Why is My AC Blowing Hot?

There are few things more frustrating than switching on your air conditioner only to find that it’s actually blowing hot air. Since the whole point of an AC unit is to cool your home, that seems counterproductive, to say the least. Fortunately, it’s not too hard to troubleshoot this particular issue. Here are some of the most common causes.

Human Error

Before you panic, double-check your air conditioner to make sure it’s not in “warm” or “heat” mode. Don’t beat yourself up if it is; we’ve all made that mistake! Just be thankful that fixing this problem is as simple as pressing a button.

Dirty Air Filter

While a dirty air filter isn’t often the direct cause of blowing hot air, it’s a common issue that can lead to all sorts of problems for your air conditioner down the road. Depending on your air conditioner, you’ll need to replace or clean the air filter every one to three months. If you have a reusable filter, wash it completely and let it air dry before putting it back in the unit; if you use disposable filters, go to a factory authorized dealer to get replacements that are perfectly sized for your system.

The Outdoor Unit

The condenser coil is in the outdoor portion of your air conditioner; its job is to actually release hot air outside the home. If your indoor unit is working but your outdoor unit is not, that hot air has nowhere to go but inside the house. First, look for an electrical issue; if the outdoor unit doesn’t have power, you’ve found the source of the problem. A blocked condenser unit can also cause this issue, so clear away any vegetation or objects that might be stopping the flow of air and clean off the condenser coil.

Low Refrigerant Level

Refrigerant is the chemical that physically carries heat from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, removing it from your home. While the cooling cycle depends on refrigerant, it doesn’t actually “use up” any of the chemicals, so the refrigerant level in your air conditioner should remain constant during normal operation. If there’s a refrigerant leak, however, a whole host of issues can ensue, including blowing hot air instead of cold. If you suspect this issue, contact an HVAC pro immediately and shut off your unit to prevent damage.

We at Tempco Heating & Air Conditioning are proud to be the Lake Zurich, IL, area’s leading experts on air conditioner repair. We’ll be happy to come to your home and repair your air conditioner, and we also offer preventative maintenance to prevent these issues from returning. If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, give us a call.