There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your AC during a hot Bangalore day, only to feel warm air blowing out. When your AC isn’t cooling properly, it’s not only uncomfortable but can also signal underlying issues in the system. In this blog, we’ll explore common reasons why your AC might be blowing warm air and the steps you can take to address each problem.
1. Thermostat Issues
What to Check: The first thing to examine is the thermostat settings. Ensure it’s set to “cool” mode and at a temperature lower than the room temperature.
Possible Causes: Thermostat malfunctions or incorrect settings are common issues. If the thermostat is set to “fan” mode instead of “auto” or “cool,” it will circulate room-temperature air instead of cooling it.
Solution: Double-check the thermostat settings. If the problem persists, there may be an issue with the thermostat itself, and it might need to be recalibrated or replaced.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
What to Check: Look at the air filter to see if it’s clogged with dust and debris. Filters should appear clean, with no visible dirt or particles.
Possible Causes: A clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces the AC’s ability to cool. It can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, leading to warm air.
Solution: Replace disposable filters every 1–3 months or clean reusable filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Regular filter maintenance can significantly improve your AC’s efficiency.
3. Refrigerant Leak
What to Check: If your AC isn’t cooling effectively and you hear a hissing noise, it could indicate a refrigerant leak. Also, warm air blowing and poor cooling performance are common symptoms of low refrigerant.
Possible Causes: Over time, tiny cracks or pinholes can develop in the refrigerant lines, causing the refrigerant to leak out. This affects the cooling capacity and efficiency of your unit.
Solution: Refrigerant handling should be left to professionals. Contact an HVAC technician to locate and repair the leak, then refill the refrigerant to the proper levels.
4. Faulty Compressor
What to Check: The compressor is the heart of your AC unit. If it’s not working correctly, your system won’t be able to cool the air effectively.
Possible Causes: Electrical issues, overheating, or age-related wear can cause compressor failure. When the compressor isn’t functioning, it can’t circulate refrigerant through the system, leading to warm air.
Solution: A broken compressor usually requires professional repair or replacement. Replacing the compressor can be costly, so weigh the benefits of repair versus replacement based on the age of your unit.
5. Frozen Evaporator Coils
What to Check: Inspect the indoor unit for signs of ice buildup around the evaporator coil. If you see frost, it means the coil is frozen.
Possible Causes: Frozen coils often result from restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or dirty coils. This prevents the coil from absorbing heat and cooling the air properly.
Solution: Turn off the AC and allow the coils to thaw. Once thawed, clean or replace the air filter and ensure there’s no obstruction around the coil. If the freezing issue continues, consult a technician.
6. Dirty Condenser Coils
What to Check: Look at the outdoor unit’s condenser coils for signs of dirt, leaves, or other debris.
Possible Causes: Condenser coils expel heat from your home, but if they’re dirty, they can’t dissipate heat effectively, causing the AC to blow warm air.
Solution: Gently clean the coils with a soft brush or garden hose. For a thorough cleaning, you might want to hire a professional to avoid any damage to the unit.
7. Electrical Issues
What to Check: If the AC unit turns on but isn’t blowing cold air, there could be an electrical problem preventing it from operating correctly.
Possible Causes: Electrical issues could result from loose connections, a tripped breaker, or faulty wiring, impacting components like the compressor or fan.
Solution: Check your breaker box to see if a circuit breaker has tripped. If you notice any wiring issues, have a licensed technician inspect the unit to avoid potential safety hazards.
8. Incorrect AC Size for the Room
What to Check: If you recently installed the AC and it’s not cooling effectively, check if it’s the correct size for the space it’s intended to cool.
Possible Causes: An AC unit that is too small for a room will struggle to cool it effectively, leading to continuous running and warm air.
Solution: Ensure the AC size (in BTUs) matches the room’s square footage. A professional can help you select an appropriately sized unit if you’re considering a replacement.
9. Blocked Vents or Registers
What to Check: Ensure that all air vents and registers are open and free of obstructions like furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Possible Causes: Blocked vents prevent cool air from circulating, leading to a warmer space and inefficient cooling.
Solution: Clear away any objects blocking the vents and ensure they are fully open. Keeping the vents clean also helps with airflow.
10. Lack of Regular Maintenance
What to Check: If your AC hasn’t been serviced in a while, it could be overdue for maintenance, which can lead to various cooling issues.
Possible Causes: Dust buildup, worn parts, and refrigerant loss are common issues that develop without regular maintenance, causing the AC to underperform.
Solution: Schedule annual AC maintenance to keep your system running efficiently and catch potential issues before they become costly repairs.
If your AC is blowing warm air, it’s a sign that something needs attention. Whether it’s a simple thermostat adjustment or a refrigerant leak, diagnosing the issue promptly can prevent more extensive problems down the line. For residents in Bangalore, Orvigo offers expert AC repair and maintenance services to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Call to Action: Don’t suffer through the heat! If your AC is blowing warm air, contact Orvigo today for reliable, professional AC repair services. Our experienced technicians are here to help get your system back to peak performance.
