What Does It Mean If Your Air Conditioner Is Running Hot?
When someone says their air conditioner is running hot, it's not always easy to understand what they mean. Some people are referencing the coils or parts of the air conditioner that become hot when it's running, while others are saying their unit is not producing cold air. No matter what you think someone means when they say an air conditioner is too hot, there can be a few things going wrong with your system if this is happening. Read on to learn what it means when your air conditioner is running hot and when it's time to enlist the help of an air conditioning repair tech.
Your Air Conditioner Is Hot to the Touch
Have you ever touched the metal part of your air conditioner and quickly pulled back your hand because it was hot? This metal part is called the condenser coil, and its circulating refrigerant becomes hot when the air conditioner is running. This heat is normal and should not be cause for concern. However, if there's an excessive amount of heat coming from the unit to the point where it almost burns your hand when you touch your air conditioner, it could mean something is wrong with your HVAC system. In this situation, you will likely need AC repair ASAP before your system overheats for good.
Your Air Conditioner Isn't Producing Cold Air
When someone says their air is too hot, sometimes they mean that hot air is blowing out of the vents. There are a few reasons this issue can happen, including:
- Thermostat Issues — If you can't seem to get the right temperature, it might be a thermostat problem.
- Refrigerant Leak — A refrigerant leak can cause your air conditioner to produce warm or lukewarm air. This issue should be addressed quickly as leaking refrigerant is dangerous and can damage other AC components.
- Dirty Filter — If your air filter is not cleaned or changed regularly, it can become clogged and cause warm air to be released from the unit.
Some of these issues are minor and can be handled yourself, while others require immediate residential HVAC repair services. If you are concerned that something isn't right with your air conditioner, contact a qualified HVAC tech who specializes in residential AC repair immediately. An experienced air conditioning repair tech can quickly pinpoint what's causing the air conditioner to run hot, whether you're referencing the coils, the air, or both.
Reach out to a professional for more information about air conditioning repair.