An AC system blowing out warm air can make you literally and figuratively sweat! This frustrating problem has some common causes you can diagnose and/or fix yourself and others that require calling in a professional. Here’s what to look for and do if your vents are blasting the wrong temperature.
Check Your Thermostat
It’s so obvious most people overlook it, but sometimes it’s easy to mistakenly switch your thermostat from the cool to heat setting. Double check the system is set to cool and that the fan is set to “auto,” not “on.” With a little luck, this could be the quick, easy answer to your problem.
Check Your Outside Unit
It might be clogged. The indoor and outdoor AC units work together to cool your home. If the outside equipment is obstructed with dirt and debris, it will have trouble removing the heat and your home won't cool down properly. Make sure the area around the unit outside is always clean and clear. On the other hand, if you hear a funny sound or something doesn’t seem to be working properly, it’s time to call a professional.
Have You Changed Your Air Filters?
An air filter filled with debris and dust might be your culprit. All AC units need a clean path for delivering cool, refreshing air. Anything blocking the way stops that cool air in its tracks.
Have You Had Your Ductwork Cleaned?
Dirty ductwork can also cause your HVAC to run at less than optimal performance. You might also have a return duct that’s broken or disconnected which causes unconditioned air to be pulled from the outside or the attic. On a related note, your return vents could be closed or blocked by furniture.
Is There Ice in Your AC Unit?
Freon is the refrigerant that moves through your air conditioning system and helps make the cooling effect happen. Normally this is a closed loop, so unless there's a leak in the line or coils, you won't have to add refrigerant. Depending on the size and speed of the leak you might not notice the decrease in temperature until the unit is actually blowing warm air.
As freon is dangerous to your health, this is a serious problem and a professional should be called immediately.
Call a Professional
If you were lucky enough to find a small problem you could easily fix yourself, congrats! If not, it's time to call in a professional who can quickly locate and fix the problem, so you have uninterrupted comfort all year long.
To learn more about keeping your HVAC system running at maximum efficiency, including how regular maintenance can help, or to discuss installing new efficient air conditioning and heating systems in your Jacksonville home, get in touch with David Gray Heating & Air today.