ac unit blowing warm air

We’re in the throws on the NOLA summer heat, and the last thing any of us want is for our air conditioning systems to be blowing air in an already arid climate. Cooling is the foundation of our homes’ comfort, so, if you’ve ever found yourself in an unfortunate position, where your AC unit is blowing warm air, this is the blog post for you.

Lots of people have struggled with this air conditioning system issue before, and it might even be one of the most common complaints. That’s why your friends at Optimum Air Solutions have put together a quick and comprehensive guide exploring some of the reasons behind your AC  blowing warm air, and a few practical solutions to restore your home’s comfort. 

Let’s get started!

Understanding AC Units and Their Operation

If you want to understand why your air conditioner is blowing warm air, you first need to think about how these systems operate. If you weren’t already aware, air conditioning systems utilize a refrigeration cycle to cool all of your indoor air. This cycle includes a number of key components:

  • The evaporator
  • The condenser
  • The refrigerant

Once your system’s refrigerant absorbs all of the heat from your indoor air as it is circulating through the evaporator coils to cool the air, it is then distributed through your home by way of the system’s ductwork. The heat that is absorbed is released into the outside air through the condenser coils. 

You know that everything is working properly when your AC system is delivering a steady and constant stream of cool air. On the other hand, if you notice that your unit is blowing warm air, that is a clear indication that there is a problem somewhere in the air circulation process.

Common Causes of an AC Unit Blowing Warm Air

Identifying the root cause of why your AC unit is blowing warm air is pretty simple, once you really know what you’re looking for. Here are a couple of symptoms to keep an eye out for:

Thermostat Settings

One of the most simple reasons your air conditioner is blowing warm air is incorrect thermostat settings. It’s very important to note that if your thermostat is set to “off” or “fan” you’re not going to feel any air being cooled, which is why warm air would be circulating in the space. Make sure that your thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the actual current room temperature.

Refrigerant Issues

Low refrigerant levels and leakage have negative impacts on air conditioning systems and may be the culprit of your AC unit blowing warm air. Refrigerant is vital for the cooling of your home. If you happen to have a leak in your system, it won’t be able to maintain the pressure necessary to cool your house. 

If you notice that your unit isn’t cooling your space adequately, ice could be forming on your evaporator coils. If this happens, call a professional! The Optimum Air Solutions team is always here to help.

Dirty Air Filters

If your air filters are clogged or dirty, that’s one of the easiest ways to get some warm air circulating through your home. It’s no secret that dirt air filters significantly restrict airflow, which makes it more difficult for your system to circulate the cool air. Make sure that you are changing your air filters regularly–at least every 1 to 3 months. That will help to prevent this issue.

Blocked Condenser Coils

Your outdoor unit’s condenser coils play a huge role in letting go of the heat that is absorbed by the refrigerant. If these coils end up blocked and clogged with dirt, debris, or foliage, your unit is sure to struggle to release heat, which ultimately leads to insufficient cooling. Make sure that you are being diligent about checking and cleaning the area around your outdoor unit to make sure you are being provided with proper airflow and functionality. 

Compressor Problems 

Your compressor is essentially the heart of your air conditioning system. If this fails or malfunctions in any way, your system’s refrigerant will not circulate properly, which could result in your AC unit blowing warm air. 

If you hear any weird noises or even a complete lack of cooling, there is definitely an issue with your compressor, and requires immediate attention.

Now that you can fully understand why your AC unit is blowing warm air, you are now able to take action and be more proactive in your approach to maintaining comfort. A good way to get ahead of your AC unit blowing warm air is through preventative maintenance. That’s where the Optimum Air Solutions team comes in!

We’re your trusted partners in all things HVAC and are happy to answer any questions or concerns. Are you ready to schedule your regular preventative maintenance? Click here to speak with one of our specialists and schedule a consultation today! We’ll work with you closely to understand the ins and outs of your needs and have your breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time.

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