Air Conditioning Blowing Warm Air? It Could Be a Simple Issue

Not much is more frustrating than your air system blowing warm air when it’s hot outside, and you’ve come inside to cool off. It’s easy to assume the worst: Do you need a new system? Will there be a costly repair?

Before you fret, there are a few things you can take a look at before you give us a call.

What you can check by yourself first

  • Did someone bump the thermostat? That’s right… it could be as simple as accidentally switching from “Cool” to “Heat” on the thermostat. If that’s the case, you already know what to do and can revisit this article another day.

  • Is there power to the condenser? Sometimes, the indoor unit might have power, and the fan might be blowing while the outdoor unit has lost power. First, check the circuit breaker to be sure that none have tripped. You can also check the box near your condenser outdoors to see if the switch has mysteriously been flipped.

  • Replacing your filters: Believe it or not, we’ve seen some pretty dirty filters with dust caked on them. If that’s the case with yours, change the darn thing! When the air is running most of the summer, these air filters should probably be changed monthly.

  • Clean off the outdoor unit: The fan in the outside condenser allows the refrigerant to cool before returning inside. The warm refrigerant won't be cooled if the coils are covered with debris. You can use a garden hose to remove dirt and leaves gently. Remember to trim bushes and small trees to give your unit some breathing room.

When you will need a technician to come out

If you’ve tried the above, it’s time for professional service. The problem causing warm air to blow from the vents is likely relatively inexpensive.

  • One example is the fan in the condenser, which might have failed.

  • There may be a refrigerant leak, meaning there isn’t enough to absorb the heat and be cooled by the system.

  • Your system’s temperature sensor may need to be adjusted. This sensor tells the system the house’s temperature and when it needs to kick on.

  • Sometimes, even a simple wire may have shaken loose and need to be replugged.

Let’s hope the above is the case and not immediately fear the worst. Your house has many moving parts, and minor issues can quickly cause significant symptoms.

We hope our blog proves helpful during these warmer days in Charleston, SC. Stay cool!

Josh Capeder