The primary reason why people install air conditioners in their homes is so they can keep their indoor space cool and comfortable, especially during summer when temperatures can become really hot. Like with other appliances used in the home, it is perfectly normal for air conditioners to develop problems over time. When air conditioner problems arise, they will need to be attended to post-haste. Otherwise, they will snowball into bigger issues, which will be costlier to repair, but may also result in early replacement of air conditioning equipment.
A common problem that several homeowners face with their air conditioner is warm air blowing out of the equipment instead of cool air. There are many different things that could be causing the problem. Here are a number of common reasons why your AC system may be blowing warm air.
Wrong thermostat setting
Your AC's thermostat regulates the temperature at which air blows out of your air supply registers. Before you can check any other component of your AC system, make sure the thermostat is working properly and set to "COOL" mode. Also, make sure your thermostat's temperature setting is well below the room temperature.
Low refrigerant level
Your AC refrigerant is the all-important fluid that draws heat from the air entering your air conditioning system via the air return vents, thus providing you with the cool air that comes out of your air supply registers. If you notice that your AC system is blowing warm air, it is probably running low on refrigerant. As you may not have the knowledge, devices and skill required to check your AC's refrigerant level, it is best to ask a certified HVAC contractor to perform the check for you. If they find that your AC is running low on refrigerant, they will check for leaks and seal any leak before adding more refrigerant to your equipment.
Dirty filter
The filter on your AC is meant to trap airborne dirt particulates such as dust, pollen and allergens that may enter your air conditioning system. When this filter gets clogged with dirt over time, it will need to be cleaned or replaced. Failure to clean or replace dirty filters in good time can inhibit proper flow of air within the air conditioning system. This can cause the air conditioner to stop working properly and therefore blow warm air. Asking a qualified HVAC technician to clean or replace dirty filters on a regular basis can help forfend the issue.
The best way to ensure you continue enjoying cooling service from your AC is to maintain it properly. An experienced HVAC technician can help you meet your AC maintenance needs and also perform air conditioning repairs.