Common Causes And Solutions For An AC Not Cooling
When your AC blows warm air, it can quickly turn your home from a sanctuary of cool comfort into an unbearable environment. This common issue leaves many homeowners puzzled and frustrated, asking, “Why does my AC feel warm instead of cool?”
Understanding the root causes is essential for effective troubleshooting. At Mission Air, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of it. Follow along to discover common causes of an air conditioner blowing warm air and what can be done about it.
1. Thermostat Malfunctions Or Setting Errors
If you’re trying to figure out why your system is blowing warm air, a good place to start is to inspect your thermostat for incorrect thermostat settings or malfunctions. Your thermostat is the brain of your cooling system, and if it’s not set correctly, it can’t tell your AC to cool your home properly.
Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” mode and verify that the temperature setting is lower than the current room temperature. Additionally, confirm that the fan setting is on “auto” rather than “on” to avoid the fan running constantly without cooling.
If these adjustments don’t resolve the issue, your thermostat might be malfunctioning. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem. Our technicians are ready to help you!
2. Dirty Air Filters
An air conditioner cools your space by taking air from your home, cooling it as it flows across the coils in the system, then recirculating the cooled air back into your home through the ductwork. When your air filters become clogged with dust and debris, they restrict airflow. This reduction in airflow decreases the efficiency and effectiveness of your AC system. To help keep your system working well check your filters regularly and clean or replace them as needed, typically monthly or quarterly.
Using high-quality filters can improve indoor air quality and system performance. To ensure optimal functionality, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific AC unit.
3. Leaks Or Blockages In Ductwork
Leaks or blockages in the ductwork can lead to increased energy usage, temperature differences between rooms, high humidity inside during the cooling season and an overall poor performance of your AC system. Because ducts are typically in external spaces — like attics and crawlspaces — gaps or holes in ducts can bring in extra heat and humidity. They can also cause the air you just paid to cool to leak outside your home.
Warm air can enter also enter through these gaps, causing greater inefficiency. Inspect visible ductwork for gaps, holes or disconnections so that you can identify a problem quickly. You can also listen for unusual sounds like whistling or rattling from the ducts and monitor temperature variations in different rooms.
If you suspect ductwork issues, our team can perform a thorough inspection and make the necessary repairs to ensure optimal airflow.
4. Overheating AC Unit
An overheating AC unit will not cool your home well. This can be caused by various issues — including dirty outdoor coils, a failing fan motor and inadequate airflow around the outdoor unit. Signs your AC unit is overheating include poor cooling inside, the outdoor unit being hot to the touch, the outdoor unit making odd noises or strange odors inside your home.
Recognizing these signs early is the first step to preventing damage from getting worse. If your AC is overheating, it’s crucial to contact a professional for a comprehensive inspection and repair.
5. Refrigerant Problems
An air conditioner cools your home by taking heat from inside and putting it outside. The refrigerant in a system is what carries this heat. Leaks in the system can lead to reduced levels of refrigerant, resulting in lower capacity and poor cooling. This can be evident if your home is not staying as cool as the thermostat is set for.
Signs of low refrigerant levels include your AC unit blowing warm air, hearing a hissing or bubbling sound near the AC or noticing ice buildup on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil. Due to environmental and safety concerns, refrigerant issues should always be handled by a professional. Our trained technicians at Mission Air can safely address refrigerant leaks and recharge your system.
6. Compressor Issues
Your AC compressor is a primary component of your cooling system, and its proper function is vital to keeping your home comfortable. Functioning like the “heart” of your AC system, your compressor circulates refrigerant through the system, and any issues with it can lead to your poor cooling performance and intermittent cooling outages.
Common compressor problems include electrical issues or wiring problems, overheating due to lack of maintenance and mechanical failures or damage. A malfunctioning compressor requires expert attention to diagnose and repair.
Trust our experienced technicians to handle these complex issues and restore your AC’s functionality.
Call Our Team If You Have An AC Unit Blowing Warm Air
If your AC unit is blowing warm air, it’s essential to understand the root causes to address the issue effectively. Regular maintenance and timely troubleshooting can help prevent these problems. However, some issues are complex and require professional attention.
At Mission Air, our experienced technicians are ready to help with any AC problem, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable. Contact us today for reliable AC maintenance, repairs and installations. Trust Mission Air to keep your AC running efficiently and your Hanover home perfectly cooled.
