4 Reasons Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air and Estimated Costs to Fix It
Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?
Sometimes fixing this problem can be as simple as checking your thermostat setting. It could be a dirty air filter, which requires frequent replacement. Finally, it could also be frozen or dirty evaporator coils or a refrigerant leak, which may require a professional HVAC technician to help.
There’s nothing worse than having your air conditioner blowing hot air on a warm day. There are a couple of reasons why this might be happening. You might be able to fix the problem on your own, but many of these issues require professional help. Here’s some of the most common issues and about how much you can expect to pay to fix them.
1. Thermostat
Estimated Repair Cost: Varies Based on the Problem
Sometimes fixing this problem can be as simple as checking your thermostat setting. Make sure your thermostat is set to auto, cool and that your desired temperature is cooler than the room.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, check with us about replacing your thermostat. We install smart thermostats that manage energy-efficient cooling, so you don’t have to. These thermostats learn from your preferences and then automatically adjust settings when you get home or leave. Depending on the model, you can adjust it with your phone or even your voice.
2. Dirty Air Filter
Estimated Repair Cost: $20 and up
A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems like an air conditioner blowing hot air, such as:
- Reduced airflow and poor temperature control
- Cause your air conditioner to short cycle, or turn off and on frequently
- Flip the circuit breaker and interrupt cooling due to overheating
- Freeze the evaporator or condenser coils due to lack of airflow
- Potentially shorten your air conditioner’s life span, since it’s working harder than it needs to
Avoid these problems by changing your filter regularly. We recommend changing flat filters every month, and pleated filters every three months.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Estimated Repair Cost: Varies Based on the Problem
Your AC system’s evaporator coils exhaust hot air outdoors. Limited airflow or a refrigerant leak can cause the air conditioner coils to freeze.
If your air conditioner has frozen, you can try to unfreeze it yourself by:
- Turning it off
- Turning the fan to “on” to blow warm air over the coils
It may take several hours for your air conditioning unit to thaw. While you’re waiting for the ice to melt, it’s a good idea to check your filter. If you can’t remember when you changed it last, remove it and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light through it, replace it.
If your air conditioner ices up again when you turn it back on, call us at 307-778-0515 for assistance.
4. Refrigerant Leak
Estimated Repair Cost: $200 and Up
Your air conditioning system uses refrigerant to transfer heat. If you’re having trouble keeping your home cool, here are a few signs that you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak:
- Your air conditioner is struggling to keep up.
- Your air conditioner is running longer than normal.
- You’re hearing hissing or whistling noises.
- Your air conditioner smells sweet.
Repairing a refrigerant leak on an older air conditioner can be more costly. If yours was installed before 2011, it likely runs on Freon® or R-22. You can find out for sure by checking the sticker on the outside of your air conditioner.
This refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. Only limited, recycled quantities are available, which makes it more expensive.
If you’re in this situation, we recommend air conditioning installation. New air conditioners use Puron® or R-410A, which is better for the environment.
5. Dirty Evaporator Coils
Estimated Repair Cost: $75 and Up
Like we mentioned earlier, your air conditioner’s evaporator coils are an important component since they exhaust hot air outdoors. When they’re iced over or dirty, air conditioners can’t work properly.
We most commonly see this problem in air conditioners that have been neglected and dust and debris has built up on the outdoor unit. It’s important to do annual air conditioning maintenance every year because it:
- Keeps your air conditioner in peak condition
- Helps us spot and correct minor issues before they cause major problems
- Ensures worry-free performance
- May improve energy efficiency
- May help your air conditioner last longer
- Keeps your valuable manufacturer’s warranty valid
Trust Our Professionals for All Your Air Conditioning Repair Needs
Your comfort is our top priority at AC Mechanical. When you’re dealing with an air conditioner that won’t stop blowing hot air, give us a call at 307-778-0515 for fast, affordable air conditioning repair in Cheyenne, WY, and surrounding areas for all brands.
