As summer weather rolls around in the Sunshine State, it can quickly feel too warm. Rising temperatures leave many Florida homeowners dealing what AC systems working overtime to keep their homes cool. Unfortunately, all that work can result in problems for your AC, leaving you with a hot, stuffy house. Here is a look at the most common reasons hot air blows out of your air conditioner when it shouldn’t.
1. Dirty Air Filters
Allergies affect millions, and if you are one of them, you are likely quite familiar with the itchy eyes and runny nose associated with allergic reactions. Fortunately, air filters purify the outside air entering your home. These filters block and filter out dust, dander, pollen, and similar materials. Generally, you want to replace your home’s air filters once every 90 days. If you have pets or severe allergies, you’ll likely need to replace your filters every 60 days. It may be worth investing in an air filter with a higher MERV rating, too; you shouldn’t go for HEPA filters (those are intended for commercial use and specifically for home air purifiers), but there are many filters that help trap allergens.
2. A Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your home’s thermostat acts as a computer, automating when to activate your home’s AC unit. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, it can negatively affect how your AC system behaves. Walk to your thermostat and look for a low battery or replace battery alert. Also, ensure that your thermostat is set to “cool.”
If your AC unit continues blowing warm air, the next thing to try is replacing your thermostat’s batteries; though they function primarily as backup power, some thermostats still need them to be fully charged. If a battery replacement doesn’t solve your problem, it’s time to call in the professionals.
3. An Extremely Old AC Unit
Every home appliance has parts that wear down over time. The more use these appliances get, the quicker they typically wear out. If your air conditioning unit is 15 to 20 years old, the smartest move is to replace it. A brand-new AC unit means no more making emergency AC repair calls or dealing with hot air in the summer. You can also sometimes qualify for tax incentives based on the AC system you purchase.
4. Leaks in Your Air Ducts
Air ducts are behind your walls, helping to disperse heated or cooled air into separate rooms of your home. While companies manufacture most home air ducts from aluminum and galvanized steel, these items aren’t immune to damage.
Several factors that can damage your air ducts include:
- Ductwork installed over 20 years ago or more
- Something hitting or bumping your ducts
- Built-up mold and dust
- Rodents
Any hole or tear in your air duct lets untreated air through your ducts and into your home. As you likely know, ducts with multiple rips and tears can worsen this problem. Considering the location and fragility of air ducts, let a professional inspect and repair this part of your home.
5. Debris Blocking Your AC Unit
Florida is a state known for its occasionally windy weather. As winds rip through your city, it often causes twigs, leaves, and grass to blow around. Sometimes, this debris has nowhere to go but near your outdoor AC unit. If you don’t remove this debris, these things can cause your AC unit to overwork itself to keep your home cool. If this is the problem, removing debris from your AC unit gives it a much-needed break.
6. Leaking Refrigerant
A properly working AC unit requires many parts working together. One problem that can happen involves the refrigerant running through your AC system. If your system has damaged refrigerant lines, the liquid running through it often leaks. When there’s not enough refrigerant for evaporator coils to heat, it can result in warmer air throughout your home.
Unfortunately, pouring in more refrigerant won’t solve your problem. Adding refrigerant to leaking lines might provide cooler air for a short time. However, when refrigerant continues leaking, you’ll have to add more refrigerant liquid. Save yourself the time and hassle of dealing with refrigerant leaks by contacting Paradise Home Services. Our company has the tools and expertise to resolve your system’s refrigerant-related issues fast.
7. Dirty Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are another crucial part of the AC system. The name of these parts might sound complicated. However, these coils serve a simple but critical purpose: cooling outdoor air before it enters your home. Evaporator coils, as their name implies, evaporate refrigerant running through your AC system.
If these coils receive too much refrigerant, they can freeze. Unfortunately, this problem can worsen as more cool water builds a thick layer of ice over your evaporator coils. These coils can also build up dirt. As your unit’s coils continue accumulating debris, it reduces their ability to vaporize refrigerant.
8. A Clogged or Damaged Condensate Drain Line
It takes a series of reactions for an air conditioner to work optimally. As your AC unit operates, it creates a lot of condensation. That’s why AC systems have condensate lines that remove this excess moisture. With so much water moving around these lines, they can back up with algae and mold. Blocked condensate lines prevent humid air from releasing outdoors. So, with nowhere to go, broken condensate lines can cause hot air to circulate in your home.
9. Sensor Issues
Depending on your AC system, you might hear a slight but familiar hum or click when it kicks in. This noise lets you know your air conditioner will begin cooling your home. You can thank your AC system’s sensor for cooler air flowing through your house. This sensor alerts your AC unit when to power on or shut off.
Sometimes, sensors dislodge from their original positions. Sensors can also accumulate dust and debris. With sensors being somewhat sensitive, it doesn’t take much for them to encounter problems. A malfunctioning sensor can cause your AC unit to begin acting strangely, which can include blowing out warm air.
10. Compressor Dilemmas
Your air conditioning unit’s compressor ensures refrigerant moves through lines, reaching this system’s evaporator coils. If your compressor is malfunctioning, your system can’t complete the process of converting refrigerant liquid into cooler air.
11. Home Electrical Problems
Electrical problems in the home can also affect the efficiency of an AC unit. If no power goes to your AC unit, it won’t circulate cool air. This problem might be solvable with a simple flip of your home’s electrical breaker.
If flipping the corresponding breaker switch doesn’t work, it’s time to leave your electrical-related problems to an expert. By contacting Paradise Home Services, you’re not risking the many injuries that can happen while working with electricity.
Don’t spend your summer sweltering and suffering in a hot home! Let the experts at Paradise Home Services find the root of your AC unit’s problems. Contact us today for an AC unit that blows delightfully cool air or for plumbing issues, ductwork cleaning, and more!
