We’ve talked before about how air filters and dirty coils can affect the mechanics of your HVAC system. Keeping your unit up-to-date and regularly serviced can prevent many mechanical issues, including hot air blowing out when the AC is on.

Check these four items to see if you are able to determine the problem:

Thermostat Settings

●      Be sure the thermostat is set to cool instead of heat.

●      Switch the fan to “Auto” instead of “On” – if the thermostat is set to “On,” it will continue blowing out air even when the cooling system isn’t on, leading to warmer air in your home.

●      Look at the wiring on your thermostat to see if anything looks out of place, frayed, or otherwise problematic.

Home Power

●      Double-check outlets and cables in your home. Are all of the outlets in the room with the thermostat working? How about outside with the unit?

●      Find your homes breakers and see if they’ve been tripped or if a fuse has been blown. You can check by purchasing a voltmeter at a home improvement store.

Refrigerant and Valves

●      Getting a little more technical, the refrigerant line supplies the freon to the system that allows the coil to be cooled, cooling your home. If the freon levels are low, this indicates a leak in the refrigerant line.

●      Locate the evaporator coils: If they appear frosted, there is definitely a leak.

●      The expansion valve, which helps change the refrigerant liquid into a gas that cools the coils, can become clogged, just like other lines in your unit. Removing the clog will help facilitate the process so your home feels cool again.

Filters

●      Be sure to change your air filter as often as is recommended by your HVAC technician. While some filters claim they only need to be changed every 60-90 days, you may need to change them more frequently if you smoke, have pets, or have allergy issues.

●      If you notice a very dirty air filter, replace it, and are still having issues, there may be a clog in the condensate line or a problem with the compressor. Dirty filters don’t directly cause warm air, but they can signal clogged filters throughout the unit.

If, after exploring the four items above, you still cannot determine what is causing the hot air to blow out of your HVAC unit, reach out to McCoy’s today. A technician will be able to advise you on what is causing the problem and how to resolve it in time for warmer weather.