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Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?

Air conditioning is a daily part of summer for most Kansas City area residents. A functioning air conditioner could spell the difference between a comfortable indoor environment and sweaty summer afternoon.

What if your AC starts blowing warm air? Unless you want to suffer needlessly for several days in the blistering heat, you better act fast. Here are the top reasons that could cause your AC to blow warm air, troubleshooting tips, and signs you need a professional repair.

If you need emergency AC repair in Kansas City, call us now!

Possible Reasons Why Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air

  • The thermostat settings are wrong
  • The outdoor unit isn’t getting power
  • The compressor is overheating and shutting itself off
  • Obstructions are blocking the condensing unit
  • Something is wrong with the low and high pressure switches
  • An electrical connection is faulty
  • The air filter is dirty
  • There is a refrigerant leak

Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioner

Before contacting a professional AC repair company, you can check a few things with your air conditioner to determine why it’s blowing out warm air.

Adjust the Thermostat Settings

Before you become too concerned, double check the thermostat. You might have accidentally flicked the switch to call for “heat” instead of “cool.” Check that this setting is correct and that the room’s current temperature is warmer than the target temperature programmed into the thermostat.

Check the Power Source

Step outside to the large metal box in your yard. This is the condensing unit. Make sure the power is turned on, since without it, the indoor air handler can still blow, but the condenser won’t cool the air. If the unit is plugged in, step back inside and check the breaker box and reset any breakers that have tripped.

Address Possible Condensing Unit Problems

Visit the outdoor unit again and examine the fins. Make sure they are clean and not blocked by obstructions. Pick off any dead leaves, grass clippings or other debris from the unit. Then hose it down to wash off dust and dirt. Trim back any foliage growing near the unit to help promote proper airflow.

Change the Air Filter

Check the filter, which is probably located near the indoor air handling unit, and if it’s dirty, replace it. A clogged filter can damage your air conditioner by restricting airflow. It can also leak out dust that lands on the evaporator coil and dirties it up, leading the AC to blow warm air.

Look for Refrigerant Problems

Trouble inside the compressor or a refrigerant leak could cause the air conditioner to freeze up and blow warm air. The best thing you can do is turn off the AC so the ice can melt. This is only a temporary fix, however; a frozen air conditioner requires a professional to get back up and running normally again.

Common Signs of Necessary AC Repair

If you check the thermostat, clean the condensing unit and change the air filter to no avail, you could have a refrigerant problem, a broken compressor or another issue on your hands. It’s time to call in the professionals to make a repair. Do so as soon as possible if you experience any of the following signs:

  • A sudden unexplainable increase in electricity bills
  • Noticeable dips in performance
  • Warm spots throughout the house
  • Strange noises or smells during operation
  • Water pooling around the air conditioner
  • Ice forming around the evaporator coil

The best way to prevent your AC from ever blowing warm air is to keep up with preventative maintenance. By having a certified professional examine your system every spring, you increase the chance of catching problems early and fixing them before they impact home comfort.

To learn more or to schedule an emergency repair, please contact us online or call us at (913)535-8002.

We provide AC system repair and maintenance throughout Kansas and Missouri, including:

Brookside, De Soto, Fairway, Gardner, Kansas City, Lake Quivira, Leawood, Lee’s Summit, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission Hills, Mission Woods, Mission, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Roeland Park, Shawnee Village, Shawnee, Spring Hill, Stilwell, Westwood Hills, Westwood, and more!

Learn more about our air conditioner services in Kansas City »