April 9, 2015


air conditioner blowing warm air

Is your air conditioner heating up your home instead of cooling it?

There are numerous instances when homeowners find that their air conditioning unit is heating the house up instead of cooling it. Although this is an issue that needs urgent attention, it does not automatically indicate a major problem in the air conditioning unit.

Check the Thermostat Settings

Hot air blown by an air conditioning unit can be linked to problems with the thermostat. In some cases, the problem can be quite complicated such as the failure of communication between the air conditioner and thermostat, and it can be resolved only by an HVAC technician. However, if the thermostat is not set properly, it too can cause the air conditioner to blow warm air. It is necessary that the thermostat is on COOL mode and not on HEAT mode. The fan setting should also be in AUTO mode instead of ON.

Although a homeowner may recall setting the thermostat properly, it is possible that another occupant of the house would have changed the setting. It is also possible that the settings would have reset to its default factory setting after power is cut off during a storm.

The Outdoor Unit Should Be Connected Properly

A disconnect switch is sometimes found on the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The switch shuts down the power when the unit is not being used. Although the fan may continue to function when the switch is turned off, the air conditioner will not cool the house. If the power switch is in the correct position, then it would be necessary to check the electrical and water lines connected to the unit. These lines maintain the power of the air conditioner. Since the unit is located outside, these lines can sometimes deteriorate due to exposure to the elements. Since it will not be easy to evaluate the damage to the connecting lines, it is necessary to call a heating and cooling company to identify and repair the problem.

Proper Maintenance

It is important to maintain the cleanliness of the base of the outdoor unit. While checking the outdoor unit, the homeowner should also check that the base of the unit is not filled with debris. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that no debris is found within three feet around the unit. This allows air to flow properly. The fins of the outside unit should also be checked for any obstructions, such as leaves or dirt.

St. Louis Air Conditioning Company

Scott-Lee Heating Company is your St. Louis Premier heating and cooling company. We know Air Conditioning is one of the most important concepts to your comfort and peace of mind. Call us today for a free consultation.

Call Scott-Lee Heating Company (314) 200-0788Free Consultation