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What to Check when Your AC is Blowing Warm Air

When the summer heat officially kicks in, you expect your air conditioner to come on and start cooling immediately. Unfortunately, that’s not always what happens. If you haven’t serviced your system in some time, you may have an issue with your AC running but not cooling. Fortunately, many solutions to get your system up and running again are fast and easy. And while some of these solutions may be a simple fix for you to tackle on your own, it’s always wise to bring in an experienced AC repair team. In Central Illinois, that team is Chambers Services. But before you make the call, use the following to help you determine whether you need the pros.

Thermostat Settings May Be Off

One of the first things to do if your air conditioner is blowing warm air is to double-check your thermostat. If your system is blowing air, it may mean only the fan is running. Check to make sure you’ve set your thermostat to “cool,” and not just “on” or “fan.” The “fan” setting recirculates the air that’s already in your home, which can be helpful if the weather is cool outside or if your home doesn’t have humidity inside. But if your home is hot, the fan will only blow warm air. Setting the thermostat to cool can fix the problem quickly. However, it’s also helpful to check batteries in your thermostat model. A fresh set of batteries can also fix a thermostat issue.

The Air Filter May Be Dirty

An HVAC system’s air filter is key to putting fresh, cool air into your home. Filters purify the air that circulates through your home, so when the filter is dirty or clogged, it restricts airflow, and your system will struggle to keep up. In addition, components like your evaporator coil can freeze when a filter clogs, which will blow warm air instead of cold. Not only can dirty filters lead to warm air blowing through your home. It can also lead to higher utility bills, and if you aren’t careful, it can even destroy your unit altogether. The smart fix is to replace your filter every one to three months to ensure it runs efficiently and cools your home well.

The Outdoor Unit May be Blocked

Often, people forget to check what’s happening with the air conditioner outside of the home. Yet it’s one of the most critical places to figure out why an AC is running but not cooling. The outdoor HVAC unit is where the condenser, compressor, and fan are located, and if the unit gets blocked or dirty, it prevents airflow from escaping. And when airflow can’t escape, heat builds in the system, which can push out warm air. Take the time to check the unit throughout the spring and summer. Debris like fall leaves, mowed grass, weeds, and vines can clog or choke the system. So, too, can dirt and dust. Pull any weeds or vines, remove debris, and hose off the condenser coils to keep them functioning properly.

Refrigerant Levels May Be Low

Another issue that can result in your AC running but not cooling, is a lack of refrigerant. Refrigerant is a chemical found in HVAC systems that works by absorbing heat and transferring cold air into your home. The good news is that it doesn’t typically need to be replaced, there are times the refrigerant can get too low. Typically, low refrigerant is due to a leak within your HVAC system. And when the refrigerant is low, your air conditioner can’t cool adequately. However, it does take a licensed HVAC technician to diagnose and fix this issue. If some of the simpler solutions aren’t fixing the problem, it’s time to call in a professional like Chambers Services.

The Evaporator Coils are Frozen

Your indoor HVAC system houses evaporator coils, which is part of the full system that cools your home. Proper air flow is necessary to keep your AC functioning properly. Yet a dirty air filter, excess dust, refrigerant leaks, and blocked return vents can restrict air flow. When this happens, the refrigerant lines can freeze. And when the coils freeze, the ice them blocks cool air from circulating. In this situation, you need to immediately turn off your system and call the experts at Chambers Services. Do not chip away at the ice or run your AC with frozen coils, as it can harm your system. Turning off the system can help it thaw, as can holding a hair dryer a few inches from the coil. But it’s best to let the experts tackle any issues you may be having.

There are Electrical or Mechanical Malfunctions

Yet another problem where your AC is running but not cooling may be caused by malfunctions in your system. HVAC systems are comprised of several different components. And if a fan is going out or your capacitors or compressors are failing, the system may sound like it’s running, but you won’t feel any cooler. This is another scenario where you want to call the experts at Chambers Services as quickly as possible. A licensed HVAC technician can diagnose and repair the problem quickly and easily.

Call Chambers Services to Help

If your air conditioner stops cooling, it doesn’t always mean a major repair is required. You can start with the simple fixes outlined above. But if you get through those fast fixes and it still isn’t working, it’s time to call in the pros to get your home back to a comfortable temperature, fast. It’s always wise to call Chambers Services at the start of spring and fall to ensure your system is ready for the heat or cold. Regular inspections and maintenance will identify issues before they start.

But if your system is already not functioning, Chambers Services will answer your call. We offer fast, efficient AC repair, along with up-front pricing and transparency in all we do. Plus, most of our parts and tools are available on our trucks, which means your system will be up and running in no time. To get the help you need, get in touch with Chambers Services today. Call 309-829-6750 to request a quote or service and get back on the path of comfort this summer.