As summer temperatures rise, many homeowners rely on their air conditioning units to keep their homes cool and comfortable. However, sometimes, an AC unit can start off blowing cold air but then begin to blow warm air after a while. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to escape the heat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible reasons why your home air conditioner starts cold then gets warm and what you can do to fix it.
Common Causes of Warm Air from AC Units
There are several reasons why your AC unit may start blowing warm air. When you encounter any of these issues, it might be time to call for residential or commercial HVAC repair and let the professionals handle it. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons why an AC unit might start blowing warm air is a dirty air filter. When the air filter is dirty, it can restrict the airflow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze up. When this happens, the AC unit may start blowing warm air because the frozen coils can’t absorb the heat from the air.
2. Refrigerant Leak
Another common cause of warm air from an AC unit is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant is what cools the air in the AC unit, so if there’s a leak, the AC won’t be able to cool the air properly. You may also notice a hissing or bubbling sound coming from the unit if there’s a refrigerant leak.
3. Faulty Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the AC unit, and if it’s not working correctly, the unit won’t be able to cool the air properly. A faulty compressor can cause the AC unit to blow warm air, and you may also notice that the unit is making strange noises.
4. Electrical Issues
Sometimes, electrical issues can cause an AC unit to blow warm air. For example, if the thermostat isn’t working correctly, it may not signal the AC unit to cool the air properly. Additionally, faulty wiring or circuit breakers can cause the unit to stop working altogether.
What You Can Do to Fix It
If your AC unit is blowing warm air, there are several things you can do to fix it. Here are some possible solutions:
1. Replace the Air Filter
If the air filter is dirty, replacing it can often solve the problem. Air filters should be replaced every one to three months, depending on how often you use the AC unit.
2. Check for Refrigerant Leaks
If you suspect that there’s a refrigerant leak, you’ll need to call a professional to fix it. Refrigerant is a hazardous substance, and it’s illegal to release it into the atmosphere. A professional HVAC technician can locate and fix the leak, then recharge the refrigerant.
3. Call a Professional
If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting your AC unit, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action to fix it.
4. Clean the Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located outside of the house, and they can become clogged with dirt and debris. When this happens, the AC unit may not be able to cool the air properly. You can clean the condenser coils with a garden hose or a special coil cleaning solution.
5. Check the Thermostat
Sometimes, the thermostat can be the culprit behind warm air from an AC unit. Make sure that the thermostat is set to “cool” and that the temperature is set to a comfortable level. If the thermostat isn’t working correctly, you may need to replace it.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing the causes of warm air coming from your AC unit is crucial to maintaining a comfortable and efficient home environment. Fortunately, there are various ways to fix this problem. From ensuring proper maintenance of the unit, checking and cleaning the air filter, inspecting the condenser coils, and ensuring proper airflow, these steps can help to improve the performance of your AC unit and provide cool air to your home or office.
Trust Paul’s Heating & Air, Inc. for all your AC maintenance needs. If you’re experiencing warm air from your AC unit or you’re having issues with your HVAC system, our team of experienced technicians can help. We have a team of experienced technicians who can diagnose and fix any issues with your HVAC systems, ensuring that your home or office stays comfortable year-round. Contact us today for reliable and professional air conditioning repair service in Monroe, GA.
