When Your AC is Blowing Hot Air (and How To Fix It)
If your Cincinnati area home’s air conditioner is blowing hot air instead of cold, here are some of the issues that could be causing the problem (and what you can do about them):
Thermostat Is Set Wrong
This is the easiest fix on the list – and also the most embarrassing reason to have called out an HVAC specialist to look at your system. Your thermostat may be set to “heat” instead of “cool”. Check to ensure it’s set on “cool” mode and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature before calling in a pro. Sometimes, the thermostat can accidentally be set to “heat,” or to a higher temperature, causing the air conditioner to blow hot instead of cool air.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict air flow, causing your AC system to struggle to cool the air effectively. Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. This is an easy DIY fix.
Refrigerant Leak
If your AC is low on refrigerant due to a leak, it may not be able to produce cold air. Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Hissing noises,
- Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines,
- Decreased cooling performance over time.
Refrigerant leaks need to be addressed by a professional HVAC service provider such as the trusty pros here at Jansen Heating & Cooling.
Faulty Compressor
The compressor circulates refrigerant through the air conditioning system. If it is malfunctioning or failing, it may not be capable of cooling your home air properly.
Signs of a bad compressor include:
- Loud noises,
- Clicking sounds,
- Unit not running at all.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils in the outdoor unit can get dirty or blocked by debris, hindering heat transfer and causing the AC system to blow warm air.
Cleaning the coils may resolve this issue. If this is a matter of removing dirt, dead leaves, or other obstructions, you can do this yourself. If your condenser coils need an intense cleaning, you might want to have your local HVAC repair company do it so you don’t risk damaging any equipment.
Faulty Capacitor or Relay
Electrical components like capacitors and relays can fail over time, affecting the operation of your air conditioning system. If these components are faulty, they may need to be replaced.
You can test the capacitors with a multimeter to determine if they are functioning properly:
- Turn off the AC power and connect the multimeter probes to the capacitor and set it to “capacitance” mode.
- Take the value and compare it to the expected capacitor. If it is within 10-20% of the desired value it is working fine; if not, it is damaged.
Capacitors store electrical energy even when the power is off, so it’s smart to have a professional handle this task if you are not a skilled electrician as there is a risk of injury from electric shock.
Air Duct Problems
Issues with the air ducts, such as leaks or blockages, can prevent cold air from reaching your living space. Inspect the air ducts for signs of damage or obstruction.
Ask Your Neighbors for a Recommendation
If you are not knowledgeable about air conditioner functioning, you should have a licensed contractor come out to see what’s going on. Trying to fix it yourself without the skills and tools can cause further — and potentially expensive — damage.
If you don’t have a regular home comfort provider, talk to neighbors you trust about which Cincinnati HVAC company they use. Since we have been serving the Tri-State for over 70 years, they may suggest Jansen Heating & Cooling. We are reliable, experienced and friendly. We have built our business by providing great service and excellent products at a fair price for your neighbors. Your Jansen technician will always explain what is happening with your AC and answer any questions you may have. We can usually come out quickly to figure out how to fix any Cincinnati air conditioner that is not cooling.
What Customers Like About Jansen
Our prices are reasonable, and before we start making your repair, we will estimate the cost – and then stand by that estimate, even if the job turns out to be more complicated than your Jansen Heating & Cooling technician originally thought. We work quickly and clean up after we are done. Our goal is always to make your equipment last as long as possible before it needs to be replaced. And our hope is that we can take on the stress and worry about your home heating and cooling system so that you don’t have to.