In the middle of a hot, humid day, the last thing you want is for warm air to be blown by your AC unit. For homeowners, this is one of the most common air conditioning problems. If your unit has this problem, don’t panic; this AC guide will give you the most common reasons for the warm air issue along with tips on how you can fix them.
The Most Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Warm Air
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
You should check your thermostat setting before anything else. If it’s set to “HEAT,” your air conditioner will blow warm air. Another cause may be that you have forgotten to switch from “HEAT” to “COOL”, or another household member may have accidentally reset it.
The fan may also have been set to “ON.” In this case, air will continue to be blown even when the AC isn’t running to cool that air.
DIY Solution: Check what mode your thermostat is in, make sure it is set to “COOL” instead of “HEAT.” If you haven’t installed a whole-house air cleaner, be sure to set the fan setting to “AUTO.”
Severely Clogged Air Filters
Unrestricted airflow is crucial for your HVAC system to properly function. If you have an old air filter that’s clogged with dirt and debris, the airflow and cooling effectiveness of your AC will be harmfully reduced. As a result, this can cause your registers’ air to feel warmer than expected.
DIY Solution: Turn the AC unit off and remove the dirty filter. Then clean and reinstall it after it’s completely dry, or replace it with a new one. To prevent this issue from occurring again, be sure to check your filter monthly and change or replace it if dirty.
Outdoor Unit Problems
Your air conditioning system consists of two main parts – the indoor unit and the outdoor unit – that work complementary to cool your home. If there’s a loss of power to the outside unit, the indoor unit may still operate, but your home’s air will not be cooled. This power loss can be attributed to mechanical issues with the emergency shutoff switch or the circuit breaker.
The outdoor unit can also be clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris. In these cases, impaired airflow could degrade your air conditioner’s cooling capacity.
DIY Solution: Locate your outside unit’s breaker switch. Reset it by pushing it all the way to the off position before flipping it back on. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, you may have to seek professional AC repair services.
If your outdoor unit is excessively dirty, you’ll need a wash. To do this, remove the case and gently clean the fins and condenser coils using a soft brush and garden hose. Also, make sure debris is swept away from the unit and the weeds, tall grass, and bushes are trimmed. This greenery may be blocking airflow. Since this conditioning must be performed very carefully, it’s best left to a professional.
Contact an East Bay Area HVAC Specialist Today
Scheduling annual AC maintenance will go a long way towards preventing your cooling system from delivering warm air. If your AC is blowing cold air in Castro Valley and the East Bay Area, contact B.A. Morrison. We provide quality HVAC installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance services delivered by experienced employees that always responds to your needs timely and effectively. We also offer home remodeling and commercial property maintenance services. To get started or for more information, fill out our contact form or call us at 510-538-9817 to get the expert help you need today!
