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It's a sweltering summer day, and you turn on your AC for some relief. But instead of cool air blowing out, hot air comes from the vents! What could be wrong with your AC? Here are some common reasons why your AC is blowing hot air.

Closed Return Vents

Your air conditioner may be blowing hot air because you may have closed the top return registers. Since hot air rises and cold air sinks, this means that instead of being pushed out to a vent or outside for cooling purposes, your room will stay warm with no circulation happening at all.

A return vent can also get blocked by furniture or another object. Check each return air vent to ensure there's no obstruction and gently push any obstructions back into place if you find them. Once you've done that, the airflow should start working properly again.

Faulty Thermostat

It's possible that your thermostat might not be calibrated correctly and cannot set a desired temperature in the room. Your AC will keep running when this happens, and the room may never reach that desired temperature.

If you find this is the case, check any buttons on or near your thermostat to calibrate it. If so, follow the instructions for calibration carefully until you've reached a satisfactory result. Alternatively, find an expert to calibrate it for you if you can't do it yourself.

Clogged Air Filters

A dirty air filter is another common reason behind an AC blowing hot air. They lead to airflow problems throughout the system, which can overheat or even catch fire. This also increases energy usage by your HVAC unit as it works at a higher power setting (for longer periods).

So, if you notice that your home's temperature isn't lowering enough- check for signs like black marks on windowsills suggesting dust accumulation inside-and clean as soon as possible. To avoid this problem, you should also change your AC's filters regularly.

Leaking Air Conditioner Ducts

Leaks are another common reason behind an AC blowing hot air. When leaks occur in an HVAC system, it leads to cool air loss and hot air blowing into the room. This also decreases airflow leading to greater energy usage by your unit.

So, if you suspect that you have damaged ducts, you need to seal them with mastic tape. Seal vents and registers where they meet surfaces, such as the ceiling, but if you suspect a leak deep inside, then contact an expert to locate it for you before repairing it yourself. This is to prevent causing more problems.

Electric Fault

Blowing warm air can mean that your AC may not be getting enough electricity. When the power goes out to an outdoor unit and shuts down processes in that machine - including releasing heat outside- then you will notice less ventilation at home too because there'll no longer be any way for cool breezes or hot exhaust fumes from inside our house to exit

If you suspect this is the case, locate your electrical panel and check if any circuit breakers have tripped. You can also look out for blown fuses, which may be a sign that something has gone wrong in your home's wiring system. Call an expert to manage this if you're not sure of the problem.

Damaged Fan

Your fan plays an essential role in keeping your air conditioning unit running efficiently. If the fan is damaged, it will not circulate as much air, and you may notice that your AC is just blowing out hot air without cooling down your home at all.

Most units also come with a grill for trapping leaves, dust, or other debris, which can cause problems if it isn't cleaned off. If you notice that your AC is not working as well as it should be, check the fan and grill before calling a professional to handle it for you.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is an integral part of your AC unit. A faulty or damaged one will make it difficult for you to cool off in hot weather, which can be a serious problem if left unaddressed. Signs that indicate the need for service include weak airflow and loud banging noises from your home's HVAC system, so don't let this go unnoticed.

Compressors usually fail due to neglecting regular maintenance - they need an expert to fix it. A qualified professional will diagnose the problem and decide whether a repair is possible or if you will need to replace the entire AC unit.

Accumulated Dirt on Condenser Coils

Condenser coils do a lot more than shift heat around. They're responsible for releasing it in the first place. If you notice that dirt has built up on them over time, this can lead to an inefficient unit because all its power goes towards pushing dirty coolant through clogged pipes instead of blowing cold outside air like normal.

Turn off your AC unit and the circuit breaker. Then remove the condenser cover to check for leaves, dust, or debris that may be obstructing its efficiency. Remove any obstruction with a soft-bristled brush before putting everything back together again. Doing this can save you a lot of money and frustration down the line.

Leaking Refrigerant

If you notice that your air conditioning isn't cooling as efficiently, there could be a refrigerant leak. The low fluid levels, in this case, will result in hot room temperatures and, in some cases, an AC not working at all because of decreased energy efficiency.

Though fortunately, these leaks can usually be spotted by checking for telltale signs like very cold coils or hissing noises coming from the unit. If you notice any other problems with your AC unit that aren't mentioned here, it's probably time to call in a specialist.

Call in the Experts

It's not an easy task to determine why your AC is blowing hot air. If you feel like this has been happening for a while and still can't identify the problem, it's time to call in the professionals at Comfortec Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We have years of experience providing homeowners with reliable solutions that work efficiently and effectively without breaking the bank. You can rely on us for quick results, so you don't have to sweat out another day in discomfort. Give us a call today.