In the hot, humid Florida climate, having a reliable home air conditioning system can make a big difference for your health and well-being. When your air conditioner suddenly starts blowing warm air, it may be due to several factors. Some are simple issues, while others require a professional for repair assistance.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
When troubleshooting your air conditioning system, you should start by looking at your thermostat. Sometimes, it might just be an incorrect setting causing your warm-air issues. Ensure that your thermostat is set to cool, not heat. Make sure your blower fan isn’t set to on instead of auto.
If your blower is programmed in the “on” position, your fan will circulate air nonstop, even when your air conditioning system isn’t running. When your air conditioner turns off, and the blower fan is still running, it can feel like warm air is coming out of your vents. If you’re noticing an intermittent problem where it sometimes blows warm air and sometimes cold, it’s likely that your blower fan is on the wrong setting.
Dirty Air Filter
Another common culprit of warm air from your AC system is that you have a dirty or clogged air filter. When your air filter is too dirty, it will restrict airflow throughout your system. This will prevent it from cooling properly. When air can’t move freely throughout your unit, the evaporator coil can get too cold and potentially freeze up due to the refrigerant inside.
When that happens, your air conditioner will simply circulate the same temperature air throughout your home without cooling it. A dirty air filter is a pretty simple fix. All you need to do is replace it with a new one. A necessary part of AC maintenance is checking your air filter on a regular schedule. If your coils are frozen due to the filter, you’ll need to wait for them to thaw before turning your system back on.
Low Refrigerant Level
Refrigerant is responsible for removing heat from inside your home and releasing it outdoors. If your refrigerant level is low, it won’t effectively remove heat from the air. Instead, your system will continue to circulate room-temperature air rather than cool it.
You may hear a hissing or bubbling noise coming from your system if you have a refrigerant leak. If you suspect that you do have low refrigerant, you’ll need one of our HVAC technicians to repair the leak and recharge your refrigerant level. Working with refrigerant requires special licensing, so always call a certified technician to deal with this chemical.
Blocked Airflow
For your air conditioning system to properly disperse cold air throughout your entire home, it needs to have adequate airflow. If there’s any blockage in your vents or registers, it can restrict cold air from reaching those rooms. You’ll notice that your home has warm and cold spots. In warm rooms, check all your vents and registers to see if they’re blocked by curtains, rugs, or even furniture.
Another area you’ll want to check is your outdoor condenser unit. For your unit to operate efficiently, it needs about 2 to 3 feet of clear space around the condenser. If there is debris blown up against it, like leaves, it can restrict the flow of air and minimize the cooling capability of your system.
Mechanical Issues
Your air conditioning system relies on several mechanical and electrical components that all work together to effectively cool your home. These include things like the compressor, capacitors, and motors. If any one of these parts fails, your system may not be able to cool and will start blowing warm air.
For example, a failing compressor won’t be able to circulate refrigerant to adequately remove heat from the air. A broken fan motor can stop heat from being released into the outdoor air at your condenser unit. These issues are not easy to troubleshoot by a homeowner and require a trained expert. However, you can catch these issues early if you have your units serviced annually.
The Importance of Prompt Repair Services
When you experience an issue with your air conditioning system, it’s important to turn it off and do some basic troubleshooting. If you think there’s a dirty filter, replace it and check your thermostat settings. Beyond those basic troubleshooting tips, seek out professional assistance.
Top-Notch AC Repair Services
ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning provides top-notch AC repair services in Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota County, and the surrounding towns. We can also help with all your AC replacement, new installation, and maintenance needs.
Contact our team today to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly HVAC technicians in Southwest Florida.
