Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

We’ve had a hot summer here in Michigan, with plenty of days topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Which begs the question—why did your air conditioner (AC) decide to make things worse?

When hot air spews from your air ducts on a hot summer day, your Clinton Township home quickly goes from comfy to a feeling of meltdown. Luckily, the culprit is usually easy to find and fix. The remedies range from a simple thermostat tweak to a slightly more complex repair from your Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning specialist.

We like to remind our customers to change air filters at least every 90 days and stay on top of seasonal maintenance. These two helpful habits are vital for your system’s longevity and can prevent problems, such as your AC blowing hot air. Clogged filters stifle ventilation, which leads to longer run cycles that eat up more electricity.

Fortunately, you can cut down on utilities by up to 15 percent if you change your filter regularly, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Also, don’t forget to schedule a maintenance check-up for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump before winter makes its way to Clinton Township.

What To Do When Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air

There are a few factors that could be making your home stuffy. Here are some things to try before calling a professional:

• Check your thermostat configuration. As simple as it is, the thermostat is the first thing you should check. Be sure it’s switched to “cool,” and that the temperature is at an appropriate setting.

• Check your air filter for any obstructions. Are dust and debris getting in the way? Clogged filters can sometimes create “patchy” cooling or make the air feel warmer. Be sure to change your air filter if it appears dusty before you look for other issues.

Is the air still hot? Here are some other complications that your Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning specialist can diagnose and take care of:

• Your thermostat is misplaced or broken. When the eyes and ears of your air conditioner are compromised, it will have trouble cooling your home. Ideally, your thermostat should sit in a central location of your home. Otherwise, your thermostat may think your home is cooler than it is. Consider moving your thermostat if it is near windows, doors, kitchens, or behind an appliance. It’s also possible that a glitch in your thermostat is causing an inaccurate reading.

• Your indoor and outdoor components have become disconnected. Your AC cools by removing heat and humidity from the air. The indoor unit sends heat and humidity to the outdoor compressor, where it exits as exhaust. When these two components become disconnected, your AC loses its ability to cool. If you notice any shortages on your circuit breaker, this could be a sign that the components have become disconnected. If you think this may be the case, have a professional make the repair to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

• Your condenser coils have become dirty or frozen. Condenser coils circulate refrigerant, facilitating the transfer of heat to the outdoors. Sometimes, they become coated with dust, which can impair this process. Obstructions or refrigerant leaks can also lead to “freeze-ups,” which are accompanied by a layer of frost on the coils.

• Your AC is experiencing other mechanical issues. Sometimes, the problem is a bit more obscure. Other possible contributing factors include damage to your compressor, electrical malfunctions or issues with your refrigerant. Whatever it is, your HVAC professional will be able to pin it down.

Is your AC offline? Call 586-790-2604 to get it back up and running.

Since 1999, Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning has proudly provided award-winning HVAC service to our neighbors in Metro Detroit. Whether you need an installation, repair, or maintenance, our team of certified experts is ready to help. Call our Clinton Township, MI, headquarters at 586-790-2604 or request service online.