There’s nothing worse than turning on your air conditioner during an Arkansas summer—only to feel hot air coming out of your vents. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my AC blowing hot air?”, you’re not alone.
This common HVAC issue can result from several causes—ranging from clogged filters and frozen coils to electrical problems or refrigerant leaks. At Riverside Comfort Care, we help homeowners across Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood get their cooling systems back on track fast.
Here’s what could be causing the problem—and what to do next.
1. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
A blocked air filter is one of the most frequent reasons your AC stops cooling properly. When airflow is restricted, your system can overheat, causing it to blow warm or hot air.
What to do:
- Check your filter for dirt, dust, and debris
- Replace it if it’s clogged (every 30–60 days during heavy use)
- Use high-efficiency filters to improve airflow and air quality
2. Thermostat Issues
Sometimes, your thermostat may be misconfigured or malfunctioning, telling your AC to run without actually cooling.
Check the following:
- Is your thermostat set to “cool” and not “fan” or “heat”?
- Is the temperature set lower than the current room temperature?
- Is the battery dead or the screen unresponsive?
If the thermostat is faulty, it may need replacement or recalibration.
3. Low Refrigerant or Leak
Your air conditioner depends on refrigerant to remove heat from the air. If refrigerant levels are low due to a leak, your system will blow warm air instead of cool.
Signs of a refrigerant issue:
- Ice forming on refrigerant lines or coils
- A hissing sound near the AC unit
- Gradual loss of cooling power
This issue requires licensed HVAC service. Riverside Comfort Care offers expert refrigerant diagnostics and leak repair.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coil
A frozen coil cannot absorb heat from your home, resulting in hot or room-temperature air coming from your vents.
Causes include:
- Dirty air filter
- Blocked airflow
- Refrigerant issues
Fix: Turn off your system for a few hours to thaw the coil, then call us for a professional inspection to prevent future freezing.
5. Electrical or Circuit Breaker Problems
If the outdoor condenser unit loses power while the indoor unit keeps running, you may feel hot air from your vents.
Steps to take:
- Check the circuit breaker and reset any tripped switches
- Ensure the disconnect box near the outdoor unit is not switched off
- If the problem continues, call a technician to inspect the wiring
6. Dirty Condenser Coils
Outdoor condenser coils help release heat removed from inside your home. If they’re covered in dirt or debris, heat can’t be expelled, causing warm air to blow inside.
Solution:
- Carefully clean the coils with a garden hose (with power off)
- Remove leaves, grass clippings, and obstructions
- Schedule a professional coil cleaning for best results
7. Ductwork Leaks or Damage
Leaky ductwork can pull in hot attic air or lose cooled air before it reaches your rooms.
Check for:
- Unusual warm spots in certain rooms
- Visible duct damage or disconnected sections
- Whistling or rattling sounds near vents
Professional duct sealing can restore cooling performance and efficiency.
8. Your AC Is Too Old
If your system is more than 10–15 years old, it may struggle to cool effectively—or fail altogether.
Consider upgrading to the Friedrich Breeze Universal Heat Pump, an energy-efficient system ideal for Arkansas weather with advanced cooling and heating features.
AC Repair Near You
Riverside Comfort Care proudly serves:
We offer fast diagnostics, fair pricing, and local HVAC expertise you can count on.
Trusted Resources for Further Reading:
- ENERGY STAR Air Conditioning Guide
- Department of Energy – AC Tips
- Consumer Reports – Air Conditioner Buying Guide
Still Wondering Why Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air?
Let us help. Call Riverside Comfort Care at (479) 123-4567 or schedule online.
Whether you’re in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, or Greenwood—we’ll get your A/C system cooling again quickly and affordably.
