Troubleshooting Guide: What to Do When Your Air Conditioner Warm Air

If the air coming out of your air vents is not refreshing and cool, but rather warm or lukewarm, it indicates a problem with your air conditioning system. While it may be necessary to contact an HVAC technician, the good news is that you can sometimes troubleshoot and resolve the issue yourself.

What To Do if your AC is Blowing Warm Air

• Verify the thermostat settings

Even if you believe your thermostat is set correctly, it’s advisable to double-check, especially if there are others in your household who may have adjusted it. Sometimes, only the fan of your air conditioning services may be running, circulating warm air throughout your home. Ensure that your thermostat is set to “cool” or “auto” for your AC to effectively cool and dehumidify the indoor air while the fan circulates it.

• Ensure the outdoor unit has power

Air conditioners require a substantial amount of power to operate. In the event of a momentary power surge, the outdoor unit may trip the circuit breaker. If your AC is blowing warm air, inspect your circuit breaker panel for a tripped switch. Additionally, if your AC unit has recently been serviced, the technician may have turned off the outdoor unit and forgotten to turn it back on. Check the wall-mounted box next to your unit to ensure the equipment is receiving power.

• Clear any obstructions around the outdoor unit

The outdoor unit of your air conditioner releases heat and requires proper ventilation. It should have at least 1 foot of space around its sides and a sufficient vertical clearance of at least 5 feet. Remove any weeds, and trim shrubs, or hedges that may be obstructing the equipment.

• Inspect the air filter

Most manufacturers suggest replacing disposable air filters every 90 days, but this timeframe can vary. If you use your air conditioner extensively or have pets, the filter may become dirty sooner. A dirty air filter can impede airflow through your AC maintenance, leading to several issues. The air conditioner has to work harder to produce cool air, and insufficient warm air passes over the indoor coil (evaporator coil), which contains the refrigerant. As a result, certain parts of the AC can overheat, and the condensation on the evaporator coil may freeze. Once the coil is frozen, it cannot effectively cool the indoor air, and the compressor is at risk of overheating and failing.

If you notice ice on your evaporator coil, replace the air filter and allow the ice to thaw. Keep the HVAC system’s fan running to expedite the process, but ensure the “cool” setting is turned off. Once the ice has melted, you can resume using your AC, but it’s advisable to have a technician inspect the equipment for any underlying issues. If the ice reappears after you start using the system again, turn it off and contact an HVAC technician to examine it for potential refrigerant problems.

What if None of These Steps Resolve The Issue?

If the troubleshooting steps mentioned above do not solve your air conditioning problem, it’s recommended to seek assistance from an HVAC professional.

At this point, the cooling issue is likely caused by one of the following:

• Refrigerant leak
• Failing condenser fan
• Need for a new compressor

At Al Waha Hygiene, our skilled and experienced HVAC technicians specialize in diagnosing and resolving heating and cooling problems for our customers.

Contact us online today or call us at +971 56 695 2225 for AC repair in Abu Dhabi.