Why Is My AC Blowing Hot Air?

Temperatures are heating up in the Pacific Northwest, and you just turned on your air conditioner (AC) for the first time of the year.

And out comes hot air.

It happens, but luckily there could be a simple explanation for why your air conditioning is blowing hot air. If there is an issue, you can count on Columbia NW Heating & Air Conditioning to address it. Our team of NATE-certified specialists has been serving homes and businesses in the Portland area since 1989. We are a one-stop-shop for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs.

Now, let’s take a look at a few issues that might affect your air conditioner.

How Air Conditioners Work

Your central air conditioning system removes the heat from the air in your Oregon home and releases it outside, which results in cooler temperatures inside.

An air conditioner has a compressor and condenser coil outside of the home that is known as the condenser unit. Inside your home, there is an evaporator coil attached to a furnace or an air handler that has a fan in it to move the air. Refrigerant runs through the system as air circulates, absorbing the heat to discharge outdoors.

All of these components must stay in good working order for your air conditioner to work effectively.

Check Your Thermostat

Be sure your thermostat is set to Cool and not Heat. Check to see if your thermostat is set to Auto. If it is set to On, the fan will continue blowing even when the outside unit is not running, causing your system to blow out warmer air.

Your thermostat is like the quarterback of your HVAC team—consider it a sound investment to upgrade to a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can adjust the temperature remotely and set your program to mirror when everyone is home or away. You can save significantly on annual heating and cooling costs by switching to a smart thermostat.

Check Your Airflow

A clogged air filter can restrict the airflow, limiting the amount of air blowing out of your vents to cool your home. Restricted airflow can also freeze up the compressor that moves the refrigerant in your air conditioner. Always check your air filter to see if it is clogged.

A good tune-up can resolve a lot of issues—including restricted airflow—which is why we strongly encourage our customers to schedule a standard tune-up of your air conditioner each spring before the weather heats up.

Check Your Ducts

Poorly maintained air ducts blow dust and other pollutants into your Portland home, flaring up allergies and even causing illness. They also compromise the airflow, forcing your air conditioner to work extra hard.

Your air ducts are one of the most important components of your HVAC system, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Sealing your ductwork keeps your equipment running at peak efficiency and helps prevent outside contaminants from infiltrating your system.

Check Your Condenser Unit

In many cases, an air conditioner blows hot air because the system is low on refrigerant, has an electrical issue, or there is a mechanical problem with the outdoor condenser unit. Any of these issues require professional assistance unless you have experience working with cooling systems.

Call Your AC Experts

A well-maintained air conditioner is your best friend during those hot summer days in Portland, Oregon. With over 30 years of experience in helping customers, Columbia NW Heating & Air Conditioning is your best choice for HVAC services and products. We value your business and will always work hard to keep it! Call 503-543-3624 or request service online today for more information about your cooling system.