top of page
Air Conditioning Checking

Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Updated: Feb 10, 2023

Living in Florida, our air conditioning systems have one job: Keep us cool. With Florida’s high heat and humidity, we depend on our air conditioning systems year round, which is why there are few things more frustrating than an air conditioner that blows warm air. Fear not homeowner, if you’re experiencing this issue, here are five common reasons why your air conditioning system will emit hot air and what you can do about it:


Girl Enjoying Air Conditioner


1. Thermostat Setting Is Wrong

First things first — if your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air, the answer could be as simple as your thermostat being set to the wrong setting. If it isn’t already, try setting your fan to “AUTO,” which will not only save you money but will ensure that your fan is only running when your air conditioner is cooling the air. When your fan is set to “ON,” your air conditioner is running 24 hours a day, seven days a week regardless of whether it is cooling the air or not.


2. Air Filters Need Replacing

One of the most common ways people neglect their air conditioners is by not regularly changing the air filter. Not replacing the air filter regularly can cause your system to be upwards of 15 percent less efficient. An air filter essentially works like a sponge. As you use a sponge to wash the dishes, the sponge will become full of water. Eventually, it will become too saturated to absorb any more water until you squeeze it out. Air filters become “saturated” with dirt as they do their job, and when they’re full, your air conditioner’s performance suffers. Check your air filter and change it if it’s dirty.


3. Dirty Evaporator Coils

If your air filter is clean, you’ll still want to remove it and inspect the evaporator coils. Sometimes the evaporator coils get caked in grime, and this layer of dirt prevents the air from coming into contact with the refrigerant. This could be the cause of your air conditioning system blowing hot air.


4. Issue With the Outdoor Condenser

One of the most commonly overlooked parts of regular AC maintenance is taking care of the outside unit. Many homeowners don’t even know that the condenser can get dirty and needs to be regularly cleaned. Because the condenser is outside weeds can grow around it, and debris like leaves and twigs can gather at the base causing an airflow obstruction.

The first step you can take is a preventative one. Be sure that you maintain the lawn in the immediate area of the condenser. You might find a weed whacker useful in trimming back growth along the edges of the condenser. Even if there are no visible obstructions, you have to keep in mind that this machine is still sitting outside all day, so it’s still getting dirty. Especially if there are trees in the surrounding area, acorns and debris may fall from above and land on the inside of the condenser casing.

If you haven’t cleaned out your condenser in over a year, this could be the cause of your AC blowing warm air. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to clean a condenser. You don’t need to call technicians to do it, and you don’t need any special equipment. Here’s a quick how-to guide:

– Turn the power off.

– Locate the screws holding the case closed on top of the unit. Unscrew them and take the casing off.

– Grab a hose, a bucket, and some dish soap. You can use a combination of dish soap and water as a cleaning agent, gently scrub the fins with a sponge or a soft brush covered in the soap solution.

– Rinse away leftover soap with the hose, put the casing back together, and turn your condenser on.

– You don’t need to wait for your outdoor unit to dry before using it, the machinery is waterproof and designed to function properly in the rain – so it’s safe to use immediately after cleaning.


5. Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a cooling agent found in air conditioning systems that is critical to keeping your home comfortable. Your refrigerant really shouldn’t need to be charged that often, so if you just had your air conditioner charged and are already dealing with hot air you could have a refrigerant leak. Without refrigerant, your AC unit will take in air from the outside and pass it through to your home without cooling it, so it’s blowing hot air. Even worse, if your air conditioning system is low on refrigerant, you are running up your utility bill for nothing.

If you suspect this is the issue, contact your local HVAC professional to check the refrigerant levels. A professional HVAC technician will have the correct tools to measure the levels inside of your unit, and an EPA compliant method of disposing of used refrigerant.


Fix AC Blowing Warm Air in Orlando, FL

If your air conditioning system is blowing warm air, contact Energy Air today. Our team of experienced technicians will be able to diagnose and assess the issue right away. You can avoid most problems by scheduling an annual inspection and tune-up. If you have not had your air conditioning system serviced in more than a year, you should make an appointment to have a maintenance checkup by an Energy Air technician.

Have a question for us? Give us a call today or schedule your appointment online.


3 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Contact Energy Air

Whether you need a single air conditioning unit installed or a complete air conditioning system retrofit, our team of HVAC experts will handle it. Have questions or would like to discuss your project? Give us a call today to talk to one of our friendly team members, or schedule your appointment online.

Orlando: (407) 501-6275 | Tampa: (813) 314-7261

bottom of page