You turn on your air conditioner expecting that sweet, cool relief — but instead, you're hit with warm or even hot air. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it's also a sign that something isn’t right with your system.

At Simmons One Hour Heating & Air, we get this question a lot — especially once those Carolina temps start to rise. If your AC is blowing hot air, here are the most common reasons why:

🔧 1. Your Thermostat Settings Are Off

This may sound obvious, but it’s the first thing you should check. Sometimes, the thermostat accidentally gets switched to “Heat” or the fan is set to “On” instead of “Auto.”

When it’s on “Fan,” it just blows room-temperature air — not cooled air. Always make sure it’s set to “Cool” and “Auto.”

❄️ 2. You Have Low Refrigerant (aka a Leak)

Refrigerant isn’t something your system uses up over time — it’s a sealed system. So if it’s low, it means there’s a leak.

Adding a pound or two every summer isn’t fixing the issue — it’s patching a sinking boat. You need a licensed pro to find and fix that leak before the damage worsens.

⚡ 3. The Outdoor Unit Isn’t Running

If the indoor unit is blowing air but the outdoor condenser is silent, that’s a problem. Your system can’t produce cold air without the outside unit working.

This could be:

A tripped breaker

A blown fuse

A bad capacitor

A faulty contactor

All fixable — but they need a technician to diagnose safely.

🧼 4. The Air Filter Is Dirty

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing your system to overheat or even freeze up. This is one of the easiest and cheapest fixes: replace your filter every 1–3 months.

Not sure what kind to use? Give us a call — we’ll walk you through it.

🧊 5. The Evaporator Coil Is Frozen

Frozen coils are usually caused by one of two things:

Poor airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents)

Low refrigerant

When the coil freezes, it can’t absorb heat — so when it thaws, all you get is warm air blowing out.

🔌 6. You Have Electrical Issues

Sometimes your system may have partial power — like the indoor blower running but the outdoor unit isn't. This could be due to an electrical disconnect, damaged wiring, or a blown fuse.

These aren’t DIY-safe issues. Call a professional to check it safely.

🛠️ Bottom Line: It’s Trying… But It’s Failing

Your system is working hard, but something’s holding it back. And every minute it’s blowing hot air is a minute of wasted energy — and rising utility bills.

If you're in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, Laurinburg, or anywhere nearby, don’t sweat it. Call Simmons One Hour Heating & Air, and we’ll get to the root of the problem fast — and fix it right the first time.

✅ Need Help Now?

Call us at (910) 420-0900 or Schedule Online We’re here for you 24/7..