When the air conditioner in your Barrington, IL home turns on, you expect the air coming from it to be ice cold. So, if you get hot air instead, it’s natural to wonder what’s happening. Here are some of the reasons that your AC might blow hot air.
The Thermostat Setting Is Wrong
When your air conditioner blows hot air, the first thing you need to check is your thermostat. It’s all too easy to accidentally switch most thermostats into heat mode without noticing it. In most cases, an errant thermostat setting is the cause of an AC blowing hot air.
Your Outdoor Unit Isn’t Running
Another frequent cause of an AC blowing hot air is an outdoor unit that isn’t running. Your AC’s outdoor unit is where the heat collected inside your home gets expelled. If it doesn’t turn on, your AC can’t produce cold air.
Check your outdoor unit to confirm its operation, including that its fan runs at full speed. If the fan appears slow or isn’t turning at all, you’ve found the cause of your problem. It may result from a tripped circuit breaker, a failed capacitor or a malfunctioning contactor switch.
You Have a Refrigerant Leak
One of the most serious causes of an AC blowing hot air is a refrigerant leak. These can quickly cause a loss of cooling capacity. They can also lead to compressor damage if you don’t address the problem immediately.
One of the symptoms of a refrigerant leak is a hissing sound when your air conditioner runs. You may also notice excessive frost or ice buildup on your AC’s refrigerant lines. If you spot these symptoms, contact us for immediate AC repair.
If the air conditioner in your Barrington, IL home starts blowing hot air and you can’t find the cause, don’t delay. Contact Martin Enterprises Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule an AC repair today!
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