We’d save this post for future reference

It can be alarming when your air conditioner starts blowing hot air on a sweltering summer day. If that happens to you, don’t sweat it — read on for some tips and guidance on what might be causing the issue and how to proceed.

Common Reasons Why Your AC Would Blow Hot Air

There are several reasons why your AC might be blowing hot air. If you’d like to try to diagnose the problem before calling a professional, here are some of the most common issues:

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to struggle and potentially overheat, leading to warm air being circulated. Look at your air filter — is it dirty or clogged? Regularly checking and replacing your air filter can prevent this common issue.

Thermostat Error

Sometimes, the culprit can be as simple as incorrect thermostat settings. The problem can also be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. Does the temperature that your thermostat is reading seem to be the correct temperature? Does your thermostat need new batteries? Depending on the situation, it may be time to upgrade to a new thermostat.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If your evaporator coils freeze, your AC will struggle to absorb heat from your home, resulting in warm air. Inspect the coils on the outdoor unit for ice; if they’re frozen, this could be caused by insufficient airflow due to a number of problems, like a malfunctioning fan.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the agent that allows your air conditioner to cool air. If there’s a leak, your AC can’t cool the air effectively, leading to it blowing warm air. A leak can be slow or sudden. Detecting and fixing refrigerant leaks requires professional expertise, so call for AC repair if you think this may be the problem.

How To Fix Your Air Conditioner if It’s Blowing Hot Air

If you’re a fan of DIY solutions, try these steps if your air conditioner is blowing hot air:

1. Change the air filter: If you checked your air filter and discovered that it’s dirty, try changing it to a fresh one and see if the problem improves.
2. Check the thermostat settings: Check your thermostat and make sure it is set to ‘cool’ and not ‘heat’ or ‘fan.’ Make sure that the goal temperature is set lower than the room temperature.
3. Thaw your evaporator coils: If you find that the evaporator coils are frozen, turn off your AC and let them thaw. Consider running just the fan to speed up the process.
4. Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling to fix a refrigerant leak: You cannot DIY a refrigerant leak, as only technicians with the proper certifications can legally purchase refrigerant.

The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance

Regular AC maintenance is key to preventing unexpected hiccups such as refrigerant leaks and clogged filters, and can entirely prevent your AC from blowing hot air in the first place. With Rick’s Heating & Cooling’s HVAC Maintenance Plans, you can keep your system running at peak efficiency, saving you time and money while avoiding inconvenient breakdowns.

When To Call an Expert To Fix Your AC

If you’ve tried everything above and it hasn’t worked, you most likely need expert AC repair. Electrical problems, complex mechanical issues, and ductwork concerns are best handled by professionals. Improper repairs or letting issues go unaddressed can cause further damage to your AC system, leading to more expensive repairs.

Call the team at Rick’s Heating & Cooling for 24/7 emergency repair service, and we’ll get your AC back to running smoothly. If you need AC replacement, Rick’s Heating & Cooling is equipped to provide top-notch installation services to keep your home comfortable. We’re the experts you can trust for exceptional AC services!

If your AC is blowing hot air, call our team at (513) 899-6005 to schedule AC repair throughout Morrow and the suburbs of Cincinnati.