It has been a very hot summer, and homeowners across the Greater Vancouver Area are relying on their air conditioners to keep them cool and comfortable as the heat carries on. Around this time each year, homeowners will reach out to us with questions and concerns regarding their air conditioner. One of the most common concerns we hear is that their air conditioners are blowing hot air – which can be especially troubling on a hot, muggy day.
If you’re experiencing hot air issues with your air conditioner, here are four reasons why it may be happening:
Improper Thermostat Configuration
It’s more common than not – double-check your thermostat and make sure that you haven’t set it to ‘heat.’ Your digital thermostat should be set to “cool” and “auto”’ If your air conditioner is set to “on,” it means that your system’s fan is running continually, even if your air conditioner is off. This could result in warm/hot air coming out of the vents in your home.
Debris Blocking Outside Unit
Your HVAC system is designed to remove hot air from your home. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit work together to expel hot air from your living space through your home’s vents. Unfortunately, if your outdoor air conditioning unit is blocked by a structure or debris (i.e. exterior walls, dirt, rocks, etc.), it won’t be able to remove heat from your house. If your air conditioner was installed too close to an exterior wall, you may need to call an HVAC professional for further assistance.
Power Shortage
Homeowners concerned about warm air coming from their vents need to check their outdoor air conditioning unit to see if it has lost power. If you believe this has happened to you, check the breaker unit inside your home, switch it off and leave it off for a few minutes. When you flip the breaker back on, check to see if the outdoor unit is running again.
A problem like this could be indicative of larger electrical concerns. Make sure you contact an electrician as soon as possible if you’re continually checking your breaker box.
Lack of Maintenance
Your air conditioning unit needs to be inspected, at least once a year, by an HVAC technician to ensure that all of its components are working well. A lack of maintenance could result in many unfortunate circumstances, like your system blowing hot air. If you’re experiencing mechanical issues with your HVAC system, ensure that you seek professional help to prevent paying for expensive repairs.
At Thomson Industries, we’ll diagnose and correct any issues your HVAC system is experiencing. For more information, contact us today!
