Why Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air (and What You Can Do)
Getting a blast of warm air from your air conditioner is an unwelcome surprise—but it’s not uncommon. This issue can arise from mistakes in your settings, dirty filters, or deeper problems that require a technician’s help.
So, why is your AC blowing warm air, and what should you do about it? We’ll help you narrow down possible causes and decide whether to call a professional.
Don’t want to wait? Call today for an in-person inspection of your Seattle area home.
How Your AC Cools Your Indoor Air
Your air conditioner has many parts working together at once. If there’s an issue with even one of these parts, your system may experience malfunctions like blowing warm air unexpectedly.
Below is a basic overview of how your system works to cool your home:
Your thermostat reads indoor temperatures, then sends signals to your system to trigger its cooling process.
The air filter traps contaminants like dirt, dust, pollen, and dander so they don’t enter the system.
The evaporator coil uses refrigerant to absorb both heat and moisture from indoor air.
The heated refrigerant is pumped outside, where the condenser coil releases the heat.
Cooled air blows through your system’s ductwork and vents.
5 Common Reasons Your AC May Be Blowing Warm Air
Why is your AC blowing warm air? Here are five of the most common reasons.
Thermostat Issues: A thermostat that’s malfunctioning or switched to the wrong settings can prevent your system from cooling your home the way you expect.
Airflow Restrictions: Dirty air filters, closed vents, or blocked ducts make it harder for air to pass through your system, potentially leading to frozen evaporator coils, impaired cooling, and even a leaky AC.
Refrigerant Leak: Low or leaking refrigerant makes it hard for your system to remove heat from the air.
Condenser Issues: Issues with your outdoor unit, like a dirty condenser coil or malfunctioning condenser fan, can also cause warm air problems.
Electrical Problems: Your system might have faulty wiring preventing essential components from receiving power.
An AC blowing warm air in the middle of summer is rough. Schedule service online for quick and reliable help from our expert technicians.
5 Quick Troubleshooting Steps Homeowners Can Try
If your AC is not cooling properly, inspecting some basic elements of your system can give you an idea of the best next step. You might even be able to fix a few simple problems on your own:
Check Thermostat Settings: Make sure you haven’t accidentally turned off your thermostat, set it to a warm temperature, or switched it from cooling to heating. You can try setting it to a cooler temperature to see if that triggers cool air.
Replace Your Air Filter: Dirty filters can block airflow, so it’s essential to change your air filter regularly. Make sure to only use a filter compatible with your AC unit, as the wrong kind of filter can also cause airflow problems.
Open Your Vents: You may have accidentally closed some of your indoor vents while cleaning. Open them up to see if that improves airflow. Also make sure vents aren’t covered by furniture or rugs.
Clear Debris off Your Outdoor Unit: Fall and winter have a habit of leaving dirt, leaves, and debris on your outdoor unit. You can wipe off debris with a dry rag to see if that improves airflow.
Reset Tripped Breakers (If Safe): Did you have a storm or maintenance visit lately? Your breaker might be tripped. As long as you don’t suspect an unsafe situation (such as a damaged breaker), you can reset the breaker. Turn it off fully, wait for a few seconds, then flip the power back on.
What Homeowners Should Not Try to Fix Themselves
If you’ve tried the above fixes and your AC unit is still blowing warm air, you likely have a problem you can’t solve yourself. The following issues should only be handled by a trained technician:
Refrigerant Leaks: Signs of a refrigerant leak can include ice buildup, hissing noises, or chemical smells coming from your AC. Refrigerant is a toxic chemical, so if you suspect a leak, turn off your unit, air out your home, and get help from a professional as soon as possible.
Electrical Issues: Sometimes your air conditioner’s wiring gets worn out from old age or damaged by extreme weather. Professional repair is crucial to reduce the risk of an electrical or fire hazard.
Coil or Condenser Issues: Do you suspect your evaporator coils are frozen or your condenser is malfunctioning? You’ll need professional help to get to the root of the problem and get it resolved safely.
When to Call for AC Repair in Seattle
When your AC is blowing warm air, it’s usually best to get a professional inspection. If you’ve tried our troubleshooting tips and still need help, Blue Flame Heating and Air is standing by. We’ve been serving Seattle homeowners since 1994.
We can help you with AC repair, new installations, and ongoing maintenance. When you work with us, you’ll get access to:
Ongoing specials to help you save money on HVAC services
Service areas across Seattle and surrounding communities
Experienced technicians familiar with a wide range of HVAC problems
Stay cool with Blue Flame. Call today or schedule service online for your AC problem!