Air conditioner blowing warm air? What to do next

If you have an air conditioner in your home or office, you’re probably enjoying the comfort of perfectly heated or cooled air year-round. But what if your air conditioner suddenly starts blowing warm air during the summer? How do you fix it and ensure your system is cooling your room properly?

In this article, we’ll explore some maintenance tips and steps to get your air conditioner back to its best, so you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable, warm air when you need cooling the most.

1. Check for Blocked Condenser Coils

One of the most common reasons for an air conditioner blowing warm air is dirty or blocked condenser coils. These coils carry refrigerant through the system. When dirt builds up on them, the air conditioner’s performance drops, and you might need to call in an expert.

Since refrigerant is involved, it’s best to leave the cleaning and servicing to a qualified technician. Blockages are often due to poor maintenance or failure to replace the air filter. Regular maintenance is key to extending your air conditioner’s life and minimizing repair costs.

2. Ensure the Thermostat Is Set Correctly

Believe it or not, one of the most frequent reasons for warm air is an incorrect thermostat setting. Often, the thermostat gets switched to “heat” rather than “cool” by accident. Before calling in a professional, check the thermostat to ensure it’s set to “cool.”

Also, make sure the setting is not stuck on “on.” In that case, the fan will keep running even when the cooling isn’t active, which could blow warm air through your home.

3. Confirm Your Condenser Is Getting Electricity

Air conditioners rely on electricity to function. Without it, the system cannot cool your space properly. Sometimes, the indoor unit may appear to be running, but the outdoor unit might have lost power. This usually results from a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker.

Check your property’s circuit breaker to see if there’s a power issue affecting the condenser. If the system isn’t receiving power, it will only blow warm air.

4. Inspect the Return Ducts

A disconnected or broken return duct can also lead to warm air blowing through your air conditioner. When the return duct isn’t working efficiently, it pulls in warm, outdoor air, leaving the air in your home unconditioned. This is especially frustrating during hot summer months.

DIY Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips

To ensure your air conditioner stays in top shape and continues to provide cool air, there are a few basic maintenance tasks you can perform without needing a professional.

Replace the Air Filters

Dirty or clogged filters block airflow, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. Replacing or cleaning your air filters regularly is an easy way to maintain your system and extend its lifespan. Depending on whether you have a split system or a ducted system, ask your technician to show you the filter’s location during installation or servicing.

Clean the Coils

Over time, dirt can build up on the evaporator and condenser coils, affecting airflow and insulation. Clean the coils to ensure your system is running efficiently. Outdoor coils are especially prone to dirt from foliage and debris, so make sure to check and clean them regularly.

Straighten and Clean the Coil Fins

The aluminum fins on your air conditioner can bend, restricting airflow through the coil. To maintain airflow, ensure that these fins are straight and clean. Wiping away dust and debris from the fins can also improve efficiency.

Additional Maintenance Tips

Other small maintenance tasks can help prevent your air conditioner from blowing warm air. For example, pass a wire through the drain channels to remove any clogs and check that the unit’s seals are properly in place.

These simple tasks can go a long way in keeping your system running smoothly.

When to Call in a Professional

While you can perform basic maintenance yourself, there are times when you’ll need a licensed professional. An air conditioner is an electrical appliance, so any major repairs should be handled by an expert to avoid damaging the system or voiding the warranty.

Professional technicians can help with tasks such as checking refrigerant levels, testing for leaks, inspecting ducts, measuring airflow, and testing electric terminals. They also ensure that your system is functioning at its best.

Rite Price Heating & Cooling: Your Local Experts

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air or isn’t working as it should, it’s time to speak with the professionals. At Rite Price Heating & Cooling, we offer a wide range of air conditioning servicing and maintenance solutions across Adelaide.

Our team can inspect your system, diagnose the issue, and provide the necessary repairs to get your air conditioner running efficiently again. Whether you need help with a ducted system or a split system, we’ve got you covered.

Conclusion

Warm air coming from your air conditioner can be frustrating, especially during summer. By performing regular maintenance and addressing small issues early, you can keep your system running smoothly. However, when larger problems arise, trust the experts at Rite Price Heating & Cooling to help. We’re here to ensure your air conditioning system stays in top shape, keeping your home comfortable year-round.

Contact Rite Price today for professional air conditioning services and expert advice.