Cooling
AC Repair in Colorado Springs, CO

An air conditioner should of course keep your home cool and comfortable. If it blows hot air instead of cold, it’ll leave you frustrated and sweating. Some of the reasons this could happen are easily fixable with a quick repair. Others will require professional help to diagnose and resolve.

Thermostat Set Incorrectly

Perhaps the AC is blowing hot air because you have the thermostat set wrong. It’s easy to forget to switch it from “heat” to “cool” when the seasons change. Adjusting the settings may fix the problem right away. If it doesn’t, make sure to replace the batteries. Weak batteries can lead to signal issues that cause the AC to run incorrectly instead of cooling properly.

Dirty Air Filter

The air filter plays a major role in how efficiently and effectively the AC can run. It traps dust, pollen and other airborne particles to prevent them from circulating throughout the house. Over time, it’ll collect so much debris that it clogs. When this happens, the filter will restrict airflow, which can cause the system to overheat and blow warm air. Most HVAC systems need filter changes every one to three months to maintain optimal airflow. Ductless models require filter changes every two weeks.

Low Refrigerant Levels

The refrigerant in your AC is what makes the air cold. It does this by absorbing heat and releasing it outside. If the AC has low refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool the air properly, thus leading to warm air blowing from the vents. But refrigerant doesn’t just get low. There has to be a leak somewhere in the system for it to leak out. Identifying the source of the leak is crucial to fixing the problem and restoring cool air. This is a job that needs professional help from an AC repair pro. Handling refrigerant requires special tools, training and certification.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

If the circuit breaker connected to the AC trips, the outdoor part of the system will lose power. The indoor part may still run but it will blow hot air. You can flip the breaker back on to restore power to the outdoor unit. If it trips again, there’s a more serious issue causing the overload. You’ll need to contact an HVAC technician to inspect the system and perform the necessary repairs.

Faulty Capacitor

Your AC has a capacitor on it that’s in charge of delivering the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors. When it goes bad, the system may overheat and start blowing hot air. If the capacitor completely fails, the AC won’t turn on at all. Other clues of a bad capacitor include clicking or buzzing noises when the unit tries to turn on. You should turn the AC off and call a repairman right away if you hear these noises or suspect a faulty capacitor.

Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

The outdoor part of the AC has a condenser coil that releases heat from inside the home. Exposure to dirt, leaves and other elements can hurt the performance of the coil by blocking airflow and reducing heat transfer. When the buildup gets bad enough, it can cause the AC to blow warm air. That’s why cleaning this coil regularly is so important. If you want to do the cleaning yourself, just take off the access panel and spray the coil with a garden hose. Be very gentle as you spray so you don’t damage the delicate fins. If you’re not comfortable cleaning the coil, a professional can do it for you during a tune-up.

Malfunctioning Compressor

The compressor is what pumps refrigerant through the AC so it can cool the house. When electrical issues or other mechanical failures cause this part to malfunction, the AC will blow hot air instead. To fix a faulty compressor, you’ll need to hire a professional. A lot of times, it makes more sense to do a full AC replacement when this part goes bad. A technician can assess the condition of the system and the cost of repairs to determine which option is best.

Clogged Drain Line

The AC pulls moisture out of the air that drains through a pipe called a condensate line. If the line clogs with algae, dirt or mold, the AC will struggle to blow cool air. You’ll likely feel warm air or no air at all if you put your hand over a vent. You’ll need to clear the clog with a wet/dry vacuum to solve the problem. If it doesn’t, it’s time to call a technician.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coil is another part of the AC that absorbs heat from the air. Things like low refrigerant or a clogged filter will restrict airflow, possibly causing the coil to freeze. The best thing to do in this situation is turn off the AC and let the coil thaw. Next, check the air filter to see whether you need to clean or replace it. If the frozen coil is the result of low refrigerant, you’ll have to get help from a professional.

Leaky Ductwork

Holes, cracks and gaps in ductwork let cool air escape, causing significant problems with indoor comfort and high energy bills. If you think this is the cause of your warm air problem, a technician can perform a duct inspection. Sealing and insulating are effective ways to fix duct leaks and help the whole home stay cool.

Broken Contactor

The compressor and fan have a switch called a contactor that controls the flow of electricity to those components. If the contactor breaks or gets stuck, the indoor unit may run, but the outdoor part won’t. This disrupts the cooling process and prevents the AC from blowing cold air. A technician can test and replace the contactor if it goes bad.

Improperly Sized AC Unit

A professional AC installation is of the utmost importance for making sure it’s the right size. Units that are too large will constantly shut on and off, wasting energy and wearing down components. They frequently leave homes feeling humid and uncomfortable.

Setups that are too small for the home will struggle to keep up with your cooling demands, which can lead to warm air flowing from the vents. A technician can do an assessment to determine whether your unit is the correct size for your home’s layout and cooling needs.

Disconnected or Damaged Wires

Your AC must have tight electrical connections so that all the parts can operate properly. When a wire becomes damaged by heat or pests, it’ll cause the system to malfunction. Loose wiring caused by vibration can also hinder the cooling process. If you think your AC has wire problems, don’t try to fix them yourself, but call a technician instead. They can safely locate and repair the issue without risking electrical shock or further damage.

Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air is the company to call when your cooling system doesn’t act right. We offer advanced repair, maintenance and installation support for ACs of all kinds, and we can help improve your indoor air quality as well

Reach out to Alphalete Plumbing Drain Heating & Air now to book effective AC repairs in Colorado Springs, CO.

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