If your air conditioner starts blowing hot air, it doesn’t necessarily mean your equipment has to be replaced. Instead, hire an air conditioning repair specialist to fix and maintain your unit. If you’re experiencing a faulty AC unit, use this helpful guide to discover the root of the problem.

5 Common Problems That Cause AC Units to Blow Hot Air

1. Restricted Airflow

If the outdoor AC unit is covered in debris, outdoor air might not be able to flow through the system, leading to insufficient cooling. You can prevent the problem by regularly removing debris, like leaves and twigs, from the unit. You can also hire a professional to clean the interior components during routine maintenance.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

When hot air flows over the evaporator coils inside the cooling system, refrigerant within the coils absorbs the heat. If you feel heat blowing out, it’s possible that there isn’t enough refrigerant to cool the incoming air. This problem is usually due to a leak, so best to have an air conditioning repair service check the refrigerant levels and recharge it.

3. Leaky Ducts

Over time, ductwork develops leaks that need to be resealed by an air conditioning repair professional. Depending on the location of these leaks, cold air can escape before it has a chance to reach your home, causing your indoor environment to become warm and uncomfortable.

4. Dirty Filter or Evaporator Coils

Air filters should be changed at least once every 90 days. If not, they become clogged with dirt and other contaminants that block cool air. Over time, excess dirt can also accumulate on the evaporator coils, making it difficult for incoming air to make contact with the refrigerant. Hire a specialist to outfit your unit with new filters and to clean dirty evaporator coils.

5. Broken Compressor

Powered by a motor, the compressor pressurizes refrigerant to properly cycle through the evaporator coils, cooling the air. If addressed early, a defective compressor can be replaced to restore the system’s functionality. In more severe cases, you may need to replace the air conditioner.

If your cooling system is producing warm air, don’t wait to resolve the problem. Instead, call American Air Conditioning in Honolulu, HI, for comprehensive AC repair. Serving the entire island of Oahu, this HVAC contractor has the tools and experience necessary to diagnose problems and maintain and repair existing units. Their skilled team offers a variety of AC units and will help with installation. Visit this team online to learn more about their air conditioning repair services or call (808) 847-0851 to speak with a specialist.