AC Blowing Warm Air

When your air conditioner is blowing warm air in your Central Florida home, there better be a good reason! After all, one of the worst feelings as a homeowner is walking into your home on a hot day to cool off only to realize that warm air is coming out of your air vents. But what’s causing the warm air to blow, and what can you do about it?

9 Reasons  Your AC is Blowing Warm Air

1. Clogged Air Filters

Your air filters are responsible for trapping all sorts of pathogens and particles in the air. While they help keep your home’s air clean and safe to breathe, they also become saturated over time. Clogged air filters restrict airflow and keep cool air from circulating properly through your home. It can also cause your system to overwork, which can lead to other AC problems. You should change your air filters every 30 to 90 days — the frequency and what type of filters you should use will depend on several factors in your household, including:

  • Square footage of home
  • Number of pets
  • Number of allergy sufferers
  • Number of smokers
  • Workload of air conditioner

2. Dirty Evaporator Coils

Located in the indoor air handler unit, evaporator coils play a crucial role in how your AC system cools the air. It’s where the hot air is absorbed and cooled by refrigeration. These coils, however, can become dirty or clogged, restricting their ability to cool the air properly. If this is the case, your AC unit won’t be able to cool your home efficiently, and warm air may blow instead.

While it may be best left to a professional technician, you can clean the coils yourself by following these steps:

  1. Turn the AC system completely off, preferably at the panel and the breaker.
  2. Locate the coils. They will be housed in the air handler near the blower fan. You may need to consult the manual or other resources if you have trouble finding them.
  3. Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of warm water and regular household cleaning detergent.
  4. Spray the solution and let it sit for up to 10 minutes.
  5. Gently wipe away the debris from the coils with a soft cloth.

3. Clogged Condensate Line

During your AC unit’s heating and cooling process, a lot of condensation is released. The condensate line is responsible for carrying this moisture outside, where it generally empties from an exterior wall of your home. Because the drain line’s environment is constantly wet, it’s normal for buildup to occur, such as mold or even algae. When the line is clogged, your AC system’s ability to remove humid air is obstructed, causing warm air to blow throughout your home.

Learn: How to Unclog Your AC Drain Line

4. Malfunctioning Compressor

Your air conditioning unit depends on refrigerant to be cycled through the unit in order to blow cold air when it is turned on. If the compressor in your unit is malfunctioning, the refrigerant is unable to turn from a gas to a liquid to cool the air. This is vital in ensuring that cold air blows from your air conditioning vents.

5. Refrigerant Leak

Once again, refrigerant plays a vital role in allowing your air conditioning unit to blow cold air. If there is a refrigerant leak within your unit and it’s escaping into the surrounding area, your unit will be unable to produce any cold air at all. An easy way to spot a refrigerant leak is if the evaporator coils on the unit are frosted over, but cold air is not blowing within your home.

6. Duct Leaks

Warm air may blow from your vents if there is a big enough leak in your home’s ductwork. The ducts within your home deliver cool air throughout, but if there is a leak, warm air can be mixed into the already cooled air, producing warmer than normal air blowing from your vents. Ductwork issues should always be handled by a professional. Having your ductwork cleaned or serviced every three to five years can prevent many of these problems from occurring.

7. Obstructed Outdoor AC Unit

Always make sure that your outdoor AC unit is free of obstructions. Overgrown landscaping or other debris can clog your AC system. Clogs in the AC unit cause the system to work harder than it needs to, sometimes causing it to overheat. Luckily, this issue has an easy, DIY fix. Just clear away any and all debris from the area surrounding your AC unit.

8. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Have you checked your thermostat to ensure it is set correctly? If it’s set to HEAT, simply switch it to COOL and to the temperature you prefer. The thermostat’s fan setting can also cause the AC to blow warm air. If the fan is set to ON instead of AUTO, it will continue blowing even when a cooling cycle is not running. Switch the fan setting to AUTO and see if this fixes the problem. We have often seen that AC issues are as simple as a thermostat user error. Check your thermostat before you give us a call!

Is your thermostat bad? Check out our blog: How to Tell if Your Thermostat is Bad

9. Time to Replace AC Unit

Even the best air conditioner will eventually run its course. The average lifespan of an AC unit is 15 to 20 years, depending on how it’s been used and cared for. Keeping up with routine maintenance — such as replacing air filters and having semi-annual tune-ups — can help your unit last longer and perform better during its lifetime. If you’re following the recommended maintenance and your unit is still struggling to heat and cool properly, it’s probably time to evaluate replacement options. Talking to one of our licensed HVAC professionals can help you decide what system is best for your needs.

AC Repair in Central Florida with Complete Air Mechanical

There is no reason for you to live with your AC blowing hot or warm air! Contact the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning experts at Complete Air Mechanical, located in Longwood, FL today. We’ll ensure that all AC repairs are made in a cost and time-efficient manner. We will also explain AC maintenance strategies to help ensure your system keeps you comfortable for many years to come.

Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.