Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air?
Posted by Moore Home Services
HVAC Basics
Santa Rosa summers are no joke. Though everything has been pretty mild this year, we know how hot it can get and no one is looking forward to it. Having working AC is absolutely crucial during this time; for some of our more vulnerable population, it could be the difference between life and death. But what do we do when we turn on the AC and feel only warm air coming out? If you’re ever wondering, “why is my AC blowing warm air,” it could be a few different reasons. Read on to learn the most common reasons why your AC blows warm air and what you can do about it.
Dirty Condenser Coil
Before we start, here’s a quick AC lesson. Central AC has two coils. One is outside in the condenser. This coil releases warm air into the atmosphere. The second coil is the evaporator coil that’s part of your inside unit. The evaporator coil takes warm air from any treated air inside. The outdoor condenser looks like a big, mean machine, but it’s really soft on the inside. Behind the gray grill is a condenser coil. This coil can be easily damaged by dirt and debris; this is why we suggest landscaping around your condenser. If your AC is blowing warm air, check the inside of your condenser. Once you can look inside, make sure no debris is floating around, if it is, and it’s large enough, pull it out. If the coil is visibly dirty, schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician and they will thoroughly clean everything for you.
Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is located in the indoor HVAC unit. It’s right next to the air filter. An important question you’ll often hear us ask is, “when was the last time you changed your air filter”? If you can’t remember, that could be the reason your AC is blowing warm air. When your air filter gets too dirty, it could lead to your evaporator coil getting too dirty. Once the evaporator coil is filled with dust and other debris, it has a problem circulating air. The dust and debris can cause such a backup that any cold air can’t break through and only warm air is distributed. Either way, it’s time to call an HVAC professional for a cleaning and tune-up.
Circuit Board Problems
It’s no secret that HVAC requires a lot of energy. That’s why you see your bills go up during peak cooling and heating season. One thing that can ensure you’re feeling warm air coming from your AC unit is faulty electrical or issues with the circuit board. If your circuit board is unable to handle the amount of energy required for the HVAC unit, it will shut itself off, causing your condenser to stop working, which in turn causes warm air to come from your vents.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is an important part of the cooling process. It absorbs heat so your treated air can be cool and stay cool. If you are running low on refrigerant, it’s one of two things. Either you haven’t had a tune-up in a very long time, or there’s a refrigerant leak in your system. A refrigerant leak can be bad, very bad. If you suspect there is a refrigerant leak do not try to remedy the problem yourself. Refrigerant is toxic and can cause major health problems if handled incorrectly. One of the best ways to check for low refrigerant is to conduct a quick visual inspection on your outdoor condenser. Is there ice forming on the grill? If so, your refrigerant is very low.
Faulty Thermostats
If your AC is blowing warm air, a culprit could be the thermostat. When thermostats start to get old, run out of batteries, or stop communicating with your HVAC unit, things can go awry. If you suspect the thermostat, turn it off and turn it back on again. Sometimes this simple reset can help. Also, check the batteries. I’ve you’ve taken both these steps and you’re still getting warm air, call Moore Home Services.
Is Your AC Blowing Warm Air? Call us!
At Moore Home Services, we understand the critical need for air conditioning. That’s why we employ only the best HVAC technicians who are expertly trained, friendly, and always wiling to lend a helping hand. Moore Home Services is Diamond Certified and proudly serves our Santa Rosa community. To schedule an appointment, call the number at the bottom of the screen or click here to book online.
