There’s nothing worse than coming inside to cool off—only to find that your AC is blowing warm air in Raleigh’s scorching summer heat. When the temps are high and the humidity is relentless, this kind of issue can turn your home from a haven into a heat trap.
We get calls about this a lot during the summer. The good news? Most of the time, the fix is simple. Sometimes it’s as easy as changing a filter or flipping a switch. Other times, it takes a bit more troubleshooting. Either way, we’re here to help you understand what’s going on and how to get back to feeling comfortable again.
Start With the Thermostat
We know—it seems too obvious. But you’d be surprised how often the thermostat is the culprit. Maybe someone accidentally switched it from “Cool” to “Heat,” or it’s set to “Fan” instead of “Auto,” which means it’s just pushing room-temperature air through the vents without actually cooling it.
Also, if your thermostat runs on batteries, try putting in a fresh set. A dying battery can cause miscommunication between the thermostat and your HVAC system.
Check Your Filters
A dirty filter may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause all sorts of problems—including uncooled air blowing from your AC. When the filter’s clogged, it restricts airflow over the evaporator coil, which can lead to the coil freezing up. Once that happens, the system can’t cool effectively, and you’re stuck sweating.
Swapping out your filter every month or two (especially during heavy use) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your cooling system running smoothly.
A Frozen Coil Can Stop Cooling
If your AC is running but your home isn’t cooling down, and the filter looks clean, the problem may be ice on the evaporator coil. You might see frost or water around the unit, especially if it’s located in your attic or a closet.
To thaw it out, turn your unit off and switch the fan to “On.” This will help melt the ice, though it might take a few hours. But keep in mind—this is a temporary fix. You’ll still need to figure out what caused the freeze-up in the first place, whether it’s a dirty filter, a blocked drain line, or something more serious like a refrigerant leak.
Low Refrigerant = Low Performance
Your system depends on refrigerant to absorb and remove heat from your home. If the refrigerant level is low—or if there’s a leak—it won’t be able to do its job. The result? The AC keeps running, but the house stays warm.
This isn’t something you can fix on your own. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, it’s best to contact us to inspect the system, locate the leak, and recharge it properly.
Don’t Forget the Outdoor Unit
Your condenser unit (the part outside) plays a major role in keeping your home cool. If it’s surrounded by overgrown plants, covered in debris, or packed with dirt, it can’t release heat efficiently. And when that happens, the whole system struggles to cool.
Make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit. If it looks dirty, you can rinse it gently with a hose.
Electrical Issues Could Be the Culprit
Sometimes, the issue is electrical. If a circuit breaker has tripped, the outdoor condenser may lose power while the indoor fan continues to run. That can lead to airflow that feels warm or stagnant.
It’s worth checking your breaker box or the outdoor disconnect switch. If resetting the breaker solves the problem, great! But if it happens again, it could signal a more serious electrical issue that needs professional attention.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
If you’ve checked your thermostat, replaced the filter, thawed any ice, and ensured your outdoor unit isn’t blocked—but still, your AC is blowing warm air? Then it’s time to contact us for expert service. You could be facing a failed capacitor, compressor problems, ductwork leaks, or another complex issue that needs professional diagnosis and repair. Give us a call, we’re ready to help you get your cooling system back to peak performance.