Is the AC system blowing hot air in your Easton, Pennsylvania, home? Not only can this be a major annoyance and a source of discomfort, but it also means you are wasting energy and paying for an air conditioner that is not doing its job. So what could be the culprit for your system’s sudden change in temperature? Check out some of the most common causes behind an AC system that blows hot air.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
First, check your thermostat settings. The settings can be easily changed, providing a simple fix if your thermostat is the problem. Check to see that the thermostat is set to cool and your fan is switched to auto. Once confirming that, be sure that the temperature is set slightly below the temperature you want the room to be for you to be comfortable. One to five degrees below should get you to your desired room temperature.
Your Condenser Unit Is Dirty
A dirty condenser unit could also be causing hot air to come through your ducts. Check your outside unit and visually inspect it to make sure there is nothing that is caught in it that might be interfering with the moving parts. You should also check to see if there are any leaves, tall grass, or debris built up in or around your system. If you find debris that is not easy to remove, it may be time to schedule maintenance for your unit. Never attempt to reach inside the unit yourself, especially when it is running.
There Is a Refrigerant Leak
When your refrigerant is low, your AC unit is less likely to blow cool air. Low refrigerant levels could mean you are losing refrigerant through a slow leak. You should not address this concern on your own. Refrigerant needs to be handled by a professional, and you will also need an HVAC specialist to detect and repair the leak before new refrigerant is added.
The Air Filter Is Clogged
One of the most common culprits behind the hot air coming from your vents is a clogged or dirty air filter. Fortunately, this one is an easy fix that you can do on your own. Simply remove your filter and replace it with a clean one or wash it if you have a reusable filter. To prevent air filters from building up too much dust and dirt, make sure you replace your filter at least every one to three months.
There Are Leaks in Your Ductwork
Sometimes the problem could be associated with your ductwork. When your ductwork has leaks, the conditioned air will escape. Hot air from the outside can then creep in, disrupting the cooling process of your system. Since much of your ductwork is hidden and hard to access, you will need to contact a professional to determine where the leak is and get it repaired and sealed.
A Dirty Evaporator Coil
If you let your filter get clogged and dirty, there is a good chance that your evaporator coil is dirty, as well. The evaporator functions through absorption. When it gets covered with dust and debris, its cooling ability is inhibited. If you have changed your filter and the problem persists, the problem may actually be a dirty evaporator coil. To fix this problem, you will need to call in a professional to have it cleaned. You can also avoid the problem in the future by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance.
A Bad Capacitor
If the air coming out of your vents is hot and the airflow is low, you may have a faulty capacitor. This is often the first sign that a capacitor is going bad. First, try to shut your system off and turn it back on. If this doesn’t correct the problem, you may need to call a repair technician.
If hot air from your vents is disrupting the comfort in your home, your AC system may be experiencing one of the problems listed above. Need some repair or maintenance to get your system functioning properly and your home cooled down and comfortable? Contact Sullivan Oil & Propane at (610) 810-3992 today. We’ll get your AC system cleaned up and running in no time.
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