Why is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

06/01/2023

Summertime in Knoxville isn’t for the faint of heart. You rely on your air conditioning to keep your home cool and comfortable — but what happens when your AC starts blowing hot air?

Don’t sweat! This blog post explores some common reasons why your AC might be blowing warm air instead of cool. Let’s start troubleshooting.

woman testing HVAC unit because it's blowing hot air

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If you notice that your AC is emitting warm air instead of cool air, the first step is to verify the thermostat settings. Ensure that it’s adjusted to “cool” mode and that the temperature shown is less than the present room temperature. If this is not the case, it’s essential to investigate the matter further to identify the cause of the problem.

Clogged Air Filters

One potential reason for hot air coming from your AC is clogged air filters. These filters play an important role in maintaining proper airflow and air quality. As time passes, they can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which obstructs the airflow and leads to hot air blowing from your AC.

Maintaining the smooth operation of your AC is crucial, and one of the most important steps to achieve this is by replacing its air filters every three months, depending on how often you use it. By doing so, you can avoid a myriad of issues that may arise from clogged or dirty filters, ensuring that your AC functions optimally.

Refrigerant Leak

The refrigerant is a crucial substance that plays a vital role in cooling the air in your AC system. Any decrease in the refrigerant level due to leaks can lead to inadequate cooling of your indoor air, resulting in hot air blowing through your vents.

Typically, these leaks occur due to worn-out coils or faulty connections, which can cause significant damage to your AC unit. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly inspect and maintain your AC system to prevent refrigerant leaks and ensure optimal performance.

Handling AC refrigerant requires expertise and special equipment, so this is a repair to leave to the pros. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and repair any refrigerant leaks in your HVAC system.

Faulty Compressor

The AC system is composed of several components, and among them, the compressor plays a crucial role. It is the heart of the system as it compresses the refrigerant, enabling it to absorb heat from the interior of your home and release it outside. This process cools your home, making it a comfortable place to live in.

However, if the compressor malfunctions, it cannot perform this crucial function, and as a result, your AC will start blowing hot air instead of cold air. The common causes of compressor malfunction include electrical issues, motor failure, and mechanical problems. These issues are more complex and require the expertise of a qualified HVAC technician to fix them.

Avoid attempting compressor repairs yourself to prevent further damage or injury. Call a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair your faulty AC compressor.

Blocked Condenser Unit

Your AC system has an outdoor component called the condenser unit which releases the heat absorbed from your home. If this unit is obstructed by leaves, debris, or vegetation, your HVAC system won’t be able to disperse the hot air, and it will blow back inside.

To prevent this, it’s important to regularly check your condenser unit and clear any obstructions that are blocking the airflow.

Professional AC Repair and Maintenance

AC problems are frustrating, especially during a scorching Tennessee summer. You can troubleshoot the issue by checking your thermostat settings, replacing air filters regularly, and ensuring the condenser unit is clear of obstructions.

Remember — problems like refrigerant leaks or faulty compressors need professional attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a reputable HVAC company for reliable AC repair.

Regular professional HVAC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, extends the lifespan of your equipment, and prevents expensive repairs down the line. Learn more from our experts about how regular maintenance saves you money!

Trust the HVAC Experts in Knoxville and Lenoir City

At Chancey & Reynolds, we have been providing HVAC services since 1978. We’re the go-to residential and commercial HVAC service provider in Greater Knoxville.

Chancey & Reynolds has been providing reliable HVAC services since 1978. We’re the go-to residential and commercial HVAC service provider in Greater Knoxville and Lenoir City. Home and business owners trust our NATE-certified technicians to deliver superior long-term solutions for their unique needs. We even offer free estimates and convenient financing options for commercial and residential customers! Stay cool, Knoxville!