After a long day, you run a few errands in the scorching Virginia heat, eagerly looking forward to a nice cool evening on the couch. Only, when you open your front door, you’re greeted with hot, stale air. What’s going on?
Many of us have had to endure a similar scenario, leaving us bewildered, desperate and sweaty! If you’ve found this post because you’re currently living through it, have no fear. We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the most common reasons why your air conditioning is blowing warm air.
Refrigerant Leak
The substance that flows through your HVAC unit and helps create cool air is called refrigerant. When there’s a leak in the coils or refrigerant line, your air conditioning will stop working as it should. You’ll notice a larger leak fairly quickly, but a small leak will impact the performance of your system over time.
While there are some tasks you can perform yourself, always leave this type of problem to a licensed professional. You want it to be done safely, using the appropriate refrigerant because some, specifically Freon, are being phased out.
Thermostat Settings
How many times has the temperature been off in your home and it was because someone (maybe even you!) had it on the wrong setting? Don’t feel bad, it happens to the best of us. If your air conditioning is blowing warm air, this is the first step you should take!
Check your thermostat and ensure it is on the COOL setting and that the fan is set to AUTO. You’ll also want to make sure the target temperature is ideal for cooling your home. Once everything is in place, tell everyone in your home to leave it alone!
Clogged Air Filters
The main function of a filter is to trap particles found in the air inside your home to prevent them from continuing to circulate. As you can imagine, gunk can quickly build up and impact the performance of your air conditioner, but being proactive can go a long way to keeping this under control.
Regularly changing your filter can keep your system working optimally. Dust and other contaminants obstruct air flow, reducing your systems efficiency and ability to keep your home comfortable. Also, when your HVAC has to work harder, your energy costs will rise. This is a relatively affordable and simple solution that can keep your home cool and save you money this summer!
Dirty Condenser Coils
Your HVAC’s condenser unit releases heat to the outside of your home. Exposed to the elements, the condenser coil can actually become bogged down by dirt, leaves, and even trash that finds its way into your yard.
Make it a ritual to check on your condenser unit every week or two. If you perform yard maintenance, include this as part of your routine. Clear away any debris that has accumulated to keep your cooling system running effectively.
Outdoor Unit Problems
Along with potential build up on the external system, another common problem is the loss of power. This can happen even if you still have electricity inside of your home. A blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or damaged cord can all cause issues, some of which are easier to fix than others.
It’s very important to note, however, that you should never try to troubleshoot electrical problems yourself. Experimenting with live voltage can be a costly — or even deadly — mistake. It’s best to leave these types of investigations to the professionals.
W.G. Speeks: Richmond’s Air Conditioning Experts!
Spend one day in the Virginia heat and you’ll understand why locals depend on air conditioning to stay cool during the summer. The last thing you want is to suffer all day and night with an AC unit blowing warm air inside your home! Many times, there are simple solutions to this problem, but it’s best to address it sooner than later to prevent a small issue from becoming a big deal!
W.G. Speeks has been taking care of the HVAC needs of homes and businesses in the Greater Richmond Area for more than 75 years. We’re experienced and here to help! Our NATE-certified technicians can perform diagnostic assessments, repairs, and offer suggestions to keep your system running smoothly all year round! Contact us today for a free consultation!
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