive repairs if the machine breaks down.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters can cause many problems for you as a homeowner. When the air filters get dirty, allergens can no longer be trapped in the filter. These allergens end up building up in your ductwork. Therefore, the air circulating in your home becomes full of allergens and other airborne particles, leading to poor air quality and health issues.
A clogged air filter leads to a poor flow of cold air within your system. That cold air may then be trapped inside your system, which can cause ice formation on the indoor coils. If that happens, your system will freeze up and will be inoperable. Nonetheless, before your system freezes up completely, there will be several signs you can look out for. One of these signs is uneven cooling, which is when some of the rooms in your house feel colder than others. In this case, ensure you check the AC air filter first.
The most evident sign of a dirty or clogged air filter is the inefficiency of the air conditioner. Dirty filters make your system use more energy to keep your home cool and comfortable. In addition, when your system is forced to work overtime, it gets significant wear and tear. The result is that the life span of the unit is greatly reduced. Some people do not clean or change their air filters simply because they are not sure of how frequently they should change them. Experts recommend that the air filters be changed at least once every 90 days depending on factors such as the number of pets and people in your home and whether or not you suffer from any respiratory illnesses.
3. A Faulty Thermostat
You are likely not to pay much attention to your thermostat when it works correctly. However, this small and very dependable system plays a critical role in ensuring that your home has the perfect temperature settings. It basically controls the temperature in your home by communicating with your air conditioner to turn it on and off as required. Thus, if the thermostat is broken or does not work accurately, it fails to communicate well with your system, which results in a lack of cold air.
Furthermore, if your thermostat is incorrectly calibrated, it can make your AC to blow hot air. If you notice that your system is blowing hot air, the first thing you should check is the thermostat setting. If the setting is correct, check the temperature settings to ensure it is set to a temperature lower than that of your home. If everything seems fine and the system is still blowing hot air, then it is time to call an expert. A professional technician will then repair or replace your thermostat to get your system working properly again.
4. Condenser Issues
If your AC is running but not lowering the temperature in your home, a clogged or blocked condenser could be another cause. A dirty condenser unit results in lower efficiency of your system with no cool air coming from the registers. In some extreme cases, a clogged condenser unit can lead to a system failure as a result of overuse. A condenser fan draws air into the outdoor unit through the condenser coil to remove heat energy from your home. However, dirt, grass, and other particles can build up between the fins and clog the coil. Since it can be risky to try and clean the coils by yourself, calling a certified HVAC expert is usually recommended.
The Bottom Line
There are many reasons why you might find that your AC is running but not cooling, ranging from simple issues like a wrongly set thermostat to complex issues like a damaged compressor. Ignoring this issue can make your home uncomfortable and lead to the entire system’s failure. The best prevention method for this issue is scheduling an annual tune-up for your air conditioner. Regular AC maintenance can help reduce utility bills, identify any refrigerant leaks, and ensure your system is properly cooling your home.
Call the Experts
If your air conditioner is not cooling your indoor space, our experienced technicians at Healthy Home Heating & Cooling LLC can help. They have years of expertise and will inspect your unit, diagnose the problem, and make repairs that will keep your home cool and cozy during the summer. We also offer heating, cooling, heat pumps, and indoor air quality services for residents of De Pere and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today at Healthy Home Heating & Cooling LLC and schedule an appointment with us.
