Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air During Summer?

Think about the last scorching summer's day, when you remained indoors and had your aircon blowing cold air directly at you to provide relief from the heat. Wonderful, wasn't it?

Now, imagine the same situation, except that when you turn on your air conditioner and expect a blast of cool refreshing air, you find your AC blowing hot air instead. Not quite as wonderful, right? If you’ve ever had to ask yourself “Why is my AC blowing warm air?”, don’t worry – you’re not alone.

This all-too-common air conditioning system problem can turn your cool oasis into a hot mess. As it happens, there are several reasons why your air conditioner may not be cooling properly when you most need it. But don’t sweat it; knowing the possible causes of an AC unit blowing warm air will get your cooling system back on track. Let’s take a look.

But First … Check Your Thermostat Settings

Before you start running through what feels like a million possible reasons in your head why your air conditioner is blowing warm air, and booking an air conditioner repair specialist, check the thermostat settings first. It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally switch your thermostat to ‘heat’ or set it too high for a cool air flow.

Make sure you have the aircon thermostat set to ‘cool’ mode and the temperature is low enough to trigger cooling. If your air conditioner is blowing hot air still, the problem might be with the thermostat itself. Faulty wiring or a dead battery can prevent it from working properly.

To keep enjoying the cold airflow that gets you through the summer, check and maintain your thermostat regularly. Your home will remain cool and comfy instead of warm on a hot summer day.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filters

Once you’ve ruled out the thermostat, it’s time to explore other possible causes of your AC unit blowing hot air.

And one of those common reasons is clogged or dirty air filters. When air filters get filled with dust and debris from the outdoor air, they restrict airflow. This naturally makes it harder for your AC to cool the air inside.

Diminished airflow means warm air circulates instead of the cool, cold air you expect. Over time, dirty or clogged filters can cause more serious problems like frozen evaporator coils or overheating.

To keep your air conditioning unit running properly check your filters regularly and replace them when needed. Clean filters do more than simply cool your home more effectively. They also improve indoor air quality and prevent costly repairs down the line.

Refrigerant Issues and Leaks

Issues with refrigerant gas, whether low levels or leaks, are another common and possible reason why your air conditioner blows warm air.

Refrigerant is essential to your air conditioner for the cooling process. It absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. If your AC system has a refrigerant leak, it will not cool your house properly. Instead, it will provide you with warm – or even hot – air instead of the cool air you crave on a summer day.

Typical signs of a refrigerant problem include:

• reduced cooling
• hissing sounds
• leaking water near the indoor unit

Fixing this is not a DIY job—handling refrigerant requires a licensed technician. Regular maintenance can catch low refrigerant levels early, keep your air conditioner running properly and help you avoid costly repairs.

Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coils

Dirty or frozen evaporator coils can turn your air conditioner into a source of warm air instead of cool comfort on a summer day.

Also known as a cooling coil, they are part of the cooling process and absorb heat from your home. But a dusty or dirty coil can significantly restrict airflow and possibly leave you with a broken AC.

Signs of trouble are poor airflow, ice on the coils or the air conditioner blowing hot air. Regular air conditioning maintenance keeps your system functioning properly and ensures proper airflow and prevents bigger problems like frozen evaporator coils.

Problems with the Outdoor Condensing Unit

Your outdoor condensing unit plays a critical role in the cooling process. When it’s not functioning correctly, you may find your AC is blowing warm air instead of cold.

Debris like leaves, dirt, or grass clippings can block the unit’s airflow, reducing its ability to release heat and cool the air effectively. Damage to the condenser coil or fan can also restrict general performance. Additionally, if the outdoor unit loses power due to a tripped circuit breaker, it can’t do its job, leaving you with warm air indoors.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning the outdoor condensing unit ensures it’s free of obstructions and gets it working efficiently.

Electrical Problems or Blown Fuses

Electrical dilemmas like blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker are common reasons why you might ask yourself “Why is my AC blowing warm air?”

Your air conditioning system needs a steady power supply to run properly. Unfortunately, even a minor electrical issue can disrupt this. A blown fuse or tripped breaker can prevent the outdoor unit or compressor from running which effectively stops the production of cool air. The safety mechanisms in the system may also shut it down to avoid further damage.

If your AC has lost power or isn’t cooling, check your circuit breaker or fuse box first. Always consult a licensed technician for electrical repairs to ensure your air conditioner runs safely and efficiently.

Always Use a Licensed Technician

When your air conditioner blows warm air in summer, call a licensed technician and save yourself time, stress and money. Here’s why:

• Expert diagnosis: Licensed technicians can accurately diagnose everything from compressor issues and refrigerant leaks to frozen coils.
• Safe repairs: They follow strict safety guidelines to handle refrigerants (only a suitably licensed technician can legally do so) and electrical components.
• Regular maintenance: Professionals can perform routine air conditioning maintenance that keeps both the inside and outside unit running smoothly.
• Long-term reliability: Expert servicing will keep your air conditioner running at its best for many years.

Don’t try to fix complicated AC repairs yourself. A licensed technician will ensure your system cools properly and your home remains comfortable all summer.

Stay Cool and Comfortable This Summer

Asking the question “Why is my AC blowing warm air?” is certainly something you don’t want to ask in the middle of a summer heatwave. But it can happen.

Understanding the common causes we’ve discussed goes a long way towards quickly diagnosing and fixing the problem. Regular maintenance and maintaining a watchful eye on your system’s components can prevent problems before they affect your comfort. For more complex issues like electrical problems or refrigerant leaks always call a licensed technician to ensure your AC system runs properly.

With proper care and attention, your air conditioner will give you the cool air you need to stay comfortable all summer.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “Why is My AC Blowing Warm Air During Summer?” This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See Cyber Air Conditioning’s Terms & Conditions here.