On a hot day, nothing beats the feeling of being able to walk inside your building to the comfort of cool air, thanks to your beloved air conditioner. However, if your commercial air conditioner is blowing hot air, it could make staying at the office unbearable.
While an air conditioner blowing warm air is a reasonably common issue, it’s incredibly frustrating when it happens. Not knowing how to fix it or who to call for help can make matters worse. This article will look at commercial AC systems and their various components and discuss a few of the most common reasons your air conditioning system may be blowing hot air into your building.
Continue reading below to learn why Design Mechanical is the most trusted commercial HVAC maintenance and repair company in Kansas City.
The Components of an AC Unit and How They Work
When your commercial HVAC system stops working, having a basic understanding of the system’s various components can help explain why a specific problem occurs and how you can fix it.
Here is a brief description of each component found within your commercial AC system and how each of them functions.
- Fan: The fan, also known as a blower fan, draws warm air from a room and pushes out cooled/cold air.
- Evaporator Coils: The evaporator coils absorb heat from the air and convert the refrigerant liquid into a low-pressure gas. Dirty evaporator coils may inhibit this function.
- Compressor: The compressor is responsible for raising the pressure of the refrigerant, raising its temperature so heat can be “squeezed” out of it.
- Condenser Coils: The condenser coils then release heat and convert the refrigerant back into a liquid.
- Expansion Valve: The expansion valve limits refrigerant liquid flow and decreases refrigerant pressure.
- Cooling Coils: Air is passed over the cooling coils, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing breeze from your AC unit.
This process repeats for as long as the AC unit is running.
Common Causes of Your Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air
When the air conditioner is blowing hot air, something is wrong with the process. In most instances, one of the components within the AC system has failed. While some simple causes include thermostat settings and poor airflow, more severe issues, such as electrical problems and refrigerant leaks, may also be blamed.
Refrigerant Leak
Low refrigerant liquid is one of the most common causes of ACs blowing hot air. As previously mentioned, the refrigerant is required to keep your AC unit running at peak efficiency and absorbs heat and humidity from the surrounding air.
If your air conditioner is producing warm air, it could be because the refrigerant is leaking and what’s left isn’t enough to keep your building cool. Depending on the size of the leak, a cooling loss can occur gradually or abruptly, but your AC will eventually start blowing warm air.
If you think that a leak is causing the low refrigerant liquid in your air conditioner, contact your local HVAC technician at your earliest convenience. If not addressed promptly, it may cause damage to the compressor motor.
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
Reduced airflow is one of the most common problems that can impede your air conditioner’s cooling functionality and is often caused by clogged or dirty air filters. The filter in your air conditioner removes dust and contaminants from the air flowing through the unit.
When you have a dirty air filter, your AC unit has to work harder to pull air through it. Blockages can completely prevent air from entering the system and place additional strain on the unit, resulting in warmer air and more significant problems in the future.
Be sure to clean or replace your air filters at least once every three months or as needed. An air conditioner with clean filters will run more efficiently for longer and can also help you save money on energy.
Disconnected or Leaky Air Ducts
If your AC unit is suddenly blowing hot air, you may also have unnoticed airflow problems in your ducts. If an air duct has holes, cracks, or is completely disconnected, return air may not be reaching the unit as efficiently as it should. Alternatively, cooled supply air may be blowing through your walls, attic, or crawl space, causing the AC to blow warm air.
If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bills, your air ducts may be to blame. In this instance, the best solution is to contact your local AC specialist to inspect your air ducts, make repairs, and seal any leaks.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The release of heat to the outside of your building is an essential function of your condenser unit, which is where the condenser coil plays a critical role. However, because the condenser coil is exposed to outdoor elements, it can accumulate dirt and debris, such as leaves and trash. As a result, this can eventually impede the operation of the condenser coils, and your system is unable to cool effectively, resulting in the AC blowing hot air.
To ensure the efficient operation of your AC unit’s condenser coils, be sure to clean the exterior of your AC unit on a regular basis and remove debris located around the unit. If you are unable to do so, your local HVAC repair service may also be able to help with this part of the process.
Trust the Experts at Design Mechanical for Professional HVAC Repair and Maintenance
No business owner or building manager wants hot air blowing out of their commercial air conditioning unit. At Design Mechanical, we’ve been providing a wide range of professional HVAC services to commercial businesses in Kansas City and the surrounding areas for over 20 years.
With a team of over 100 certified HVAC service specialists on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, we will ensure that your facility’s HVAC system is always running smoothly. If you would like to learn more about our HVAC repair services, contact Design Mechanical today to speak with one of our HVAC experts and schedule your free consultation.