BLOG
Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air? Here’s What May Be Wrong
Denver enjoys beautiful temperate summers, but even here we do get hot days. When the temperature climbs, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to blow warm air. Before calling for service, you can do a little troubleshooting to determine if the problem is something you can fix on your own and when to call for help.
Here’s what may be wrong:
Simple issues and fixes you can try
- Tripped breaker
If the outside unit is not getting power, it won’t be able to cool the air that is circulating in your home. If the problem is the breaker, this is easy to identify. Check the circuit breaker or fuse panel to make sure the circuit is supplying energy to the unit. Note that if the circuit breaker was tripped or the fuse blown by the air conditioner, you will need to call a professional immediately as this indicates a serious problem.
- Dirty evaporator or condensing coil
Dirt and debris can interfere with your air conditioner’s performance and may cause it to blow warm air. Clean the unit carefully, and make sure there is at least a foot of clear space around it. Keep foliage and overhanging trees trimmed back to prevent leaves from getting into the unit.
- Dirty or too restrictive of filter
A clogged air filter will not cause air to blow warm, but over time it will contribute to the problem and reduce the ability of your air conditioner to blow cool air. Some filters can also cause a problem because while they are designed to prevent microscopic contaminants from entering your home, they can actually block air flow as well. Change or clean the air filter regularly — usually every 1-3 months is recommended depending on how fast they get dirty.
- Thermostat settings may be off
The settings on your thermostat may have been inadvertently changed, or you may have simply neglected to switch from “warm” to “cool.” Make sure the correct temperature is set, and that the thermostat is switched to “auto” instead of “on.” When set to “on,” the air conditioner will continue to blow air even when it is not cooling.
- Furnace blower door off, or switch to furnace is off
More complex issues that will require a professional…
- Compressor or condenser fan motor has gone bad
- Refrigerant leak
- Electrical
- Broken or disconnected ducting
If you suspect one of these issues is causing your air conditioner to malfunction, call your HVAC professional right away.
