Is Your Home AC Blowing Warm Air? And Other Common Cooling Problems

Air conditioners are meant to make our lives more comfortable, which they usually do…that is until that dreaded day you see a leak, the unit fails to start or you feel you home ac blowing warm air. Summer’s on the way and temperatures are about to soar, which means that you’ll be relying on your air conditioning system to keep you comfortably cool inside no matter how high the mercury climbs outside.

Why Do You Feel Your Home AC Blowing Warm Air?

When you notice your home AC blowing warm air, that’s a reason to sweat. But don’t panic. We’ve summarized a few reasons here, but you can read more in detail on our recent blog post. First, check that the thermostat is set to cool. Yes, we’re serious… make sure your thermostat is set to “cool.” The fix could be as simple as a flick of a switch!

Next, check that your outside unit has unrestricted airflow. Sweep away any visible debris and trim bushes and tall grass around the system. And finally, locate your breaker switch and check if it got tripped. It should be in the “on” position.

Common Cooling Problems

One of the most common air conditioning problems tends to be improper operation, but Energy.gov points out a list of things to be on the lookout for if your AC is on the fritz:

REFRIGERANT LEAKS

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely. Remember to add pre-season maintenance to your spring checklist to prevent bigger problems from occurring.

ELECTRIC CONTROL FAILURE

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

SENSOR PROBLEMS

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

An air conditioning breakdown can be devastating; if your air conditioner fails or you start to feel your business or home AC blowing warm air, it’s time to call a professional. Of course, it’s also a good idea to schedule regular maintenance to avoid these unexpected costly repairs. Contact the professional HVAC technicians at Point Bay Fuel who can evaluate your needs and explain your AC options in detail. We’re proud to offer top notch customer service and preventative service plans that can help you get the best performance out of your cooling system all summer long.