Air Conditioning Unit Blowing Hot Air

Is your air conditioner blowing warm air? If that’s the case, it’s doing the opposite of what it’s supposed to. You should be aware of your AC unit blowing warm air because it can become a big problem if ignored. This could be happening for a plethora of reasons, and it’s important to know why for the health of your air conditioning system.

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, you should be worried. It’s not only uncomfortable, but is often a sign of an underlying issue. That’s why Peel Heating has put together this guide to help you understand the root of the problem and how a professional HVAC technician can solve it.

Reasons an Air Conditioner Blow Warm Air

If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air anymore, something is afoot. When summer rolls around, your air conditioner should be keeping you cool and comfortable. Let’s discuss possible causes for this phenomenon. Here are some of the reasons your AC unit could be blowing warm air instead of cold.

Thermostat Issues

The thermostat settings control your air conditioner and the air that comes out of it. The temperature should be low, and the heat setting should be off. Ensure the fan setting is on to circulate the air continuously. If this doesn’t fix things, you may have to replace the batteries in the thermostat.

Circuit Breaker or Electrical Problems

Your air conditioner could also be blowing warm air because the breaker switches are tripped. Unlike if your AC unit isn’t running at all, your air conditioner is on. However, you should check to see if the condensing unit is off. Look at your circuit breaker and try turning the switch on and off to see if it makes a difference.

Clogged Line or Water Buildup

Any AC system will create an excess amount of water. That’s because it takes warm air and converts it into cool air. Because of this, there is a drain line to get rid of this water, but the condensate line can get blocked over time. This can lead to leaks and prevent your AC unit from cooling down the warm air.

Dirty Air Filters

Your air conditioner has air filters to prevent debris from entering the unit, and changing them is a basic part of AC maintenance. Although this is a minor problem, it can lead to bigger issues if left unaddressed. Dirty and clogged air filters can cause the motor, fan, or compressor to work too hard and cause the system to turn off. Over time, this can affect your evaporator coils, which stops your AC system from cooling like it usually does.

Debris on Evaporator Coils

A dirty air filter isn’t the only thing that affects your air filter. Evaporator coils can also get contaminated. Why does this matter? They are designed to take the warm air from your home and turn it into cool air. When dirt and debris build up on these coils, they are unable to reduce the air’s temperature, causing warm air to come out of your unit.

Ice on Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are essential parts of air conditioners. They store refrigerant, which converts warm air into cool air to distribute throughout your home. However, when a block of ice forms on your evaporator coils, airflow becomes nonexistent. The result is hot air coming out of your AC system because these coils cannot convert the refrigerant from liquid to gas and back to its liquid state again.

Outdoor Unit Has No Power

Every AC system has multiple components, including an indoor and outdoor unit. They work together to keep you and your family cool and comfortable. The indoor unit distributes air throughout your home, and the outdoor unit converts warm air into cool air. If the outdoor unit loses power, warm air will start coming out of your indoor unit.

Lack of Refrigerant

Refrigerant is what allows your air conditioner to convert warm air into cool air. When the levels go down due to a problem such as a dirty evaporator coil or a leak, your air conditioner cannot cool down the hot air inside it. Not only can this affect the function of your air conditioner, but it can also cause your energy bills to go up.

Leaking Air Duct

Ductwork is an integral part of any AC system. It allows your air conditioner to cool your home and is essentially a path for the air to travel through. However, when there is a leak, warm air mixes with cool air and warms up your space instead of cooling it down. This causes your space to warm up instead of cooling down.

Compressor Malfunction

The AC compressor compresses the refrigerant to keep your AC system’s evaporator coil cold. When the condenser coil cannot do its job, hot air will enter your home. Dirty condenser coils and the buildup of leaves and other objects can also cause problems.

Broken Down Condenser Fan

The condenser fan in your AC system transfers heat from the refrigerant system back outside and prevents overheating. When an air conditioner overheats, the entire system can stop working or, in other cases, start blowing hot air. If this is happening, you could notice the following: the fan blades not turning, the fan moving slower than usual, something blocking the fan blades, or warped fan blades.

Blocked or Closed Return Vents

Return vents allow cool air to circulate through your home. If furniture or other objects block your return vents, this can cause issues with your air conditioner, including the previously mentioned air duct leaks. Not only does this make your AC have to work harder to get the job done, but it also takes a toll on your fan and fan motor over time.

What to Do When Your AC is Blowing Warm Air

So, what do you do when your AC system is blowing warm air? You have a few options. Let’s discuss each one.

Reset Your AC System

If your air conditioner is blowing hot air instead of cold air, try resetting it. This is also something you can do after a power outage. First, you turn off all parts of your AC unit. Next, find the reset button and press it for a few seconds. It should be on the nearby electrical box or on the unit itself. Lastly, turn your system back on and see if it solves the problem.

Get Repairs

If a basic reset doesn’t work, you’ll need help from an HVAC professional. They will be able to diagnose the problem with your AC unit and suggest viable solutions. AC repair is often the most viable option.

Replace Your Air Conditioner

After having your system diagnosed by a professional, you have a decision to make. Will you repair your air conditioner or replace it altogether? Take factors such as the age of your system and how much the repairs cost compared to a new system. After having some time to think, you can make an informed decision.

If Your AC System is Blowing Warm Air, We Can Help!

Is your air conditioner blowing warm air? If it is, the time has come for you to do something. Calling a professional HVAC technician will help you solve the problem and enjoy home comfort once more. Whether your AC blowing warm air is caused by a clogged air filter or issues with your compressor, an expert will know what to do.

Peel Heating serves Mississauga and surrounding communities throughout the GTA. Contact us now to learn about our cooling services and how we can help you solve your problems today.

AC Blowing Warm Air FAQs

How do I fix my AC blowing hot air?

When your AC system is blowing warm air, there are a few steps you can take to stay cool. First off, you can check your thermostat setting. Ensure it’s set to cool, the fan is on, and the batteries aren’t dead. If this isn’t the cause of your AC problems, try flipping the HVAC breaker off and on if the fuse box has not been blown out. You can also try checking the air filters in your AC system. Unplug your air conditioner and then change the filter if it’s dirty. If you notice the evaporator coils are frozen, you’ll need help from an HVAC professional.

Why is my AC running but not cooling?

Your air conditioner is meant to produce cold air. If it’s running, but not cooling, you have an AC problem on your hands. This could be due to a plethora of reasons, including:

• Thermostat on wrong setting
• Clogged air filter
• Condenser unit blockage
• Heat pump damaged
• Frozen evaporator coil
• Refrigerant leak
• AC system too small

Fixing this issue could be as simple as changing the settings on your thermostat or changing an air filter. However, it could also be a more severe problem like a frozen evaporator coil or refrigerant leak that requires the attention of an HVAC technician.

Should I change my filters if my AC is blowing hot air?

Yes, you should change your air filters if you notice that your AC is blowing warm air. When your air filters get dirty, they stop your air conditioner from removing heat from the air, which causes your air conditioner to blow hot air instead of cold air.

What if I already change the filters and it is still blowing hot air?

One of the first things you should try when your AC system blows hot air is changing the air filters. However, when this doesn’t work, you’re likely dealing with another type of issue. Refrigerant leaks, damaged condensers and other mechanical problems should be dealt with by an expert.

Is it dangerous if my AC is blowing hot air?

AC systems can become dangerous if they blow hot air, depending on the situation. You should be weary when dealing with a refrigerant leak. It’s not safe, especially if your AC is also encountering electrical problems.

Why is my AC blowing hot air out of nowhere? 

As previously mentioned, when your AC starts blowing warm air out of nowhere, you should look for the root of the problem. Common causes range from a blown fuse to a clogged drain line.

Should I turn off my AC when it blows hot air?

Yes, if your AC blows hot air, you should turn it off immediately. Call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem as soon as possible.

Who should I call if my AC is blowing hot air?

Call your local HVAC professional if your AC system is blowing hot air.