So, Your A/C Is Blowing Hot Air – Now What?
The last thing that you want is your air conditioner blowing hot air throughout the home when it is blistering hot outside. However, that's exactly what is happening. Never fret because this is generally not a sign of a major malfunction of your HVAC unit. In fact, you can likely fix the problem without ever having a professional step foot in your home. Here are a few things to try before giving an HVAC technician (such as one from http://www.alliedairheat.com) a ring:
1. Check for Ice on the Evaporator Coil.
One common problem that you can experience with your air conditioner is ice build-up on the evaporator coil. When this happens, it can stop the process of cooling the air that enters into your home. The unit's evaporator needs adequate airflow in order to take heat from the home and turn it into cool air. However, if there is ice accumulation, the heat exchange is essentially blocked from occurring.
To check for this, turn off your unit. Go ahead and change or clean your air filter if it is dirty. Switch your air conditioner to "fan" mode to allow the ice to melt at a faster rate. Once the ice has completely melted, inspect the evaporator to ensure it is clean. If it is dirty, clean it with a foaming coil cleaner. Switch it back "on" as usual. If the ice build-up returns, make sure to consult with a professional because there could be a more significant underlying problem.
2. Check for a Filthy Condenser.
When your condenser coil is dirty, your home won't be able to cool as efficiently as it should. The condenser coil is located outside on your outdoor unit. You can simply use your water hose to spray the sides of the cooling system in order to remove any dirt, grime and other debris. For optimal cleaning, you can remove the fan so that you can use the water hose to spray the fins from the inside out. You can use a foaming coil cleanser here as well and then rinse it off with the water hose.
3. Check for a Dirty Compressor.
The compressor is also located in the outdoor unit, like the condenser. When you clean the condenser, you will be cleaning the compressor as well. However, for better access, you may want to remove the outside cover grill. When the compressor gets dirty, it can overheat and eventually stop working. This could be the source of your hot air. However, once clean, it should pick back up and work efficiently again. If you hear a rattling or humming noise, you'll need to call your technician.
4. Check Your Thermostat.
To be safe, you will want to check your thermostat. It should be set to either the "cool" or "auto" mode. If a new thermostat has been installed recently, you'll want to make sure that the wiring schematic is correct and that all terminal connections are secure. If you're unsure of how to do this, you may need to call an expert to ensure no other issues crop up during the process.
If your unit continues to blow hot air or if you are experiencing any issues at all with your HVAC unit, contact a professional for expert assistance.