Hot Air: Common Causes of Air Conditioner “No Cools”

It’s May, this is Greater Tampa Bay and the heat is on! And at Super Heat & Air, the most common problem that people call us for help is what we call the “No Cool”. It’s exactly what it sounds like: the air conditioner is not cooling.

An air conditioner blowing hot air can be caused by several common problems, some which are easy fixes. Here are some common causes for an air conditioner blowing hot air:

Refrigerant Leak

As with any device that has mechanical components, sometimes things come apart. In the case of refrigerant loss, it could be something as simple as refrigerant lines or connections getting loose. Refrigerant leaks can also be caused by a manufacturer’s mistake in an AC system’s assembly. Whatever the cause, refrigerant leaks should only be inspected and handled by licensed professionals. If you have a refrigerant leak, call us and we’ll fix it for you.

Dirty Condenser

Debris such as sticks, twigs and weeds can affect the airflow of your outdoor AC unit (condenser), causing it to blow hot air. Dirt and debris buildup is a common cause of a “No Cool”, and sometimes a simple cleaning of the condenser is all it takes to get your cold air back. A simple maintenance could do the trick, so give us a call if it’s time to get yours done.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can wreak havoc on your AC system. Believe it or not, something as simple as a dirty air filter can be the culprit of a “No Cool”. As with a dirty condenser, a clogged air filter can also cause your air conditioning system to blow hot air. You don’t need to call us to change out your air filter. It’s a very simple process you can do yourself. But if you do need help changing it out or if your air is still blowing hot after you do, then give us a call!

Bad Compressor

Unfortunately a bad compressor is not a simple fix. But a damaged compressor is a very common cause of an AC system blowing hot air. The compressor is the heart of your AC system. And if that heart is broken, you’re in for some serious heartbreak. From electrical issues to overheating, there are many things that can go wrong with a compressor, especially if your AC system has not received regular maintenance. The bad news is that when the compressor goes, it means an expensive repair or a complete AC system replacement. There’s no good way to put it: a bad compressor is really bad news!

Electrical Mishaps

We’ve mentioned circuit breakers before. But something as simple as a tripped-up circuit breaker or a blown fuse can cause a “No Cool”. When electrical problems occur, your condenser may lose power, causing it to blow hot air. And as a result, your indoor AC unit could cause the fan to push out hot air instead of cold air. You can check the circuit breaker and the fuses yourself. But don’t attempt to fix any indoor or outdoor mechanical or electrical components of your air conditioning system on your own. That’s what you have us for!.

Check the Thermostat

You wouldn’t believe it, but sometimes a “No Cool” is something as simple as a thermostat that’s not set properly. Whether somebody bumped into it or accidentally set the switch to Heat, sometimes the answer to your air conditioner blowing hot air can be found on the thermostat. So before you panic, make sure the thermostat is properly set. Also make sure the batteries are fresh, as worn-out batteries can cause the thermostat to malfunction.

Is your air conditioner blowing hot air? Give us a call. Whether the problem is big or small, we will help you get your cold AC back ASAP!

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