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Author: Jahangir Khan

Image of a ductless mini-split air conditioner mounted on the wall

Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

If there is something wrong with your air conditioner, you may notice that it is blowing hot air. When this happens, the best air conditioner repair company can help you figure out the underlying problem and get your AC working again. The last thing you need is a broken AC during the heat of summertime.

Why Is My AC Only Blowing Hot Air? 

An AC can start blowing hot air for many different reasons. The way you fix the problem will depend on the underlying cause. 

Electrical Problems

Electrical problems can make your AC blow hot air. For example, most air conditioners have both an indoor and outdoor breaker box. If the outdoor breaker box gets tripped, the AC will still be able to blow air out. However, the air will be hot. 

Before you call for 24-hour AC repair, try flipping the breaker switch to see if the AC will start working normally. If the breaker immediately trips again, you need to call one of our professionals for air conditioner repair services

Issues With Your Evaporator Coil 

Next, you may have a problem with your evaporator coil. While an evaporator coil can break for other reasons, one of the most common causes of a malfunctioning evaporator coil is dirt. If your air filters aren’t changed frequently enough, dust and dirt from your air filter can end up getting on the evaporator coil. 

Once this happens, your AC may freeze up. Ice will build up around the evaporator coil, and you will stop getting any cold air. After calling for air conditioner maintenance and repairs, you may need to wait up to 24 hours for the AC to unfreeze. You never want to remove the ice yourself because this can damage the delicate AC parts.

Low Refrigerant

Refrigerant levels can decline over time. These levels can also drop because of a leak. If there’s a leak, you’ll likely hear a hissing noise. Refrigerant is toxic to your health, so you should immediately turn off your AC and call for 24 hour AC repair if this is the cause. 

Whether you have low refrigerant or leaking refrigerant, you’ll need a professional HVAC technician to recharge your refrigerant levels. According to national laws, this must be done by someone who has a Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants.

Fan Mode Settings

Sometimes, you don’t need emergency AC repair or AC maintenance at all to fix the problem. If you have multiple people in your home, someone may have changed your AC to fan mode. By changing the settings, you can get your air conditioner to work normally again.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

You should also inspect your thermostat to see if it is set properly. Someone may have changed it to a warmer setting, which may be why your system isn’t blowing cold air. 

Additionally, you can try troubleshooting thermostat-related issues. Check your user guide to locate where the thermostat’s sensors are. These can become dusty over time and start getting bad readings, so clean them off. 

Then, use a thermometer to see if your thermostat has the same reading. If it doesn’t, call one of our HVAC experts for professional AC maintenance. 

Clogged AC Units

As a part of your general AC tune-up and maintenance checklist, you should be pulling weeds and brushing away any debris within 2 to 3 feet of your outdoor AC unit. If dirt, dust, and plants are in the way, it can clog up the unit and keep it from working properly. As a result, your AC may only blow hot air.

Dirty Filters

A dirty air filter prevents airflow in your AC, which can reduce the amount of cold air that can come out. It can also lead to other issues, like a frozen evaporator coil. Because of this, it is important to replace or clean your filter every 30 to 90 days. You’ll need to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see how often you should change the filter and how to do it. 

In general, replacing an air filter uses the following steps:

  • Turn off the unit. If it’s on when you remove the filter, dust will get blown into your AC.
  • Locate your air filter. 
  • Remove the filter. 
  • Replace it with a new one. The airflow arrows should be pointing toward your unit. 
  • Turn on your air conditioner again.

How Can I Get My AC to Blow Cold Air Again? 

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If your air conditioner is blowing hot air, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can do first. 

  • Check the air filter. If necessary, clean or replace it. 
  • See if there is ice or moisture buildup on your AC. 
  • Look at the breaker switch to see if it is flipped. 
  • Remove dirt and plants that could be clogging the outdoor AC unit. 
  • Check the thermostat settings. Make sure the AC isn’t in fan mode. Adjust the temperature.

Sometimes, these tips won’t be enough to get your air conditioner working properly again. When that happens, you need a professional air conditioning service to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary air conditioner repair. 

Get Help With Your AC Unit 

When hot weather strikes, you don’t want to be sweltering in your living room with a malfunctioning AC unit. Whether you need fast air conditioner repair or a complete AC installation, our team can help you diagnose the issue and provide reliable 24-hour service to restore your comfort. 
At Elkhorn Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical, we can help with all of your AC maintenance and repair needs. Whether you need emergency AC repair or your annual AC tune-up, our team knows just what to do. For more information about our services, call one of our AC repair experts today.

How do I know if my AC needs repair?

If your air conditioner is having ongoing issues, it may be time to get it repaired. Over time, air conditioners are more likely to develop problems. Given that a typical air conditioner can last 15 to 20 years, it is often more affordable to repair it rather than replace it. With the right HVAC services, you can improve the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner. 

The Most Common Signs You Need Your Air Conditioner Repaired

With the best local AC repair services, you can quickly repair common issues with your air conditioner. The following signs are indications that you may need to call someone for AC repairs. 

Higher Energy Bills 

When your air conditioning unit isn’t working properly, it leads to higher energy bills. If a part breaks, it can cause the rest of the air conditioner to work harder. Often, one of the first signs that you have a faulty part is a higher energy bill.

Odd Smells 

Your air conditioner isn’t supposed to make any unusual smells. Sweet odors and burning scents are the most concerning odors. If you smell a sweet scent, it means your AC is leaking refrigerant. Because breathing refrigerants can cause respiratory issues, cancer, and other health problems, it’s important to turn off your AC and call one of our HVAC technicians right away. 

A burning smell can be caused by the blower motor overheating due to a clogged filter. It could be a worn-out fan belt or electrical issues. Electrical issues or an overheating blower motor can cause a fire, so these are important signs that you need to get air conditioning repaired. 

If you notice a rotten smell, a rodent or animal may have gotten in the AC and died. Meanwhile, the smell of mold indicates that excess moisture in your vents and ducts has caused mold to grow.

Fluctuating Temperatures 

You may need to find the best air conditioner repair in your area if the AC isn’t maintaining the correct temperature. If the AC is struggling to keep your home cool, you may have a duct leak, a mechanical problem, or a thermostat issue. Because many different problems can stop an AC from working properly, it’s important to get a professional inspection.

Weird Noises 

You may need to call for AC repair services if you notice any of the following strange noises. 

Squealing: If there are squealing noises coming from your compressor, it indicates high internal pressure and is an issue that needs to be fixed right away. This sound can also be caused by a loose fan belt or a problem with the fan motor. 

Rattling: A banging or rattling noise may mean there are loose parts. For example, the air conditioner may have loose fan blades in the blower fan.

Clicking: It’s normal to hear a fast, clicking noise from your thermostat when your AC cycles on. If you hear a clicking noise at different times, it may be related to the capacitors or the relay switch. 

Banging: This kind of noise is often due to loose parts. For example, a loose piston pin in the compressor can make a banging sound. 

Buzzing: You might hear buzzing or humming noises if you have an issue with the compressor, condenser fan, or isolation feet.

Hissing: This is often from faulty components or leaky refrigerant lines. If it is the refrigerant lines, turn off your AC and call one of our HVAC technicians right away.

No Cold Air From Your Vents 

If your vents are running but only blowing warm air, it may be due to various problems. Because some of these issues can be hazardous, it’s important to get professional help. 

For instance, your AC will struggle to cool the air if the refrigerant is low. Recharging the refrigerant must be done by someone who has the right certification. Low refrigerant levels can also be caused by leaks, which are a safety risk for your loved ones.

Hot and Cold Zones 

Your AC is supposed to keep the temperature the same in every room of your home. If there are hot and cold spots in different areas, something might be wrong with the ducts, air filters, or other components.

High Humidity 

You may need to get emergency AC repair if your air conditioner isn’t doing its job. High humidity levels aren’t just uncomfortable for your family members. They can also lead to mold and mildew in your home. With air conditioner repair services, you can prevent high humidity from destroying your home.

Limited Airflow 

If your AC is blowing less air out, the compressor or ducts may be the culprit. For instance, leaky ducts can reduce your airflow by letting air escape before it gets to the rooms. If all your vents are open and your air filter is clean, you should call an HVAC technician to figure out what the cause is. You don’t want your air conditioner breaking on a hot day, and 24-hour AC repair can help you quickly diagnose the source of the problem.

Moisture or Water Leaking 

Leaking water can happen because of a broken or blocked condensate tube. If your AC has frozen recently, the melting ice can cause puddles of water. The most dangerous kind of liquid leak is refrigerant, so it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your system. 

Frozen ACs 

Your AC may freeze on especially hot days if it’s working more than normal. However, if it freezes because of low refrigerant levels or dirty evaporator coils, it’s worth calling for air conditioner repair services. An AC that frequently freezes may have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

AC Cycles On and Off Frequently 

When your AC cycles on and off frequently, it may mean that your air conditioner is oversized for your home. The air conditioner keeps cycling on and off because it’s cooling your home more quickly than it was intended to. 

If the air conditioner is too small for your home, the opposite issue occurs. Instead of short cycling, it will stay on for extended periods of time. On the hottest days, it may freeze because it doesn’t have a chance to turn off. 

You never want an AC that is too large or small for your home size. Short cycling and staying on for extended periods are both problems for your AC’s components. Over time, these issues can lead to repair problems. 

If the AC is the wrong size, you may need to get it replaced. However, it’s also important to have an HVAC technician look at your AC. If it keeps cycling on and off frequently, you could also have a problem with your thermostat, faulty compressors, or electrical problems. 

What to Check If an Air Conditioner Isn’t Working?

If your conditioner isn’t working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. Once you’ve eliminated possible issues, you can schedule an air conditioning repair for help. 

Check Your Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat light is on. If it isn’t, it may need new batteries. You can also try resetting the thermostat. Additionally, try cleaning off any dust that could be preventing the thermostat’s sensor from working effectively. 

Look at the Breaker Panel: If the AC switch in the breaker panel has flipped off, try turning it back on. However, don’t try flipping the switch again if the breaker gets tripped immediately. When this happens, you need professional help. 

Clean Your Air Filter: Even if you change your filter regularly, it can accumulate excess dust and dirt during the summer. To troubleshoot AC issues, clean your air filter and remove any clogs.

Check Your Maintenance Schedule: You should get your AC serviced at least once a year. If you haven’t had it serviced in over a year, call and make a maintenance appointment today.

Inspect Airflow Issues: Check your vents to see if they’re open and have air coming out. You can also check your ducts to see if there is a leak.

Unfreeze Frozen Evaporator Coils: If your AC isn’t working because the evaporator coils froze, you need to wait for them to unfreeze. This can take up to 24 hours. Don’t try to scrape the ice off yourself because you could end up harming yourself or the AC.

Look for Water and Moisture: Look around your AC unit to see if there is any water present. If there is, you should get it professionally inspected because many different issues can cause leaking.

Why It’s Important to Get Your Air Conditioner Repaired?

Your air conditioner is designed to last 15 to 20 years. Like a car, it needs routine maintenance and repairs to last as long as possible. 

Lower Your Power Bill 

By getting the AC repair service in Denver, you can reduce your electricity bill. Faulty parts, dirty evaporator coils, and other problems can reduce your AC’s energy efficiency. As a result, your AC has to work harder to reach the same temperature.

Extend Your System’s Longevity 

When you don’t repair your system, it tends to cause additional problems. If you want your AC to last for many years, you have to take care of it properly. 

Save Money on AC Replacements 

Replacing an air conditioner is generally more expensive than repairing it. This is especially true if your AC is less than 10 years old. By repairing your air conditioner today, you can stave off a future replacement.

Improve Air Quality 

The vents on your air conditioner filter out harmful contaminants, like dirt and dust. If you have dirty vents and your AC isn’t working right, it can worsen the air quality in your home. 

Keep Your Home Comfortable 

The most important reason to get emergency AC repair is to keep your home as comfortable as possible. Summers can sometimes be uncomfortably hot in Colorado, and you don’t want to sweat in the heat. By calling for repair services, you can help your family cool off. 

When Do I Need to Replace My AC? 

Even the best air conditioners will eventually need to be replaced. When an HVAC technician comes to inspect your AC problem, they can discuss whether it is a better idea to repair or replace your AC

As a general rule, it makes sense to replace your AC if your AC is already 10 years old and the repairs will cost half the price of a new air conditioner installation. You may also want to consider a replacement if your air conditioner seems to be breaking all the time. 

Will My Warranty Cover the Repairs? 

Each warranty is different, so it’s important to read the policy to see what is covered and for how long. Many warranties also have specific requirements, like getting routine maintenance each year. 

However, there are many circumstances where your warranty will cover the cost of repairs. If you are unsure, you can always call your warranty company to ask. 

Protect Your Air Conditioner From Additional Damage

With the best air conditioner repair, you can prevent further damage. Some AC issues are also potentially dangerous, so you need to get them repaired quickly. Once you repair your air conditioner, you can enjoy having a cooler, more comfortable home.