Hot summer days are upon us, which means that your air conditioner in Idaho is working hard to keep you cool and comfortable.
If your air conditioner starts blowing hot air through the registers, there could be several causes, including:
Thermostat & Fan Settings
The first thing to check is your thermostat and confirm that the settings haven’t been bumped or toyed with. If your thermostat is set to “heat,” switch it back to “cool.” It’s a simple thing to fix, but having the wrong setting is more common than you think.
You should also check the thermostat fan settings. While it may seem counterintuitive, you actually don’t want the fan to be set to “on.” When the fan is on, it will blow air through the ductwork regardless of whether your air conditioner is operating. Instead, make sure it is set to “auto.” When you set it to auto, the fan will only operate when your air conditioner operates.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dirty coils can significantly reduce efficiency and limit your air conditioner’s overall performance, leading to higher energy bills and less effective cooling. While cleaning the coils is a task you can tackle yourself with the right tools and precautions, it’s often a better idea to leave it to a trained HVAC technician.
Professionals have the expertise to clean the coils thoroughly without causing any damage to your system. During a routine service visit, a technician can not only clean the coils but also inspect other critical components, check for potential issues, and tune up your system to ensure it’s running at peak performance. Regular maintenance like this can help extend the lifespan of your air conditioner and keep it operating efficiently all season long.
Tripped Circuit Breakers
Warm air blowing from your system can sometimes stem from more complex issues, and pinpointing the cause is key to resolving it. One possibility is that the indoor or outdoor unit has lost power, which can happen for a variety of reasons. A common cause is a tripped circuit breaker, which might occur if the system experiences a power surge or overload.
Start by checking your circuit breaker panel to see if it has tripped. If it has, simply reset it by switching it off and then back on. However, if the breaker keeps tripping or the problem persists, the issue could go beyond a simple reset. It may be due to a faulty circuit breaker, a damaged fuse panel, or even a deeper electrical issue within the system. In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and repair the problem to avoid further damage or potential safety risks. Ignoring these signs could lead to more significant and expensive repairs down the line.
Low Refrigerant
One of the most common reasons for warm air coming through your registers is low refrigerant levels, which are often the result of a leak in the system. Refrigerant is essential for your air conditioner to function properly, as it absorbs heat from the air and cools your home. If there’s a leak, the system won’t have enough refrigerant to maintain optimal cooling, leading to warm air being blown out of your vents. Detecting and repairing such leaks requires professional attention.
Recharging refrigerant is a highly specialized task that involves precise measurements and tools, and it should never be attempted on your own. Not only is refrigerant toxic if mishandled, but improper handling can also damage your HVAC system or cause safety hazards, including potential exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, in many regions, handling refrigerant without proper certification is illegal due to its environmental impact. To ensure your system is repaired safely and effectively, it’s always best to leave this job to a trained professional who can diagnose the issue, fix any leaks, and recharge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Compressor Failure
When your compressor fails, it can no longer effectively compress the refrigerant, leading to reduced efficiency and a noticeable drop in cool air output. Common signs of compressor issues include:
- Unusual growling or screeching sounds
- Delayed AC startup
- Frequent circuit breaker trips
- Weakened airflow
If the compressor is at fault, a skilled HVAC technician can diagnose the issue and either repair or replace the faulty component to restore proper functionality.
Depend On Advanced Home Services for Your Comfort!
Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians are highly trained professionals who adhere to the strictest safety and quality standards.
We will thoroughly inspect your system and determine the root cause of your cooling issues. We maintain a complete parts inventory and can quickly restore comfort to your home.
Is your air conditioner blowing warm air through your registers? Contact the air conditioning experts at Advanced Home Services at [site_info_phone_number] for AC repair.