Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Tucson's summer average daytime temperatures hover around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it one of the warmest cities in the United States. When temperatures start climbing, you need a reliable AC system to cool down your home. Unfortunately, it's possible to turn on your AC unit and experience a steady stream of hot air instead of the ice-cold air you expect.

An AC blowing hot air usually occurs for one of the following reasons:

No matter why your AC unit is blowing hot air, it's important to have a professional make the repairs. Learn more about how thermostat issues, dirty air filters, and other problems can cause your AC to go on the fritz when you need it most.

One of the simplest reasons an AC blows hot air is that your thermostat is in the wrong setting. For example, setting the thermostat to HEAT instead of COOL is an easy mistake. Another example is setting the unit to ON instead of AUTO. Under the AUTO setting, the AC unit only blows air when it's on and has already cooled the air. Setting it to COOL causes it to blow air constantly, even if the air hasn't cooled down yet.

If your thermostat is set to the wrong setting, all you have to do is adjust it. Unfortunately, AC issues aren't always that easy to fix. You may be dealing with a refrigerant leak, a dirty air filter, a faulty compressor, or a blocked condenser unit.

Refrigerant absorbs heat from your home and carries it to the outdoor unit. This cooling method is much more effective than turning on a fan and waiting for it to cool you down. In fact, fans don't reduce the temperature in a room. They simply displace the warmer air that touches your skin, helping you feel cooler.

If your AC system has a refrigerant leak, it won't be able to absorb as much heat as it usually does. When you turn on the unit, you may feel warm air blowing in your direction. Other signs of refrigerant leaks include hissing noises, bubbling noises, or ice formation around your indoor or outdoor AC components. Refrigerant is toxic, so it's important to have a qualified technician check for leaks and make any needed repairs.

The air filter is the real MVP of your AC system. It filters out dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other substances, helping your AC unit function as efficiently as possible. Think of an air filter like the respirator mask you'd wear while working around large amounts of sawdust. The filter prevents particles from entering your HVAC system, ensuring proper performance.

If the filter is dirty, your AC system has to work harder to cool the air. The good news is that an experienced professional can clean or replace the filter and have your AC system up and running quickly.

The compressor is one of the most important components of an AC system, as it circulates refrigerant and carries heat into the condenser. If your compressor fails, you may hear the AC fan running, but the system won't be able to blow cool air. In some cases, a failing compressor also causes these symptoms:

• Tripped circuit breaker
• Loud noises when starting
• Shuddering when starting

The condenser unit is the part of your AC system that sits outside. Depending on what time of year it is, the condenser either collects or releases heat, keeping your home comfortable. If your condenser unit has a clog, condensation liquid starts to build up, increasing the risk of leaks. You may even notice higher levels of humidity indoors. The best way to address this issue is to hire an experienced AC repair technician.