It’s September and while we’re over here dreaming of chilly autumn days, we aren’t quite there yet. We are still getting calls for air conditioning issues and a common one we come across is air conditioning vents blowing warm air.
Why would my AC blow warm air?
There are three top reasons your AC is blowing warm air and the first one is simple.
1. A dirty air filter
Just like you change an air filter in your car, air filters also need to be replaced in your air conditioning units. A dirty air filter blocks air flow and reduces your unit’s cooling capacity. A good recommendation is changing filters once a month to keep air flowing freely.
You can always call Shafer’s for help, but if you want to replace it on your own, turn off your system and locate the slot where the filter lives. It’s typically in a wall or ceiling return grille or inside the main furnace cabinet. Open the area where the filter is and pull it straight out.
There will be numbers on it, indicating the size, so you know what filters to order. You can order filters directly from our website and we offer free ground shipping.
When you get your new filter, there should also be an arrow on it. Make sure that arrow is pointing toward the furnace when you slide it into the slot (or tracks) depending on your unit.
Close the door, latch anything you unlatched, and turn the unit back on. You’re all set!
The second reason your AC is blowing warm air is not so simple.
2. A low or leaky refrigerant
Your cooling system needs refrigerant to run properly. If the refrigerant is leaking somewhere, the unit cannot cool sufficiently. We can come out to repair the leak and refill the system.
Besides warm air, other signs you might have a leak include hearing hissing sounds coming from the unit, your home air feeling sticky or humid, noticing oily spots on the copper pipes or ice build up on the coils, and higher energy bills for no apparent reason.
Our techs use a special solution and tools to find the leak and can have your unit back in action in no time.
The third common reason your AC is blowing warm air is actually not unit related.
3. Your thermostat is malfunctioning
Your thermostat sends a signal to your HVAC unit, telling it what to do. If it’s not set properly or fails to work, your unit will fail to cool. Signs something is wrong include a blank or frozen screen, your unit either not shutting off or not turning on at all, and incorrect temperature readings.
Make sure batteries are replaced often in your thermostat and if that doesn’t do the trick, call us. We can take a look at your settings and/or reset your thermostat to avoid any future issues.
The best thing you can do to ensure your unit stays in shape is to get on one of our annual maintenance plans.
Regular annual maintenance not only keeps your warranty intact but also ensures reliable performance and reduces energy waste. By improving efficiency, it helps lower energy bills while maximizing your heating and cooling comfort. Find issues before they happen and save money in the process.
Reach out anytime. We are always here to help!
