Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

Reasons Why Your AC is Blowing Hot Air

Imagine this — you’re sitting at home on a hot summer day, hoping that your air conditioner will cool the house down enough so you can feel comfortable when you realize it’s actually blowing hot air! When your AC starts pushing out warm air instead of a cool breeze, it’s usually not good news and means something has gone wrong with your unit.  There are several ways that this could happen, so it’s important to diagnose the specific issue before you start to melt in your own house. Our Perfect Home Services team is here to ensure you get to the bottom of the problem and start getting your humble abode in the Chicagoland area nice and cold this season. 

Your Air Filter Needs to be Cleaned

If your air conditioner is blowing a hot draft, one possible reason is that your home’s air filter is dirty. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow, causing your AC to work harder and making it less efficient. Not only will this make your humble abode less comfortable, but it will also drive up your energy bills. So cleaning it out as soon as possible is key to enjoying a cool house.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is what your air conditioner utilizes to cool the air inside your home. So, if your AC is blowing hot air, it could be because it’s low on refrigerant. You’ll know this is the case if you hear a hissing noise coming from your unit, which is the sound of refrigerant escaping. If you think your AC is starting to lose these important measurements, it’s best to call a professional for an air conditioner service.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Don’t worry; this happens more often than you think! Sometimes, we accidentally set our settings to “heat” instead of “cool.” Even if this isn’t the case, the temperature could be set too high, causing the AC to work overtime and eventually blow out a hot blast. Or, perhaps, the issue lies in the temperature-controlling device itself, meaning it’s time for a thermostat repair. 

Clogged Condensate Line

The condensate line is responsible for extracting moisture from the air and your unit; if it becomes clogged, that moisture has nowhere to go. As a result, your AC cannot remove humid air, which can cause it to blow a warm breeze. Include cleaning your condensate line in your regular air conditioner maintenance to avoid this issue in the future! 

Dirty Evaporator Coils

One of the most common reasons your air conditioner might be blowing hot air is because of dirty evaporator coils. When these coils get dusty or dirty, they can’t effectively absorb heat. This causes your air conditioner to work harder and eventually leads to hot air being blown into your home. Professionals will need to turn off your AC unit and remove the access panel to clean or replace the evaporator coils.

Your Unit Needs to be Replaced

Sometimes, the answers to your problems will subside when you upgrade your central cooling system altogether. As units get older, they start to lose their efficiency and have to work harder to cool your home. This causes them to use more energy, leading to higher utility bills. If your central comfort system is over ten years old, it’s probably time for an air conditioner replacement.

Contact Our Chicagoland Area Team for Air Conditioner Service

Staying comfortable during the warmer months means ensuring your air conditioning system is in good shape. We at Perfect Home Services can help. If you are experiencing any issues, our team is here to install a new system, repair your existing one, or help with maintenance tasks. Get in touch with Perfect Home Services today for your air conditioner servicing.