With the scorching summer months making their entrance, it's imperative that your air conditioner stands ready. Discovering hot air streaming from your vents is a situation you'd rather avoid. The Summit team is one call away, ready to provide assistance!
Here's a comprehensive rundown of the prevalent reasons your air conditioner might be releasing hot air and some solutions that you can explore:
1. Thermostat Check
Your initial investigation should center around the thermostat settings. The culprit might not be the AC unit itself, but rather the thermostat. As winter recedes, switch the thermostat setting from "heat" to "cool."
Activate the fan on "auto" to enable air circulation. Even if the AC continues to blow air, it's merely striving to regulate the temperature, which could involve air emission.
Another possibility is a malfunctioning thermostat. In such cases, tampering is discouraged. Verify the presence of fresh batteries, and subsequently, call a technician for a wire or screen inspection. Transitioning to a new thermostat can mitigate thermostat-related problems and contribute to curbing utility expenses.
2. Clean Air Filters
Air filter replacements are often overlooked, yet their impact is more profound than anticipated. Congested air filters impose strain on the AC system as it strives to sustain optimal airflow.
If your AC disperses warm air, it may result from compromised airflow preventing the circulation of cool air, ultimately leading to the freezing of evaporator coils. Before seeking professional AC repair, undertake a thorough cleaning or replacement of air filters. This not only ensures superior air quality in your home but also paves the way for defrosting the coils after a 24-hour AC shutdown.
3. Unobstructed Air Vents
Blocked airflow might stem from obstructed return vents. Confirm that all vents are unobstructed by things like furniture or household items.
4. Refrigerant Levels Inspection
Erratic refrigerant levels due to leakage can be to blame for the surge in warm air. If the HVAC system produces hissing noises while blowing warm air, this points to a refrigerant issue.
The HVAC system's production of cold air is contingent on proper refrigerant levels. Consult a technician to pinpoint and fix the leaks. They can also restore the unit to adequate refrigerant levels.
5. Electrical Considerations
Seamless communication between the thermostat and HVAC system hinges on electricity. While the indoor unit might operate smoothly, warm air emission could result from disconnection with the exterior unit. Electrical problems can be precarious, necessitating cautious troubleshooting.
Begin by inspecting the breaker and fuse box for any tripped wires or power disruptions. Likewise, attempt to reset the outdoor component's power.
A properly functioning outdoor condenser is pivotal in producing cool air. Consulting a professional is pivotal to avert potential damage to the system or personal harm and electrical fires.
6. Frozen Evaporator Coils
AC freezing is a familiar predicament for many homeowners. The evaporator coils can collect condensation, which freezes when airflow is hindered.
While clogged air filters can instigate this issue, issues such as compromised ductwork, leaks, or damaged hardware might be at play. When frozen coils are detected, promptly switch off the AC to interrupt the freezing process. After an air filter inspection, call a professional to assess potential unit damage.
7. Tidy Condenser Coils
Distinguishing between evaporator and condenser coils is crucial. The possibility exists that clogged condenser coils could be the cause of warm air release. Although these coils are unlikely to freeze, they might become excessively dirty, thereby impeding the condenser's ability to produce cool air.
External debris can infiltrate the unit, accumulating over time and hampering hardware efficiency. Safely clean condenser coils using gloves, a wet-dry vacuum, and a water hose. It's prudent to power down the unit before initiating cleaning, and if problems arise, consult a technician. Seeking the aid of an HVAC specialist can facilitate effective coil cleaning, reinstating their optimal functionality.
Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance with Summit Today!
Once all efforts have been exhausted and warm air continues to come from your vents, don't hesitate to reach out to us! Call or text us at (817)-886-0540 today to discover how we can ensure your HVAC systems remain in impeccable shape throughout the summer and beyond.
