Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air? – 7 Common Reasons

woman checking air conditioning unit

Trying to get to the bottom of why your AC unit is struggling to blow cold air can be a frustrating experience, especially when you are trying to seek some relief from the sweltering Georgia heat. There are several reasons why your AC is blowing hot air, ranging from minor issues to some more serious ones.  

At Peach State Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, we understand the urgency of getting your system up and running again, especially during the hot and humid summer months. We want to assist you in restoring the comfort of your home as quickly as possible. With over 30 years of experience, we’re qualified to handle outdoor units, portable air conditioners, and central ACs. In this blog, we’ll examine the common issues that can affect all kinds of cooling systems.

Common Issues That Your AC Unit Could Be Facing

Sometimes, the reason that your AC unit is blowing hot air can be a simple fix. These fixes can include electrical issues, faulty compressors, blocked air vents or ducts, or low refrigerant. Although these are simple issues, they all require different solutions to fix them. 

All these problems that your AC might have different signs to look for when inspecting your air conditioning unit. Identifying and addressing the issue with your unit can restore cooling efficiency and keep your home comfortable. 

1. Low Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels in ACs are among the most common problems. Refrigerant is vital for your AC to function properly and cool your home efficiently. Without refrigerant, your AC will not be able to blow out the cold air you are looking for. 

2. Thermostat Problems 

While your thermostat may seem like a small part of your overall HVAC system, it is a crucial part of how your AC unit works. 

First things first, make sure that your thermostat is set to “cool” instead of “heat.” If your thermostat is set to “heat,” your AC unit will not kick in to cool down your home. If this was the case for your AC unit, then that should be an easy solution to your problem. If not, check to see if your thermostat’s temperature setting is lower than the temperature outside. 

While checking your thermostat, go ahead and check the fan settings. If your fan is set to “auto,” then change the setting to “on.” Continuously running your fan will only circulate the air and not cool it. 

Fixing the settings on your thermostat is usually a quick and easy solution to your AC unit issues. 

3. Tripped Breaker 

A tripped breaker can often cause a malfunctioning AC unit. This is another easy solution if your unit is having an issue. Without power, your AC unit will not be able to run and give you the cold air you need.

To check if this is your issue, find your breaker box (the most common place for this would be in the garage). Then, look to see if any of the switches have been flipped. This would indicate that your AC unit is not getting power. 

If this is the case, flip back the switch to the “on” position, and voila! Your AC unit should be working correctly again. 

4. Malfunctioning Compressors

Consider your AC unit’s compressors the heart of the cooling process. If your unit’s compressor is not working correctly, your space will not be effectively cooled to your desired temperature. 

Compressors help regulate the temperature of your home, your system’s life expectancy, refrigerant compression, and much more. There are a few reasons why your compressor may be malfunctioning, but sometimes, the fix can be quick and straightforward. 

Dirty compressor coils could cause a malfunctioning AC unit. If you notice a build-up of dirt and debris when checking your AC unit, it could be the reason for any malfunctioning parts. 

5. Blocked Vents or Ducts 

Although your thermostat, refrigerant levels, and compressors are working correctly, there still could be issues with how your AC unit is venting the heat outside your home. Blocked vents or ducts can restrict the amount of airflow that comes into your home, making it even hotter. 

Along with blowing out hot air from your vents, it could also lead to damage to your AC unit. 

To fix this, inspect the outside of your unit to make sure there are no large objects that could be the cause of the blockage. To ensure that there do not continue to be blockage issues, you should create a space of at least 1 foot away from your AC unit. 

6. Clogged Air Filters 

Your air filters are an essential part of your air conditioning system, as they contribute to many components that keep your home comfortable and safe. The air filters in your home collect contaminants before they can leave the ventilation system, which will keep your indoor air quality up to the standard. 

If your air filters become too dirty or clogged up with the dust or debris that the filters are keeping out, it could be the cause of your AC blowing warm air inside your home. Clogged filters will lead to reduced airflow and could even overheat your overall HVAC system. 

7. Return Vents May Be Closed or Blocked

Return vents are openings in the walls or floor of your home that allow airflow from your air conditioner to exit and cool down your space. It can be easy to overlook a blocked vent, furniture, boxes, or other everyday household items that could be blocking the airflow from your air conditioner. 

When your vents are blocked, it will affect the efficiency of your AC unit and cause extra strain. Return vents provide a pathway for air to return to your AC unit and balance out the desired temperature of your home. 

If this is the case in your home, this will be an easy solution for you to fix! Move the obstruction blocking your vent, which should allow air to flow back into your home. 

Choosing Peach State Air Conditioning & Refrigeration! 

If your home is experiencing AC unit issues, such as your air conditioner blowing hot air from your vents, it is crucial to address the problem promptly to restore your comfort. Trust the experts at Peach State Air Conditioning & Refrigeration to assist you in diagnosing and resolving the root cause of your AC issues. 

With our dedication to customer satisfaction, we will work swiftly to get it back up and running efficiently. Don’t suffer through the hot temps anymore! Peach State Air Conditioning & Refrigeration will provide you with reliable HVAC repair services that you can always count on.  

«