Is Your AC Blowing Hot Air?

In the dog days of summer, your air conditioner may be the only thing that stands between you and an uncomfortable day sitting inside covered in sweat. The last thing you need is for your loyal AC unit to turn against you, and start blowing hot air into your home. It is normal for people to panic, and feel like they need a major repair or replacement, but it is important to remain calm in this situation. Often enough, it can be a quick fix. Try these few tips before calling our HVAC technicians.

Clean off the condenser

Home cooling is often dependent on the condenser coil. If it is too dirty, then it won’t be able to do its job properly. Clean off the sides of the outdoor part of the AC with a hose or other kind of cleaner, perhaps one specifically for coils. Put on the cleaner and then spray with a normal garden hose. You’d be surprised at how much good this can do.

Check the compressor

The compressor is one of the most important parts of the unit. If it has overheated or malfunctioned, it could be the culprit. Clean it. If you clean the outdoor cabinet as suggested in our first tip, then there is a good chance that the compressor will also get cleaned. Check inside to see how it looks. If it is making a humming sound or bouncing around in there, you need to give us a call.

Check the thermostat

It might seem simple, but checking the thermostat is one of the best things you can do. Is it set into cool mode? Is it on auto? Just make sure there isn’t something wrong with it, because if it hasn’t been set properly, it could be causing the hot air.

Clean the air filter and check for ice

Make sure to turn your AC off, and then clean or change your air filter. If there is an ice buildup, run the AC in fan mode so the ice melts. Give it some time, and be patient. The cool air should return soon. If not, then you might have more problems.

Your AC is supposed to be your ally in the fight against being too hot in the summer. You don’t want it to switch sides and fight against you. It could just be a simple fix like a cleaning or filter change. If these fail, then it is time to call our expert technicians at Premier Heating and Cooling. They can help with all of your AC needs in South Western Ontario.