On a hot day, the last thing you would want your air conditioner to do is blow out warm air. However, that's exactly what happens when you have certain air conditioner problems. Both central and room air conditioning systems can suffer from this malfunction. Read on to learn more about why your air conditioner is putting out warm or hot air instead of cold air.

Thermostat Issues

Thermostat issues usually apply to central air conditioning systems. Your thermostat could be broken. You may actually be turning on the furnace rather than the air conditioner, but the reading is wrong. Or, your furnace could be set too high. If you set your thermostat for the system to be on all the time, you may experience periodic warm air between cooling cycles.

Refrigerant Leaks

Your air conditioning system does not "use" refrigerant. It's a closed system. So, you shouldn't run out of the chemical at any time. If you do, your AC system has a leak. When you notice a leak, the air coming from the unit won't have enough refrigerant to cool the air.

Duct Leaks

If you have a central air system, you likely have a series of ducts around your home. Sometimes, as they age, they can come apart at the seams and connectors. If this is the case, you will have less cool air than you expect coming out of your vents.

Iced-Over Evaporator Coils

When your evaporator coils don't do their job, they accumulate moisture and ice. When they ice over, they can't remove heat from your home or room. As a result, your unit will blow out warm or hot air. One easily preventable cause of frozen evaporator coils is a dirty filter that blocks airflow.

Condenser Issues

The condenser plays a critical role in removing heat from the system and condensing the gas back to a liquid refrigerant. If the condenser has dirt buildup, it could impede its function. It also requires plenty of airflow. So, if plants have grown too close to your unit, you need to trim them back.

Compressor Problems

The compressor is the part of your air conditioner that moves the refrigerant around. When it stops working, then you will not have cold air. The unit's fan will turn on, but you won't hear it cycling.

Your AC should fill your room or home with cool, refreshing air. So when your air conditioner puts out the exact opposite, it needs repairs. Some things, like changing the filters, can be done by anyone. However, if your air conditioning needs more extensive repair, contact an HVAC technician.