Has your air conditioner started blowing warm air during the summertime? If you live in the Kalispell area, this can be a huge inconvenience. After all, the average summer temperature is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit in this area. When it’s that warm, you don’t have any time to have your AC unit operating improperly. Instead, you should contact the pros at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!
Why Did My AC Stop Working Properly?
Unfortunately, if your AC starts blowing warm air, it won’t necessarily be a simple fix. That’s because there are several different reasons that your AC unit may be acting up. Therefore, your AC expert will need to go down the list until they find your problem. The good news is that, once your problem has been diagnosed, it shouldn’t take too long before you’re enjoying cool air once again.
Electrical Surge or Tripped Breaker
This is usually the easiest possible solution to your issue. Go to the circuit breaker, and see if the breaker has tripped. If you find a breaker that’s not in the proper position, put it back where it belongs. In most cases, this will solve the problem. However, if it trips again, you’ve got bigger issues to address. Be sure to speak to a professional right away before your problem gets even worse.
Your Thermostat Needs to Be Fixed
Your thermostat controls the temperature, so it makes sense to check it when your AC stops working properly. Did someone turn the thermostat from ‘cool’ to ‘air?’ Or maybe the fan was set to ‘on’ instead of ‘auto?’ Perhaps you even have a zoned system, and one of your two thermostats is acting up. Regardless of what happened, if changing a setting on your thermostat fixes the problem, you’ll be feeling cool again as soon as it’s changed. Be aware that some thermostats take batteries. In this instance, you’ll also need to check whether it’s time to replace them.
What if none of these things help? It’s still possible that your thermostat may be malfunctioning, and an expert should take a look at it.
Water Buildup or a Clogged Line
Your AC conditions warm air, which leaves it needing to drain the resulting water. However, if your condensate line or hose has become clogged, it can cause your AC to blow warm air. Additionally, a clogged line may also cause your AC to leak. On the plus side, the majority of air conditioners will shut off automatically once your line becomes clogged. On the downside, you’re going to need someone to come out and fix the clog before you receive cool air again.
Did you know that having regular AC maintenance can help prevent this from occurring? Once your AC is operational again, ensure you schedule annual preventative maintenance to save you money and a lot of headaches later on.
Refrigerant Levels Are Low
If your air conditioner hasn’t been providing as much cool air as usual, the issue could be that your refrigerant levels have gotten too low. One problem that can be caused by low refrigerant is a leaky or dirty evaporator coil. Once the evaporator coil develops an issue, it’ll begin struggling to get the heat out of your house. Not only will this make you uncomfortable, but it’ll also reduce your unit’s lifespan and cause your electric bill to shoot up.
Another potential issue is that your refrigerant lines have a slow leak. Despite being a low-level leak, this will eventually become problematic. In fact, a leak of this type can go on to damage your unit. This will, of course, end up costing you even more money in the long run.
If you suspect you have low refrigerant levels, it’s best to call a professional immediately. They will be able to identify the problem, and they can also add more R-22 or R-410A refrigerant.
Dirty Air Filters
An air filter may seem like a small, insignificant part, but it’s actually your AC’s first line of defense. That’s due to the fact that every bit of air that enters your home is run through the air filter first. Therefore, if you allow your air filter to become clogged or dirty, it can end up making your AC unit stop working. Additionally, your compressor, fan or motor may have to work harder than usual, which will send your electric bill soaring. Even worse, it can also cause your evaporator coil to get dirty.
All you have to do to avoid the nightmare scenario listed above is make sure you keep your air filter in good shape. Changing it on a regular basis will keep your AC’s airflow unrestricted.
Malfunctioning or Restricted Compressor
Your compressor is a highly important part, and there are several different things that can go wrong with it. When it’s working properly, it will keep the evaporator coil cold by compressing the refrigerant. When things go awry, however, it’s going to take an instant toll on your AC.
The easiest problem could be dirty condenser coils. This will make the compressor stop working, which in turn, will cause your AC not to turn on. Another common issue is caused by the buildup of leaves, grass, dirt and general debris. It’s critical that you do not allow these things to build up next to your unit. In fact, it’s so important that this is likely to be the first thing a professional will check.
Another indicator that something is wrong with your compressor is when it starts making weird noises. For instance, if you notice a ticking or chattering noise, this suggests your compressor is having a difficult time with its most basic job: keeping you cool. Alternatively, if you notice a rumbling, clicking or rattling sound, this could mean your compressor motor is starting to fail.
Return Vents Are Blocked or Closed
This is a very common issue, but fortunately, it’s also extremely easy to fix. When you close one of your return vents to save money, you’re actually setting your AC unit up to run less efficiently. If your vent remains closed for too long, it will cause a significant reduction in airflow, which will have you looking for someone to fix your AC. Meanwhile, if you had merely left the vent open, you wouldn’t be dealing with uncomfortable temperatures. Make sure you don’t accidentally block off any vents, either. Always place some room between your vents and your furniture.
Let Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Fix Your Problem!
No matter what type of plumbing, heating, cooling or indoor air quality issue you’re facing, Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is here to help! Our NATE-certified technicians will be proud to make things right in your home again. We have more than 35 years of experience, and we’ve established ourselves as a reliable and trusted partner in the Kalispell, MT area.
Are you experiencing trouble with your air conditioner blowing warm air? Turn to the experts at Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. You can rely on us to fully restore your broken AC unit.
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