If you notice your AC unit blowing hot air, it’s time to call in a professional to diagnose the issue. Your HVAC professional can isolate the problem and recommend a solution. A few possible causes of AC units blowing hot air include a refrigerant leak, clogged filter, and restricted airflow. If none of these issues are the cause of hot air, here are some potential fixes for this problem.
Refrigerant leak
Refrigerant leaks are very common in AC units, and the most common cause is a formic acid leak, which causes tiny holes in the system. A leak can be repaired by replacing the parts that have been damaged, or you can replace the entire system with a new one. Refrigerant leaks are typically difficult to detect, however, because they can occur in any type of air conditioning system.
There are two main causes of refrigerant leaks: improperly installed AC units and dirty filters. A dirty filter can prevent air from flowing through the unit, which may be the first sign of a refrigerant leak. Dirty air filters may also be causing the unit to operate at a higher power setting. Dirty air filters can also increase energy usage. By forcing the HVAC unit to run at higher power levels, you’re making it more expensive.
Clogged filter
If you’re an AC unit is blowing hot air, it may be due to a clogged filter. Dirt and debris get trapped inside the AC unit and start accumulating on its condenser coils. The dirty coils will make your AC work harder than it should and eventually fail. So, how do you prevent this from happening to you? Follow these simple steps to prevent your AC unit from blowing hot air.
First, check the air filter. A clogged filter prevents air from flowing through the ventilation system. It can also lead to hot or cold spots in the house and inaccurate readings on your thermostat. Even if your AC unit is not blowing hot air, check its filter. If it is a simple problem, you may just need to replace the filter. In some cases, it could be the ductwork itself. A clogged filter in your air conditioner can cause the air to be unevenly heated or cooled.
Restricted airflow
Your home air conditioner is blowing hot air, or warm air, through the vents. The problem may be a refrigerant cycle issue, such as low freon or a clogged coil. The problem may also stem from a power issue, such as a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. In some cases, dirty coils or improper wiring may also be the cause of restricted airflow.
The first step in determining the cause of restricted airflow is to test the calibration of your thermostat. Check the temperature with a glass thermometer. If it differs by more than one degree, it may be time to get a new thermostat. Likewise, check the size of your ductwork. If it is too large, the ductwork will not be able to maintain adequate air pressure, preventing hot/cold air from reaching its destination. Likewise, a duct system that is too small will restrict airflow and may not distribute cool/hot air evenly throughout the house. Consequently, the HVAC system will not work as well as it should, resulting in weak airflow.
Compressor freezing up
If you’ve noticed that your air-conditioning unit has stopped blowing cold air, this could mean that your compressor is clogged. Your AC needs a good amount of airflow to operate properly, and a frozen compressor means it can’t pump the refrigerant effectively. An overheated compressor can trip you’re breaker. If this happens, call a professional and let them check your system. Regardless of how old your AC unit is, you should maintain it properly to avoid freezing.
The first step is to shut off the air-conditioning system using your thermostat. Once you’ve done that, manually turn on the fan to blow warm air onto the coil. This should help speed up the defrosting process, which may take all day in some extreme cases. If you leave your air conditioner running, the refrigerant can cause the compressor to become damaged. In addition, the evaporator coil can be clogged with dirt and debris, resulting in an insufficient airflow.
