The last thing you want during the summer is your AC blowing hot air throughout your home. Rest assured, an air conditioner not blowing cold air is a common problem during the summer; thankfully, there are six possible causes and fixes. If you need help with an AC that’s not cooling, Aspen Aire Heating and Cooling is here to help with AC repair in Des Moines and Ankeny, Iowa.
6 Common Reasons Your AC is Blowing Hot Air
1. Thermostat Issues
First things first, make sure your thermostat is set correctly. Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” mode, the fan is set to auto and the set temperature is lower than the current room temperature. If the fan is set to “on” without the correct temperature setting, it could just circulate the air throughout your home without cooling it.
2. Dirty Air Filter
HVAC air filters capture particles like dust, debris, and pollen. It’s important to change your furnace filters regularly, because when the filter is dirty, the debris and dust restrict air flow and prevent cool air from passing through the system. Consult your owner’s manual for help on where to find your air filter. For most central air conditioners, the air filter can be found in the blower compartment (a large metal box with the motor and fan) of your furnace or air conditioner. Simply remove the air filter and replace it with a new one.
3. Low Refrigerant Level
Air conditioning units use refrigerant to cool the air in your home. Refrigerant is a liquid that absorbs the heat from the air, and then releases it outside your home. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner will just circulate warm air throughout your home instead of cooling it. In this case, it’s always best to contact an HVAC company to test your AC system for a refrigerant leak
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
AC units use evaporator coils to house refrigerant and absorb heat. Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils can freeze up if a dirty air filter or a refrigerant leak prevents proper airflow. When the ice on your air conditioner eventually melts, your AC will seem to be leaking water. We recommend reaching out to a trusted HVAC company if you believe your AC is frozen.
5. Clogged Condenser Unit
Your AC’s condenser unit is located outside your home. The condenser coils’ job is to release hot air, but leaves and debris can block the air from escaping. Luckily, cleaning your condenser can often fix the problem. First and foremost, start by shutting off the power to the AC. Then remove leaves, branches, or other debris from around the condenser. Cleaning the inside of the condenser is a delicate process. For this step, we recommend using a hose to gently rinse the condenser fins and leave deep cleaning to professionals. To properly clean your AC without damaging the equipment, contact an HVAC technician for help.
6. Electrical Problems
Your home’s air conditioner can’t run properly without all of its electrical components. If there are any issues with the power supply, capacitor, relays, wiring or thermostat, your cooling system may not cool your home. Contact a qualified HVAC repair company to diagnose and repair AC electrical issues.
When to Call Your Des Moines HVAC Professional
If your home’s AC is blowing hot air and none of the fixes in this article have helped, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak, call an air conditioner repair company.
Tips to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly
Simple maintenance tasks like changing air filters and routine condenser cleaning keep your AC in tip top shape. While you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance and professional AC tune-ups as well. Consistent maintenance will help your air conditioner last longer and keep your home cool for years to come.
If you find your AC needing repairs, rely on Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling in Des Moines and Ankeny for expert service. Plus, club memberships are available to help you save on routine repairs and tune-ups. Show your AC a little TLC and schedule your tune-up today!
