What To Do If Your Air Conditioner Blows Out Warm Air

The air coming from your vents should feel cool and refreshing. If it’s warm or lukewarm, there's definitely an issue. You might think you need an HVAC technician, but there’s some good news.

You can often troubleshoot and fix this problem yourself. With a little guidance, you’ll be able to get your AC back to cooling your home efficiently.

Why is my AC blowing lukewarm air?

A malfunctioning air conditioner can quickly turn your comfortable home into an unbearable space, especially during the scorching summer months. One common reason for your AC blowing lukewarm air is a clogged air filter. This is a frequent issue, but there are other problems that could  be causing your AC to blow warm air instead of providing cool relief.

You might be dealing with low refrigerant levels, which can seriously reduce your AC’s cooling capacity. Dirty or damaged compressor or condenser coils can also impede effective cooling. Additionally, problems with the thermostat or electrical system might result in inaccurate temperature control.

It’s crucial to address these issues promptly with professional maintenance and repair services. Doing so will restore your AC's cooling performance and ensure your home stays comfortable during the hottest days.

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What should I do if my air conditioner is blowing warm air?

Make sure nothing is crowding your outdoor unit.

Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, the condenser, releases heat and needs plenty of ventilation on all sides and on top. It’s crucial to ensure it has at least one foot of space around it and five feet of vertical clearance. This is why it’s concerning to see units installed under decks or in crawlspaces.

Take a moment to pull any weeds and trim back any shrubs or hedges growing against your equipment. Keeping this area clear will help your condenser work efficiently, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable.

Check your air filter.

Most manufacturers say that disposable air filters are good for up to three months—the key phrase being "up to." If you’re running your air conditioner constantly, that filter will get dirty long before those three months are up. And if you have pets, the filter will get dirty even faster.

So, how does a dirty air filter cause warm air to come from your air conditioner? When an air filter gets coated with dust, it blocks the airflow through your air conditioning system. This creates several problems. Your air conditioner has to work much harder to send out cool air, and not enough hot air blows over the indoor coil (also known as the evaporator coil), which contains the refrigerant.

As a result, parts of your AC can overheat, and the condensation on the evaporator coil can freeze. Once the coil is iced over, it can’t cool your indoor air effectively. A frozen evaporator coil also puts the system’s compressor in danger of overheating and failing.

Check your thermostat.

Even if you think your thermostat is set correctly, double-check it, especially if you share your home with others who might have "adjusted" the settings. It’s possible that only your air conditioning system’s fan is running, circulating warm air throughout your home.

If your thermostat says “on,” then it means the system’s fan is continuously running. This means the fan will keep pushing air through the ducts and out of the vents, even when the indoor unit isn’t cooling it. To ensure your AC cools and dehumidifies your indoor air, your thermostat needs to be set to “cool” or “auto.”

By setting your thermostat to “cool” or “auto,” you allow the AC to properly cool your home while the fan circulates the cooled air. This simple adjustment can make a significant difference in your comfort and the efficiency of your air conditioning system.

Ensure your outdoor unit has power.

Your air conditioner is a high-powered appliance, drawing a lot of electricity to keep your home cool. If there’s a momentary power surge, it can trip the circuit breaker for your outdoor unit. If your AC is blowing warm air, take a moment to check your circuit breaker panel for a tripped switch.

Additionally, if your AC unit has been serviced recently, the technician might have turned off the outdoor unit during the work. Sometimes, they may forget to turn it back on. To ensure your unit is receiving power, check the box on the wall outside next to your AC unit.

By verifying these simple steps, you can ensure that your air conditioner is getting the power it needs to function properly, keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Conclusion

If these troubleshooting steps don’t fix your air conditioning problem, it’s time to call in an HVAC professional. By now, the cooling issue likely stems from one of three main problems.

You might have a refrigerant leak, the fan in the condenser could be failing, or your system might need a new compressor. These are complex issues that require professional expertise to diagnose and repair correctly.

At URBN Home Services, our experienced HVAC technicians are experts at identifying and resolving heating and cooling issues. You can count on us to provide quality solutions that restore comfort to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my air conditioner blowing warm air?
A: Your air conditioner might be blowing warm air due to a dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, issues with the thermostat, or problems with the condenser or compressor.

Q: How often should I check and replace my air filter to prevent warm air issues?
A: It's recommended to check your air filter monthly and replace it every three months. If you have pets or use your AC heavily, you might need to replace it more frequently.

Q: What should I do if my AC is blowing warm air even after checking the thermostat and air filter?
A: Ensure your outdoor unit has power and is not obstructed by weeds, shrubs, or other objects. Check your circuit breaker panel for any tripped switches as well.

Q: Can I fix warm air issues from my air conditioner on my own, or do I need a professional?
A: You can try basic troubleshooting steps like checking the thermostat, air filter, and power supply. If these don't work, it’s best to call an HVAC professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

Q: What are some common causes of an air conditioner blowing warm air that might require professional help?
A: Common causes include refrigerant leaks, failing condenser fans, or a malfunctioning compressor. These issues typically require the expertise of an HVAC technician to properly diagnose and repair.