AC Blowing Warm Air? The Underlying Issues & What To Do About It

A close up image of an air conditioner on a sunny day. The Action Furnace mascot is superimposed on top, he stands by the AC holding his tool box.

TLDR – What You’ll Learn in Today’s Blog

  • Common reasons for warm AC air range from simple fixes (thermostat settings, blocked filters/vents/condenser) to more serious issues (low refrigerant, frozen evaporator coil, faulty compressor, electrical problems).
  • Simple DIY checks can sometimes resolve the issue, but serious problems require professional AC repair.
  • Action Furnace provides expert diagnostics, clear recommendations, guaranteed repairs, and ongoing maintenance services.

You installed your air conditioner to offer cooling relief during our hot prairie summers, so when your AC is acting more like a furnace it’s not only frustrating, but could be pointing to a bigger, more expensive issue.

In today’s blog the expert AC repair technicians at Action Furnace will go over the most common reasons your air conditioner might be blowing warm air, what you can do about it, and how to prevent it from happening next summer!

Simple Fixes

Thermostat Settings

We know it sounds obvious, but double check to make sure your thermostat is the right temperature and set to COOL, especially at the start of the season!

Clogged Air Filters

Head down to your furnace and remove and inspect the air filter. If it’s clogged, clean or replace it, to make sure air is flowing freely. This will help with efficiency and temperature regulation. We recommend changing your air filter every 3 months or so to keep your AC running cool!

Blocked Outdoor Condenser

If your air conditioner doesn’t have a cover, chances are dirt and debris have made their way into your unit over the course of the year. This can prevent warm air from making its way to the evaporator coil for adequate cooling. Carefully remove big pieces of debris with a gentle brush.

Blocked Vents & Registers

The cold air return takes air back into your AC system. If this area is blocked or covered, it can affect air temperature.

More Serious, Underlying Issues

Low Refrigerant / Leaks

Refrigerant is a crucial component of your home’s cooling system. Found in both air conditioners and heat pumps, refrigerant is what absorbs and releases heat. During the cooling process, refrigerant circulates throughout the system’s coils, absorbing heat and releasing it outside. 

The efficiency, environmental impact and temperature regulation of your AC is largely dependent on the type and level of refrigerant used, so if there is a refrigerant leak your AC’s cooling performance is often the first thing that goes.

Refrigerants should only be handled by our expert team, so don’t leave anything to chance and give us a call today.

Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is the inside component of your air conditioner that helps absorb heat and moisture from your air, and cools it down before sending it back throughout your home. If your AC is blowing warm air, this is often the cause. 

Refrigerant issues, mentioned above, can negatively affect your evaporator coil, as well as airflow and filtration restrictions.

In less than ideal conditions, like those described above, your evaporator coil can actually freeze, preventing it from absorbing heat. This results in the system blowing air that is not just uncooled, but actively warmer as the fan attempts to push air over the icy blockage. The AC essentially ceases to cool until the ice has completely thawed.

Faulty Compressor

Your AC’s compressor is arguably the most vital component of your air conditioning unit. It squeezes the refrigerant and pushes it between the indoor and outdoor units. If the compressor dies, the whole cooling process is stopped, and your AC will just blow out warm air.

Common signs of compressor failure include: loud or unusual noises, your AC cycling on and off repeatedly, or most obviously your AC blowing warm air!
A failed compressor is a major repair. Consult our certified AC repair technicians for a proper diagnosis and to discuss your options!

An Action Furnace technician inspects coils.

Electrical Issues

Common electrical connectivity issues can also cause your AC from cooling and blowing warm air.

When & Why You Should Call Action Furnace

Air conditioner repair requires professional attention due to its use of refrigerant, electrical connectivity and delicate components. And the Action Furnace AC repair team is the best in the business!

If you notice your air conditioner is blowing warm air, here is what you can expect when you call us in.

Diagnostics Test

Our AC repair experts are continuously trained to quickly and accurately diagnose cooling issues and provide you with immediate, long-term solutions through our thorough diagnostics test.

Recommendation

Your technician will take extra care to explain their findings and go over your repair options, whether it’s a minor fix or a major system overhaul. We won’t pressure you, and make sure you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your equipment, your home and budget.

Repair

Our team is dedicated to restoring cooling comfort to your home as soon as possible. Your technician will carefully fix the affected components, clean the system and keep you up to date with any other repair tasks undertaken. 

Once the AC repair is complete, we’ll test your system to make sure everything is working safely and efficiently. 

And with our exclusive Fixed Right or its Free Guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that if one of our air conditioning repairs should fail within the first cooling season, we’ll come back and fix it again, absolutely free. We will also return 100% of your original investment.

An Action Furnace technician carefully inspects an air conditioner's air flow.

Repair vs. Replacement

If your air conditioning system is breaking down frequently, it might be more cost-effective to replace it than to pay for ongoing repairs. Ask yourself the following questions when considering a new air conditioner:

  • Is the air conditioner outside its warranty?
  • Are repairs needed often?
  • Are your energy bills steadily increasing?
  • Is your current AC struggling to cool your entire home effectively?

The expert technicians at Action Furnace will assess your faulty air conditioner and offer upfront pricing, helping you determine the best solution for keeping your home comfortable throughout the summer.

Ongoing Maintenance For Cooler Air

At Action Furnace our goal is to provide you with a comfortable home all summer long. Our dedicated cooling technicians are highly trained and qualified to maximize your equipment’s performance. We complete your tune-up efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Our Exclusive Service Includes:

  • Coil and Filter Check: Clean and inspect the evaporator coil, and inspect the thermostat filter.
  • System Performance: Ensure proper subcool/superheat settings and check refrigerant levels.
  • Electrical and Mechanical Inspection: Check the capacitor, motor amp draw, and fan speed.
  • Drainage: Inspect all drain lines.

After your tune-up is finished, we will offer recommendations to boost efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and improve your overall home comfort. 

If your air conditioner is blowing a warm summer breeze instead of cool comfort, don’t sweat it—call us today! We’re available whenever you need, and we have fully-stocked service trucks ready to hit the road.

Why Choose Action Furnace For Your AC Repair

  • Straight forward pricing
  • Always ready to take action
  • 5 star customer service
  • We service and repair all major AC brands

Common Questions About AC Repair

What’s the best way to prevent air conditioner repairs?

While certain cooling repairs are unavoidable, preventative action like annual maintenance can significantly lower the risk of unexpected issues. Scheduling an annual Air Conditioner Tune-Up allows our professionals to thoroughly inspect your home’s cooling system and recommend the best course of action for its comprehensive care.

These tune-ups are essential not only for preventing major AC repairs but also for improving your air conditioning system’s overall efficiency.

Can I fix my air conditioner myself?

We don’t recommend trying to repair your air conditioner yourself, since this can void your warranty and result in damage to your ductwork or other essential components.