When your air conditioner in Clarksville, TN, starts blowing warm air, it signals a major failure, particularly during a hot, humid summer. This problem is frustrating and demands immediate attention. The issue can be caused by a simple thermostat error or a severe refrigerant leak. This guide will help you troubleshoot the most common causes and determine when to call for professional HVAC Clarksville TN service.
Simple HVAC Checks to Perform Immediately
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
This is the most common and easiest fix. Ensure your thermostat is set to “COOL” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Also, check the fan setting. If the fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” the blower runs even when the cooling cycle is off, circulating warm air. Switch the fan setting to “AUTO.”
2. Inspect Your HVAC Air Filter
A severely clogged air filter is a major culprit. It restricts airflow across the indoor evaporator coil. This lack of warm air transfer causes the coil’s temperature to plummet and freeze solid. A frozen coil cannot absorb heat from your home, resulting in warm air from the vents. If the filter is visibly dirty, replace it immediately.
3. Check the Circuit Breaker
Your outdoor condenser unit and indoor furnace/air handler each have a dedicated circuit breaker. Check your main electrical panel. If one or both breakers are tripped, reset them. If the breaker trips again immediately, do not reset it; this signals a dangerous electrical short and requires a professional HVAC Clarksville TN repair technician.
The Core Problem: Lack of Heat Transfer
If the simple checks fail, the problem lies with your system’s ability to transfer heat.
Low Refrigerant Levels
This is the most common major issue. Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs and releases heat. If your system is low on refrigerant, it means you have a leak. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, your system cannot cool the air effectively, causing it to run constantly and blow warm air. Low refrigerant also leads to the dangerous coil freezing mentioned above.
A Failed HVAC Capacitor
The capacitor is a small, cylindrical component that acts like a battery, providing the necessary jolt of electricity to start the compressor and fan motors. If the outdoor unit’s fan or the large compressor motor is not running, the capacitor is likely dead. Without these running, the system cannot transfer heat outside, and you will get warm air inside.
Dirty Outdoor HVAC Condenser Coils
Your outdoor unit’s large coil is responsible for releasing the heat your system collects. If this coil is covered in dirt, leaves, or grass clippings, the grime acts as an insulator. The unit cannot shed the heat, which causes the system pressure to rise dramatically. The unit will overheat and shut down prematurely, leaving you with poor cooling.
Why You Need Professional HVAC Repair
The Dangers of Ignoring the Issue
Running an AC unit that is low on refrigerant or has a bad capacitor will destroy the much more expensive compressor, the heart of the system. Ignoring the problem turns a minor repair into a catastrophic system replacement. Furthermore, only a licensed professional can legally handle and add refrigerant.
Barney’s Heating and Air: Your Clarksville, TN HVAC Experts
When your AC is blowing warm air, you need a trusted, local expert. Barney’s Heating and Air specializes in professional AC Repair and service throughout the Clarksville, TN area. We have the expertise to accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem, whether it is a refrigerant leak, a failed motor component, or a simple electrical issue. We provide a full range of services, including AC Installation and Heat Pump Repair.
Contact the experienced team at Barney’s Heating and Air today for a fast, honest diagnosis and reliable HVAC Clarksville TN service.
Jacob Barnes…