
Troubleshooting air conditioner issues.
Why is it blowing warm air?
Is your air conditioner not working like it should?
As the temperature starts to rise, we will rely on our a/c to keep us cool. When unexpected things happen, like warm air coming from it, we need to have it fixed asap.
Some possibilities to look for are:
Thermostat: This may be an obvious thing but check the thermostat. It may have accidentally been set to 'heat.' Simply make sure it is turned to 'cool.' If the a/c begins to blow cool again, you've fixed the problem and you can do the 'happy dance!'
Breaker box: air conditioners require a lot of power so sometimes it could blow a breaker. Go to your electrical panel to see if one has been tripped or if a fuse is blown. If so, flip the breaker or replace the fuse.
Air filter and evaporator coils: if the air filter gets very dirty, it can lead to dirty evaporator coils. This can cause them to be 'frozen'. This doesn't mean cold air... it actually stops the flow of cool air, which will mean warm air blowing out of the a/c. If this is the case, you'll need to shut off the unit and let it thaw. There could be a leak or compressor issue, so you may need to call a professional. Your air filter should be replaced every couple months to ensure a properly running unit.
Refrigerant: many air conditioner issues are caused by low refrigerant. Look for worn valves or loose joints, which could mean undercharged or overcharged refrigerant. This is a dangerous chemical, so it's best to hire a professional, should this be the problem with your unit. Having your a/c maintained on a regular basis will keep it running at it's best.
If none of these issues are the culprit, you should contact a repairman to look into the problem. If you hear gurgling, hissing, see ice on the line, contact your service company as soon as possible.