Why Is My A/C Blowing Hot Air?
As summer approaches, skyrocketing temperatures and hot, hot, heat are going to become the norm. If you live in Phoenix or the surrounding areas, now is the perfect time to make sure that your air conditioning system is working properly. One of the biggest bummers to come with Arizona’s warmest season is the potential reality of a broken A/C unit!
Today, we are going to set our sights on one of the most common problems afflicting homeowners throughout Phoenix by figuring out why your AC is blowing hot air instead of cool air.
Condenser Unit Is Dirty
Did you know that one of the primary reasons for an A/C unit blowing warm air is due to a dirty condenser unit? The condenser unit for your air conditioning system should reside outside of your home, typically alongside the building itself. A sturdy square structure, condenser units can quickly become overwhelmed by debris from the outside world. Your condenser coil won’t operate correctly if it is covered in bushes, leaves, grass, or anything else of the sort.
Our Tip: Grab a broom and get sweeping. Spend some time cleaning around your condenser unit to make sure that overgrowth and debris are not a problem. If this fixes your hot air problem, then you are good to go with a minimal headache!
Thermostat Is Improperly Set
Sometimes the easiest solution is the correct solution. If you notice that your AC is suddenly blowing only hot air, the first thing you’ll need to do is address the settings of your thermostat system. Make sure that the system is set to cool instead of auto, this way you know you should be receiving cooled air. While it is fine to run the vents in your home without the AC itself, you might set yourself up for temporary frustrations by forgetting about the setting change.
If you want to maximize your cooling potential while minimizing your energy expense, consider setting your thermostat to a temperature roughly 5 degrees below the room’s temperature on the thermostat.
Our Tip: Before workshopping the issue any further, check out the settings on your thermostat. Many individuals will forget that they set their fans to ‘auto’ or ‘fan only’. A simple flick of the switch should have your air conditioning unit blowing out cool air once again.
Leaking Air Ducts
Wouldn’t you know it, but a leaking air duct can cause your air conditioning system to struggle! Leaks in air ducts can lead directly to a flawed cooling system, leaving your home warm and your energy bill sky-high. When cool air leaks through the ducts, you have to run the AC longer to catch up with the thermostat, causing exploding energy bills.
If you live in an older home or believe that you are losing energy due to poor ducting, consider consulting a professional at One Stop Heating & Cooling. A family-owned business, One Stop Heating & Cooling can identify issues within your system so as to find a quick and affordable solution.
Our Tip: Monitor your energy expenses and watch for any jumps from month to month. A leaking HVAC system will present energy spikes in your monthly reports.
Freezing Air Conditioning Unit
Did you know that an air conditioner can freeze into a solid block of ice? The evaporator coil of an air conditioning unit is required to provide heat. When the evaporator coil freezes, typically from the AC falling consistently below 32 degrees, the entire system can go down.
Our Tip: If you want to avoid freezing your air conditioning unit and its compressor, consider keeping your thermostat set on auto at a temperature between 70 and 72 degrees. Allow the compressor to thaw if it is frozen before turning the unit back on. If this doesn’t correct your issue, consider contacting an HVAC technician.
Failed Compressor
The compressor in your HVAC system is used to collect refrigerant gas before crushing it to raise the temperature and pressure of your home. If your compressor is not functioning properly it can lead to electrical failure, refrigerant backflow, and even issues with overheating. Compressors are traditionally fairly sturdy though they do begin to fail within ten to twenty years.
Our Tip: If you believe your compressor has begun to fairly, consider contacting an HVAC team for a consultation. You’ll either need a new compressor or a more cost-efficient AC unit in its stead.
Contact One Stop Heating & Cooling!
One Stop Heating & Cooling is a family-owned and operated HAC company based out of Phoenix, TX. With a decorated roster of professional HVAC technicians backed by years of industry experience, One Stop Heating & Cooling is your destination for affordable, effective, and accessible HVAC services.
One Stop Heating & Cooling specializes in
- Residential and Light Commercial Projects
- Quality Workmanship
- Expert Customer Service
- Routine Maintenance Checks
Contact One Stop today to schedule your consultation!
