When the sun beats down on your Sacramento home, the last thing you need is hot air blowing from your air conditioner. If your unit isn’t performing properly, we can help. The experienced technicians at Northwest Exteriors bring decades of expertise to diagnose and repair any HVAC issues quickly. We list here the most common causes of AC units blowing hot air, how to prevent it, and what repair options are available to you.
Signs Your AC Isn’t Working Properly
Here are a few telltale signs that your AC is on the fritz:
- Cool Setting, Hot Air
- Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On
- Some Rooms Cool, Others Not
- System Smells Funny
- AC Won’t Shut Off
Common Reasons Your AC Blows Hot Air
Knowing what to look for when your AC is blowing hot air can be incredibly useful. Here are some typical causes:
- Check Your Thermostat
The fix could be as simple as putting it on the right setting.
- Flipped Circuit Breaker
Check your electric panel for anything amiss.
- Leaking Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels, often due to leaks, bring the hot air.
- Dirty Filter
Blocked airflow causes the system to overheat and blow warm air.
- Failing AC Compressor
If the hot air is accompanied by a hissing noise, your compressor may be on its last legs.
- Blocked Condenser Coil
When dirt and other debris build up on the coil, your system won’t cool properly.
Air Conditioning Troubleshooting – Try This First
Before calling the pros, there are a few steps you can try:
- Make Sure Your Thermostat Is on Cool
- Check the Circuit Breaker
- Replace Filters
AC Tips for Summer
- Regular AC Maintenance by HVAC Professionals
- Keep Vents Clear
- Shade Your Outdoor Unit
- Use a Programmable Thermostat to Save Energy
When to Call a Professional Sacramento HVAC Expert
While some minor AC issues can be resolved on your own, some problems require the expertise of a professional HVAC technician:
- Persistent Hot Air
If your AC continues to blow hot air despite your troubleshooting efforts, it’s time to call in a knowledgeable professional.
- Refrigerant Leaks
Dealing with refrigerant issues requires the expertise of a technician.
- Electrical Issues
If your breaker trips repeatedly, it is most likely an electrical problem that is too dangerous for DIY fixes.
- Unusual Noises or Smells
Serious problems with the compressor or other components that cause strange odors or noises are best left to the pros.
- Frequent Cycling
If your AC turns on and off frequently and repeatedly, it could be a thermostat or compressor issue for a professional.
AC Blowing Hot Air FAQs
Q: Why is my AC blowing cool but not cold air?
A: The problem could be a dirty air filter, a blocked condenser coil, or low refrigerant. Hiring a professional HVAC maintenance company to perform routine servicing helps prevent these issues and prolong the life of your unit.
Q: Is it safe to run AC that’s blowing hot air?
A: Running AC with warm air won’t hurt you, but it could hurt your wallet. Inefficient AC units lead to high energy costs. We recommend getting it fixed sooner rather than later to optimize performance.
Q: My AC is blowing warm air after a power outage. What can I do?
A: Try turning off the thermostat and breaker for a few minutes, then rebooting both. If this doesn’t solve the problem, call an AC professional for help.
Q: What happens when my air conditioner runs too long?
A: An air conditioner that runs on long, repeated cycles will eventually overheat, causing unnecessary wear and tear, bad performance, and higher energy bills.
Q: What are normal AC cooling cycles?
A: A typical cycle lasts about 15-20 minutes. Anything longer or more frequent might mean you have a problem.
Q: Can low refrigerant cause hot air?
A: If your refrigerant is too low, you may begin to notice warm air blowing from your AC. Refrigerant is what cools the air, so any leak or low level of refrigerant will cause this problem.
Q: What are the signs of a failing AC compressor?
A: Some of the most common signs are frequent cycling, hot air, and cool rather than cold air.
Q: My AC won’t turn on. What should I do?
A: Check the circuits and make sure your thermostat is on the right setting. If these don’t get your unit started, you most likely need a professional diagnosis.
Q: What should I do if some rooms are cool and others are not?
A: First, check your ducts and vents to make sure they aren’t blocked. If they aren’t, it could be your AC unit isn’t large enough for the job.
Q: Why does my AC system smell funny?
A: Bad odors coming from your AC could mean mold or mildew in the system or an electrical problem.
Q: My AC won’t shut off. What’s wrong?
A: The problem could be low refrigerant, a bad thermostat, or a bigger problem with the unit itself. Call a professional HVAC technician for help.
Summary
Sacramento summers can be brutal, so regular maintenance and fast repairs will keep your air conditioner blowing cool even on the hottest days.
Need Help Fast? Call the AC Specialists Near You
When your AC decides to blow hot air in the middle of summer, it’s not good news! But there’s no need to sweat it out when the skilled technicians at Northwest Exteriors can solve the problem fast. Our top-rated HVAC experts have helped hundreds of homeowners in the greater Sacramento region stay cool all year round. We can help you too!
No matter how high the temperatures soar in sunny California, our professional HVAC repair in Sacramento will keep your home serene and comfortable. We use the most advanced diagnostic tools to detect problems quickly and repair your unit so it performs better than ever.
Whether you need a quick fix or a major overhaul, we approach every task as consummate professionals, providing exceptional customer service every time. We deliver solutions fast so you can get back to enjoying the season with your family and friends, no matter how hot it gets outside.
Stay Cool with Us, Sacramento!
Partner with Northwest Exteriors for top-rated HVAC service and repairs in Sacramento. Contact our helpful team today for more information or to schedule your AC seasonal maintenance.
