If the air conditioner in your Denver, CO home is blowing warm air suddenly, this is a cause for concern. When this equipment is working properly, it should always produce cool air when your thermostat signals it to turn on. There are several issues that may be contributing to this problem. After you notice warm air coming from your AC, it’s important to call in the help of one of our HVAC technicians. We can help you figure out what is causing the problem and the best way to remedy it.
Reasons Why Your AC Might Be Blowing Warm Air
There are a few different reasons why your air conditioning unit may suddenly begin to blow warm air.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Normally, refrigerant helps the evaporator coil in an AC unit absorb heat. This helps prevent it from freezing. If there is a refrigerant or airflow issue, the evaporator coil will get too cold and freeze. Air conditioners have delicate parts, so don’t try scraping the ice off to see if your unit will start to function again.
It can be beneficial to check the air filter for your system. A dirty air filter can decrease airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze. If this problem continues to occur despite changing your filter, an HVAC technician can check refrigerant levels to see if that could be the reason why your air conditioner keeps freezing.
Fan Mode Is On
Someone in your household may have changed the air conditioner’s settings without mentioning it. To make sure this isn’t a problem, check the settings to see if your air conditioner is turned on to an appropriate temperature. You should also make sure it isn’t in fan mode, because fan mode doesn’t use cold air.
The Breaker Panel Is Tripped
Normally, air conditioners will be tied into your breaker panel with both the indoor and outdoor units. If only the outdoor panel is tripped, the system may keep blowing air. However, the air will be warm.
You can troubleshoot this issue by seeing if the breaker panel has any tripped switches. If the air conditioner starts working once you have reset them, you’ve found the cause of your warm air.
It’s important to call in one of our professional HVAC technicians if the breaker panel keeps tripping. This could be an indication of an electrical problem. It’s important to have a professional determine the root cause.
Clogged Filters
If your air filter is clogged with debris, this could prevent cold air from circulating throughout your Denver home. You can easily check for this issue by looking at your filter. Although filter manufacturers’ guidelines vary, you’ll generally need to change your air filter every 30 to 90 days.
Low Refrigerant Level
When the refrigerant level in your air conditioner is low, the air won’t be as cold. Over time, tiny leaks can develop that allow the refrigerant to escape. During routine AC maintenance or service, our HVAC technician can inspect your air conditioner to see if the refrigerant needs to be recharged.
Thermostat Issues
Your thermostat has sensors that communicate how hot or cold your home is. Then, the thermostat signals the rest of your AC to kick on. If the thermostat isn’t sensing or signaling properly, your AC won’t be able to blow cold air.
In some cases, the problem may be as simple as a dirty sensor. An HVAC technician may try resetting the thermostat. If this doesn’t work, the thermostat may have to be replaced.
Malfunctioning Compressors
The compressor is supposed to compress refrigerant in the process of helping your home stay cool. If your compressor isn’t working properly, your AC will struggle to transfer heat outside. As a result, your indoor air temperature may increase.
Unfortunately, there are many different problems that can occur with a compressor. For example, the condenser coils may need to be cleaned. It’s also possible that an HVAC technician will need to replace the entire unit if it is past its expected lifespan.
Ductwork Damage Issues
If any portion of your ductwork has been damaged, this can cause the conditioned air from your air conditioner to leak into various spaces of your home. This includes your attic, basement, inside walls, or ceilings. Because of this leakage, the air will feel warmer by the time it reaches the vents that are in each room of your Denver home. Our experienced HVAC team can inspect your ductwork to ensure that no cracks, gaps, or holes are contributing to your AC issue.
There are several ways that our team can repair duct issues. This can include sealing small holes and cracks. If larger areas of ductwork are damaged, they may need to be replaced in order to protect the air flow that is moving through your system.
Fixes for an AC Blowing Warm Air
Start by checking the thermostat to make sure your AC isn’t in fan mode. If you have a reliable thermometer, you can verify that the thermostat is measuring the temperature properly.
Afterward, check to see if any of your air conditioner parts have ice buildup. Look for puddles of moisture because these could also indicate a frozen AC.
If you haven’t cleaned or replaced the filter for a long time, try replacing it. Move plants back from the outdoor unit so that they aren’t limiting its airflow. Then, check to see if there are any tripped breaker switches.
Getting Professional Help for Your AC
During hot days in Denver, having a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is uncomfortable and frequently unhealthy. If you can’t figure out an obvious reason why your AC isn’t working, call one of our HVAC technicians at High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for help.
Generally, you should get HVAC help for any of these issues:
- Refrigerant leaks
- Capacitor-related issues
- Electrical problems
- Compressor issues
- A frequently frozen AC
How to Prevent Your AC From Blowing Warm Air
Once our HVAC technician has repaired your AC, it is important to prevent this issue from happening in the future. A few routine maintenance tips can help you prevent breakdowns and costly repairs.
Air conditioners should be inspected, cleaned, and maintained annually by an HVAC professional. If there is a problem, they can fix it right away before it becomes a more serious issue.
Get Help Fixing Your AC
If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s important to get help right away. This issue can eventually cause more damage to your HVAC system. High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been serving the Denver area for many years. During that time, we have developed a reputation for expertise and satisfied customers. Whether you need assistance with sump pumps, the installation of new equipment, emergency repairs, or routine AC maintenance, our team can help.
Call High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to schedule an HVAC appointment today!
