During a hot and humid Louisiana summer, the last thing you want is warm air coming out of your vents when your AC should be cooling. If your system seems to be running—but your home feels stuffy instead of refreshing—it’s time to take a closer look.
Here are the most common reasons your AC might be blowing warm air in Shreveport or Bossier City:
1. Check Your Thermostat First
Before you pick up the phone to schedule repairs, take a moment to check if the problem might be something straightforward, like a thermostat setting.
First, ensure that the thermostat is set to “Cool” rather than “Fan” or “Heat”—this small switch can make all the difference. Next, verify that the temperature you’ve set is lower than the current indoor temperature; if it’s not, the cool air won’t flow as you expect.
Don’t forget to check the batteries, too. A weak or dead battery can lead to frustrating situations! Even the most advanced smart thermostats can experience occasional glitches, so if things seem off, try restarting or resetting it. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh start to get everything running smoothly again.
Clogged air filters limit airflow, causing your system to work harder and potentially shut off cooling cycles to prevent overheating. Change your air filter regularly—especially in high-pollen, high-humidity areas like Shreveport.
2. Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter is like a suffocating barrier, hindering the vital flow of air your system relies on. This restriction forces your cooling system into overdrive, straining it as it struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature. In a desperate bid to prevent overheating, it might even shut off its cooling cycles altogether.
To keep your indoor environment fresh and your system running efficiently, remember to replace your air filter regularly. This is particularly crucial in areas like Shreveport, where the air is laden with pollen and humidity, making the air quality a challenge. Prioritizing this simple maintenance task can make all the difference in ensuring a cool and comfortable atmosphere throughout your home.
3. The Outdoor Unit Might Be Blocked
Your AC’s outdoor unit needs room to breathe. If it’s buried under leaves, grass, or dust, it can’t release heat, and warm air will circulate inside instead.
Keep the area around the condenser unit clear, and gently rinse off any dirt buildup.
4. Refrigerant Leak or Low Refrigerant Charge
When your air conditioning system has low refrigerant levels, it struggles to provide adequate cooling. You might notice several telltale signs that indicate a refrigerant problem. These include:
Ice accumulation on the refrigerant lines: If you see frost or ice forming on the pipes, this is a clear sign that your system is not functioning properly and may be struggling to circulate refrigerant effectively.
Unusual bubbling or hissing noise: When refrigerant levels are low, you may hear sounds resembling bubbling or hissing. These noises can indicate a refrigerant leak, which requires prompt attention from a qualified technician.
Extended cooling cycles with minimal temperature change: If your air conditioning unit runs for long periods without significantly lowering the temperature in your home, it may indicate insufficient refrigerant levels. This often means the system is working much harder than it should, leading to increased energy consumption and potential damage if not addressed.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate professional help to diagnose and resolve the refrigerant issue before it leads to more significant problems. Only licensed technicians should handle refrigerant — this is not a DIY fix.
5. Capacitor or Electrical Failure
If your AC is on but the outdoor unit isn’t running—or only clicks or hums—you may have a blown capacitor or an electrical component failure.
Our LenAire techs can safely diagnose and repair electrical issues before they cause long-term damage to your system.
6. Leaky Ducts Can Let the Cool Air Escape
In older homes or buildings with poorly sealed ductwork, cooled air may never reach your living space. Instead, you’re left feeling warm and wondering what went wrong.
LenAire offers duct inspection and sealing services to enhance airflow and improve system efficiency.
We’ll Get Your Cool Air Flowing Again
Don’t suffer through the heat—LenAire is here to help. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex issue, we’ll identify the problem and restore comfort to your home. Call LenAire now to schedule AC repair in Shreveport, Bossier City, or surrounding communities.
