When the Coastal Bend climate gets hot and muggy, your air conditioner should be a welcome relief, not contributing to the problem. If your A/C is blowing hot air, a few quick troubleshooting steps can help you decide whether you can fix it or if it needs professional repair. Here’s what you should know.
Check the Thermostat
Always check the thermostat first. Whether it’s simple human error or something bumping into the unit, thermostats can be set to high temperatures or have the cooling mode turned off. If that’s the case, just re-set the thermostat.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Check the outdoor unit’s electrical connections, including the circuit breaker or fuse box that serves it. If the outdoor unit isn’t receiving power, the air handler and indoor unit can still function, but the A/C won’t cool.
Clean the Coils
Clean the evaporator and condenser coils. When these coils get dusty, they become insulated and can’t transfer heat out of your home. The outdoor condenser should also have clear space on every side. Cut away any overgrowth and move clutter at least three feet away.
Replace the Air Filter
The air filter should remain clean so that air can pass freely through the system and be circulated through your home. A clogged air filter can cause system burnout, and a missing filter contributes to dust buildup inside your A/C.
Check the Refrigerant Charge
If the refrigerant charge isn’t correct or there’s a leak in the refrigerant line, it will have to be repaired by an HVAC professional before the system can function effectively again. Don’t try to repair a leak in the line yourself. Refrigerant should be handled by a professional, and if it’s not, it may void your warranty.
If you can’t diagnose the problem with your air conditioner on your own, call the HVAC professionals at Mathews CCAC. We’re happy to get your home cool again if your A/C is blowing hot air.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/Cs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Mile Atanasov/Shutterstock”