HVAC Blowing Warm Air
If your AC system is heating your home rather than cooling it, especially during the hot summer months, the first thing to check is your thermostat. Specifically, check for the following:
- Is the control set to cool? Many units have multiple settings, such as auto, heat, cool, air, and so forth, so if the thermostat isn’t set to cool, you won’t get cool air. If it’s set to fan, the unit will just circulate hot air through the house. Adjusting the thermostat often fixes the problem, and it’s a quick and simple solution.
- Is the filter clean? Life is busy, and it’s easy to forget to check the AC system filter, but it’s an integral factor in ensuring the unit isn’t blowing warm air. If you can’t see air through your filter, your HVAC can’t draw air through it. Keeping a schedule, such as changing the filter on the first of the month, is often helpful, and it’s one less thing to remember.
- Is the outdoor unit dirty? If it’s covered in leaves and dirt, it won’t be able to cool your house, so clear away all dirt and debris, and you may use a hose with a gentle spray to clean the unit’s surface. Be careful with the vanes because they’re fragile and can bend easily.
- If you have an older unit, are the evaporator coils frozen? If so, you’ll need to let them defrost before the unit will resume cooling. This isn’t normally an issue with newer units due to advances in HVAC technology. If evaporator coils are frozen, it may become a chronic issue that you’ll want to prevent in the future.
- Is the ductwork damaged? If so, then it can allow warm air to mix with the cold air flowing through the ducts, and you won’t get the cold air you want. Depending on the location and the extent of the ductwork damage, you may be able to repair it, or you may need to call a professional. Remember, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime.
One way to determine if you have a leak in your ductwork is to check the temperature in each room. If one or more rooms are substantially warmer than others, then that can help isolate the location of the leak. If your energy bills are substantially higher than normal, this can also be an indicator. If the airflow is weaker than it should be, it can indicate a leak in the ductwork of your AC system.
Again, ductwork leaks can be a DIY repair if the size of any leak is small and the location is accessible, or you may need to call a professional. Remember, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime. However, if the leak isn’t repaired, your AC system will only be blowing warm air rather than the cool air that makes life more pleasant.
I’ve Checked Everything But Still Have Only Warm Air!
AC System Needs Recharged
If you’ve checked everything listed above but still have no cold air, you may need a professional to diagnose and repair your problem. It may be something as simple as recharging the unit with coolant, but only a licensed professional HVAC technician can do that.
It’s not unusual for an HVAC unit to need annual recharging, especially if a small leak has developed. It’s very convenient to enroll in an annual maintenance plan that checks your unit each year, typically in early fall or late spring, to ensure you’re not inconvenienced or uncomfortable if your AC system is only blowing warm air. Peace of mind is an invaluable commodity!
Blocked Condensate Drain
You may have a blocked condensate drain, which is preventing the AC system from cooling properly. Sometimes, a condensate drain can clog with debris or algae, causing water to accumulate and shut down the system. If your condensate drain is blocked, you’ll likely notice the following:
- Unexpected AC shutdown
- Water pooling near the unit if it’s indoors
- Mold growth
- Musty smells
A blocked condensate drain should usually be fixed by a professional because of the mold growth and the risk of electrical shock from the AC unit.
Compressor Problems Or Electrical Issues
If everything else is functioning within normal parameters, you may have issues with the compressor or another electrical component. Since the fan can still run even if the compressor has failed, these repairs are best handled by a professional technician. Many homeowners are unable to diagnose a compressor failure, but the unit will not blow cold air if the compressor has failed.
Blower motors can become clogged or fail, making them unable to adequately circulate air over the evaporator coils. If the blower motor has failed, the coils can freeze up, and you’ll not get cool air. Again, this is an electrical issue that requires professional repair. It’s not a DIY project.
If you notice the following:
- The outdoor unit isn’t blowing, although the indoor unit blows air
- Clicking, buzzing, or no sound from the outside unit
- Circuit breakers trip repeatedly
Any of these issues likely indicates an electrical problem, and you shouldn’t attempt to repair them yourself. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed professionals, and remember: we’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime.
Need HVAC Repair In Birmingham, AL?
If you live in Birmingham, AL, or the surrounding areas and need air conditioning repair, then call us for an appointment. All our licensed technicians have been thoroughly vetted, so you can be comfortable letting them into your home. Remember, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime. Don’t continue to suffer in silence when cool air is only a phone call away!
