Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

AC Blowing Hot Air

Are you ready for the scorching dog days of summer this July and August?

Weather forecasts for the Salt Lake City area call for nearly a solid month of 90-degree weather. August forecasts suggest much of the same.   

The last thing you need is a central air conditioner that blows warm air and fails to cool your Salt Lake City home. A midsummer cooling system breakdown is inconvenient and uncomfortable.  

Rest assured, you are prepared for those sweltering summer days if you have scheduled preventative maintenance for your central air conditioning. You know that your cooling system has undergone a vigorous checkup and is ready to work at peak performance all summer long. 

If you have not maintained your cooling system, you still have time to make it a priority. Our qualified technicians at Just Right Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling can give you peace of mind with a thorough cooling system tune-up. 

Maintenance Is Essential

With more than 40 years of experience in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, Just Right Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling is your trusted source for maintenance, repair, and installation in the greater Salt Lake City area. 

Our Comfort Rewards Program offers a 25-point maintenance plan for heating and cooling systems. We clean and remove dirt and grime buildup, lubricate moving parts, and clean or replace the air filter. We test voltage distributors and motor amperage. Our pros also thoroughly inspect the thermostat, air ducts, compressor, condenser, refrigerant, and motors.

When Your AC Blows Hot Air

You know your air conditioner needs attention when it suddenly begins to warm your house on a 90-degree day. Our experts at Just Right Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling can assist you with immediate service. 

A dirty air filter is one of the most common reasons an air conditioner blows hot air. A dirt-clogged air filter restricts airflow through your cooling system and forces the air conditioner to work harder and longer to cool your Salt Lake City home. 

As the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) points out, some air can bypass a clogged filter and deposit dirt onto the evaporator coil, impeding its ability to absorb heat. The agency recommends replacing a dirty filter with a clean one to lower energy consumption by as much as 15 percent.

Dirty condenser coils may cause your cooling system to run longer and possibly overheat. Keep foliage and debris away from your outdoor unit to reduce the amount of dirt that settles on your condenser coils.

A leak lowers refrigerant levels and can cause your system to blow hot air. An air conditioner that emits a hissing sound likely has a leak. 

You may be able to fix the problem if you notice any of these signs:

  • Your thermostat setting displays “heat” rather than “cool.” Or your thermostat needs fresh batteries.  
  • A circuit breaker may have tripped, cutting power to the unit. 
  • Your thermostat is set below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which may cause the system to freeze up. 
  • Your registers are blocked and restricting airflow.

Is Maintenance Worth It?

Maintenance keeps energy costs down. It pinpoints minor problems before they need significant repairs and restores your equipment. You feel more comfortable in your home and avoid an inconvenient air conditioner breakdown. 

Your cooling system also helps to improve your indoor air quality (IAQ) by lowering the humidity level. High humidity creates an environment for mold and mildew to grow and negatively impacts your health. 

When you disregard annual air conditioner maintenance, you put your comfort at risk. You play a game of chance, betting that your equipment will survive the hot weather without needing repair. That approach may work for a season or two, but at some point, depending on the age and condition of your cooling system, your luck will run out. 

Give Your AC a Little TLC

If your Salt Lake City, UT, home feels uncomfortably warm, your central air conditioning may need a tune-up or repair. Our pros at Just Right Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling can restore your cooling system and have it blowing cold air in no time. Call us at (801) 302-1154 or request service online

Need HVAC Service?

Contact the experts at Just Right Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling.

Call us at (801) 302-1154!