We’ve all experienced the frustrations of poorly functioning air conditioners. On the hottest day of the year, you come inside the house to find it’s balmy and uncomfortable. You put your hand up by the register, only to discover that the A/C is blowing hot air. Before you run to the phone to call a repairman, here are some tasks you can do to potentially resolve the problem.
Troubleshooting an A/C That’s Blowing Hot Air
- Check the controls: Make sure the selector switch on the thermostat is set to “cool,” not “heat” or “fan.” Mistakes do happen, and this is by far the easiest fix.
- Check the compressor and condenser: Make sure the A/C is running. If the outside power supply isn’t on, the cooling system will blow air, but it won’t be cool. Make sure there’s no debris blocking airflow. If the coils are blocked and dirty, they won’t cool properly.
- Check to see if the air filter is clogged: Change or clean it if it’s dirty. While not often the cause of A/C failure, a dirty air filter can contribute to poor performance.
- Check for refrigerant circulation: While the air conditioner is running, grab the large copper line running to the compressor. It should be cold to the touch and show signs of condensation. If not, the refrigerant may be low or the compressor may not be pumping it efficiently through the system. Refrigerant leaks or compressor problems could both be factors when the A/C is blowing hot air. Both fixes require professional attention.
When your A/C is blowing hot air, rely on the HVAC professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re proud to serve the Elyria and Oberlin areas.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mile Atanasov/Shutterstock”
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area