DOES THE AIR FROM YOUR AC FEEL WARM? WESTCHESTER & PUTNAM COUNTY HVAC EXPERTS EXPLAIN WHY
As a homeowner in Westchester and Putnam Counties, you rely on your air conditioning system to keep your home comfortable during those hot summer months. But what happens when your AC starts releasing warm air instead of the cool breeze you expect? In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this issue, provide troubleshooting tips, and explain when it's time to call a professional. Let's dive in!
WHAT MIGHT CAUSE MY AC TO RELEASE WARM AIR?
There are several reasons why your air conditioner might be blowing out warm air. Some common causes include:
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat may be set incorrectly or malfunctioning. Ensure it's set to “cool” mode and check that the temperature is lower than the current room temperature. If it's set to “on” but not “cool,” then the system's fan will run, but the system will not actively cool your indoor air.
Dirty Air Filters
Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze up and stop producing cold air. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters can prevent this issue.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is essential for cooling the air, and low levels can make your AC struggle to produce cold air. A refrigerant leak or an undercharged system is usually the culprit. Some other signs of a refrigerant issue include:
Frost or ice on the refrigerant lines
A loud hissing or bubbling noise coming from your unit
Higher than normal energy bills
It's important to note that refrigerant issues should only be handled by a professional HVAC technician. Attempting to fix the issue yourself can be dangerous and even illegal.
Blocked Outdoor Unit
Dirt, debris, or other obstructions around the outdoor unit can limit airflow, leading to insufficient cooling. Make sure to keep the area around your outdoor unit clean and clear.
No Power to the Outdoor Unit
Your air conditioner's indoor unit and outdoor unit must work in tandem to provide your home with cool air. Sometimes one of the units can lose power due to a tripped circuit or an electrical issue. When your outdoor unit has no power, it cannot release heat absorbed by the AC system's refrigerant, leading to cooling issues.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Dirt and dust buildup on the coils can prevent them from absorbing heat and “conditioning” your indoor air. You may need to have your evaporator coils professionally cleaned if warm air is coming from your vents.
Malfunctioning Compressor
The role of the compressor in your AC is to regulate refrigerant in the system. If the compressor is malfunctioning, the refrigerant may then fail to keep the coils cold in your indoor unit, making them unable to absorb heat effectively.
WHAT CAN I DO TO TROUBLESHOOT MY AC?
Before calling a professional, there are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue yourself:
Check your thermostat settings: Ensure it's set to “cool” mode and the desired temperature.
Inspect and replace the air filter: Dirty filters can negatively impact your AC's performance.
Examine the outdoor unit: Remove any debris or obstructions that might be limiting airflow and make sure the unit has power.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL A PROFESSIONAL TO FIX MY AC?
If you have tried the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and your AC is still releasing warm air, it's time to call a professional. Some signs that you need expert help include:
Persistent warm air despite troubleshooting
Strange noises coming from your AC
Frequent on-and-off cycling
Ice buildup on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines
A licensed HVAC technician can diagnose and fix these issues, ensuring your system runs efficiently and keeps your home comfortable.
HOW CAN I PREVENT WARM AIR FROM BEING RELEASED FROM MY AC?
To avoid dealing with warm air from your AC, follow these preventive measures:
Regular maintenance: Schedule routine tune-ups with a professional HVAC technician yearly to keep your system in top shape.
Change air filters regularly: A clean filter ensures proper airflow and prevents coil freezing.
Keep the outdoor unit clean and clear: Remove any debris or obstructions to maintain optimal airflow.
Now that you better understand why air conditioners blow out warm air, you can ensure a comfortable living space during those hot summer months.
AC Repair in Westchester & Putnam County
If your AC is releasing warm air and you need assistance, the experts at Robison are here to help. We provide quality HVAC services in Westchester & Putnam Counties, including repairs, maintenance, and installation. To find out more or to book your appointment, give us a call today at (914) 345-5700. We look forward to helping you keep cool this summer!
