It’s another hot, Arizona summer, but the air coming out of your AC is warm. It’s important to deal with this problem quickly. Here are a few possible explanations for your AC blowing out hot air — and what you can do about it.
- Your thermostat. This is one of those problems that’s so obvious, people tend to miss it. Is your thermostat set to “Heat” instead of “Cool”? It’s an easy mistake to make, particularly when turning the system on at the beginning of the season. Check the settings and make any necessary adjustments.
- Your fan. If hot air only comes out sometimes, the problem might be your fan settings. Be sure it’s set to “Auto,” not “On.” If it’s set to “On,” then it’s running 24/7 whether your AC is or not. That means room-temperature air is blowing through your home when the AC isn’t in service. Switching it to “Auto” will not only make you more comfortable, it will save energy.
- Your refrigerant. If your system has a refrigerant leak, it won’t be able to cool your air properly before circulating it through your home, which will lead to your AC blowing out hot air. Check the condenser coil for ice and see if there’s water leaking around your outdoor unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call your HVAC technician to recharge it.
- Your filter. It may seem like you have an AC blowing out hot air, but the problem may simply be that not enough cold air is coming out. Check to see if your filter is clogged. Replace your filter every three to six months to maintain airflow.
- Your outdoor unit. Another thing that can restrict airflow is debris around your outdoor AC unit. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance all around it. Remove any branches, sticks, tall grass, etc. Also, clean your coils at least once a year to keep them free of dirt and debris. Your HVAC technician can do this during your annual maintenance visit.
For help dealing with your AC blowing out hot air, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Yuma.
