Your worst nightmare on a sweltering Paso Robles day may be warm air blowing from your air conditioner. There are a number of reasons why an AC that worked fine yesterday is blowing hot air today:
1. Refrigerant Leak
Leaking refrigerant is a common reason for warm air. Refrigerant leaks can also cause your air conditioner to freeze up and water to drip on the floor. Fixing a refrigerant leak involves more than just adding refrigerant. If the leak itself is not addressed, refrigerant will just continue to leak out. Damages caused by a refrigerant leak could cost you thousands of dollars in AC repairs or even require AC replacement.
2. Frozen Air Conditioner
If your AC freezes up, turn the unit off so the ice can melt. A frozen AC is usually caused by a refrigerant leak or blocked airflow. Airflow may be blocked by a clogged air filter or by ductwork obstructions. Replace your filter and turn the unit on after it thaws out. If it freezes up again, call for AC services.
3. Incorrect Thermostat Setting
Your thermostat may be unintentionally set to “heat” or “on.” Either setting could cause your AC to blow hot air. If the unit is set to “on,” the fan will blow air even when the AC isn’t actively cooling. Set the fan to “auto,” and for summer cooling, keep the thermostat setting on “cool.”
4. Dirty Cooling Coils
If you’ve ignored annual seasonal maintenance and regular filter changes, your evaporator coils may be dirty enough to block airflow. If airflow is blocked, treated air can’t get through. Schedule a maintenance visit to correct the problem.
Straight Line Heating and Cooling performs a full array of AC services including seasonal maintenance and emergency AC repair. Call our 24/7 hotline at (805) 286-8800 for emergency service.
