When summer arrives and you turn on the air conditioner, you expect that instant rush of cool air. Unfortunately, sometimes you have an unpleasant surprise when you discover that the A/C is blowing hot air. Although this is frustrating, the number of causes are limited, and not all solutions carry a high price tag. Some are simple situations you can easily resolve. The problems fall into one of four general categories.
Check Settings First
Before you call the repairman, make sure the unit is set to “cool,” not “heat” or “fan.” You may be able to resolve the problem with a simple flip of the switch. It’s not unusual to turn the fan on in the cool of the morning only to learn that by noon the air from outdoors is heating the house. You can avoid making mistakes and save some money by installing a programmable thermostat to keep your home comfortable no matter what the weather.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty air filter may not make the A/C blow hot, but it can certainly restrict the airflow and make the unit work harder than it should. Excess dust and debris can settle on the coils and prevent them from cooling properly.
Inspect the Compressor and Condenser
Check the power supply outside the house. If the power is shut off at the unit, the fan will come on inside the house, but the compressor will not come on and will not produce cool air. This is a common issue when the A/C is blowing hot air. Check also for dirt and debris that can prevent the system from operating at optimal levels.
Check Refrigerant Levels
Two copper pipes run into the unit outside the house. If the levels are sufficient and it’s circulating properly, the larger pipe will be cold to the touch and collect a layer of cool moisture. If it’s hot and dry, turn the unit off and contact a repairman.
For professional help if your A/C is blowing hot air, contact the experts at Stack Heating & Cooling.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Cleveland, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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