One problem that many homeowners in Neptune Beach, FL, encounter is the air conditioner blowing warm air. This can reduce your indoor comfort on a hot day, and it may indicate a larger problem with the unit. Here are some common causes for your AC system to produce warm air:

The Thermostat on the Heat Setting

Generally, the first step you should take if your air conditioner is blowing warm air is to inspect your thermostat. Ensure that your fan is set at auto, the system is set at cool and the temperature setting is below the room temperature by at least 6 degrees.

Clogged Filters

Reduction in airflow can have a negative impact on the cooling functionality of your air conditioner. An AC unit requires warm air flowing through the coils to operate efficiently. Airflow helps AC unit’s filters eradicate air pollutants from the air, providing the machine with clean air and boosting its efficiency.

An air filter clogged with debris and dust can completely block air movement in the unit, preventing the coils from emitting heat and forcing the fans to blow heat back into your rooms. To prevent this from happening, clean and change the filters as recommended and ensure that your system undergoes regular maintenance services.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the fluid that enables the cooling process to take place. This substance is a closed loop; hence, you should never have liquid added unless there’s a leak in the coils or refrigerant lines. If there’s a leak, the system will lose its cooling power since it’ll lose the refrigerant charge.

The cooling loss can either happen suddenly or slowly depending on the leak size. In case this happens, a service technician will refill the refrigerant after repairing the leak.

However, if your machine is more than 10 years old, the highest probability is that it uses R-22 refrigerant, which has been phased out. You will want to think about replacing your machine with a less expensive alternative that uses R-410a refrigerant.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

A clogged air filter can force the evaporator coils to freeze. The reduced airflow prevents the coils from evaporating the condensation produced by the coils during the cooling process, resulting in freezing.

Warm air flowing through the coils also plays a significant role in preventing the coils from freezing. Thus, failure to receive enough airflow implies that the coil will get cold and cause the condensation to freeze. When this happens, the coils cannot absorb heat from the air, forcing the air conditioner to blow warm air.

To fix this issue, switch off the AC unit for two hours and let the evaporator coils thaw before you replace or clean the filters. Nevertheless, if the evaporator coils end up freezing again, contact a service technician as it may be as a result of internal issues with the AC unit.

The Outside Unit Is Not Getting Power

The AC system has two main units: the indoor unit and outdoor unit. The indoor unit can only blow air if the outdoor unit is functioning properly. Thus, if the vents are blowing warm air, it could be that the fuse is dead or the circuit breaker has tripped, stopping the flow of electricity to the outdoor unit.

To remedy this problem, inspect the fuse panel or circuit breaker to ensure that the circuit supplies power to the outdoor unit. If there’s a problem with the circuit breaker or fuse, contact a professional right away since it can be a sign of a huge problem.

Leaky or Disconnected Ducts

If a duct isn’t connected and has cracks or holes, it can negatively impact the airflow since the return air may have problems accessing the unit. Alternatively, the ducts may be losing the cooled air in your attic space and walls, making the AC system blow warm air.

If you can access the ducts, inspect them since duct leaks are a common issue caused by construction damage or rodents. You can also opt to contact a service technician to check the state of your ductwork system.

If your AC unit is blowing warm air, contact Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating today. We have reliable and experienced service technicians who can help you attain your home comfort goals.

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