When you turn on your AC during a hot summer’s day, the last thing you want is for it to start spewing out hot air. This is a common problem, and it can stem from any number of AC maintenance issues. Troubleshooting the problem is a critical first step, though ultimately, getting your unit back up and running will often require a service call.
Reasons Why Your AC Blows Hot Air
Some of the most common reasons why an AC would blow hot air include:
- Low refrigerant levels. This is by far the most common cause of an AC blowing hot air. Your AC needs freon in order to perform a heat exchange. If you’re not getting the cold air you desire, your first line of thought should be that there’s a refrigerant leak somewhere down the line.
- Bad compressor. Though it’s a little bit less common, it may be that you’re not getting any cold air because your compressor is broken.
- Clogged air filters. An important part of AC maintenance is keeping the air filters clean and clear, something that will require regular filter replacement. If your filters are clogged, it can lower your airflow, which can in turn produce hot air.
- Clogged expansion valve. Another potential cause of your AC blowing hot air is insufficient refrigerant expansion, caused by a clog in your expansion valve. This is likely something you’ll need a trained technician to detect.
- Power issue. You may also be experiencing a power issue, such as a blown fuse or even a tripped amp breaker.
- Thermostat issue. Finally, note that the problem may not be with your AC at all. It may be with your thermostat, specifically with bad wiring or a simple programming error.
Find AC Repair Near Me
A trained service technician can get to the bottom of the problem and get you back to cold air as quickly as possible. For speedy AC repair in the Wilmington, NC area, make an appointment with Wilmington Air.
