Here at Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating in Riverside, one of the most frustrating calls we get during the summer is from someone dealing with their AC blowing hot air. We get it—you flip on your thermostat expecting a blast of cool relief, but instead, you’re met with warm, stale air. When it’s 95 degrees in Riverside and your AC isn’t doing its job, the stress builds fast.
The good news? Most of the time, the issue has a simple fix. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of AC blowing hot air and what you can do to stay cool again.
Thermostat Settings: The First Thing to Check
It might sound obvious, but sometimes the issue starts with the thermostat.
Before assuming the worst, double-check that your system is set to “cool” and not “heat” or “fan only.” We’ve had plenty of calls from folks where someone accidentally bumped the settings.
Also, make sure your desired temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, it’s worth swapping them out just in case.
AC Blowing Hot Air? It Could Be Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is what cools the air inside your system. If it’s low, your AC can’t do its job.
When we get a call about AC blowing hot air, especially from older homes in areas like Victoria or La Sierra, we often find a refrigerant leak is to blame. Low refrigerant levels usually mean there’s a leak somewhere—and that’s not something you can fix with a DIY kit.
Signs of a refrigerant issue include:
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Warm air from vents
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Hissing or bubbling noises
If you spot any of these signs, call a licensed HVAC technician. Our team at Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating can safely locate and repair the leak, then recharge your system the right way.
Dirty Air Filter? That’ll Do It
This is one of the most common reasons for AC blowing hot air, and luckily, it’s also the easiest to fix.
A clogged air filter blocks airflow, causing your system to overheat and fail to cool your home. We’ve seen this a lot in Riverside homes where filters haven’t been changed in months—or even years.
Try replacing your filter first. If your AC starts blowing cool air again, problem solved. If not, it’s time to dig deeper.
Check the Outdoor Unit
Your indoor unit might be working fine, but your outdoor condenser could be struggling.
Leaves, dirt, and debris often block the condenser coils and stop your system from releasing heat properly. When that happens, your AC can’t complete its cooling cycle, and it starts pushing out hot air instead.
We recommend keeping the outdoor unit clear of bushes, leaves, and dirt. But if it’s covered in grime or looks damaged, call in the pros. At Good Hope, we’ve helped plenty of Riverside homeowners bring their systems back to life with a simple coil cleaning.
Electrical Issues Can Cause AC Blowing Hot Air
Sometimes, the problem isn’t mechanical—it’s electrical.
Your system has various components that rely on proper power flow. If the breaker has tripped or a fuse has blown, your indoor unit may keep running while the outdoor unit stays off. That leads to—you guessed it again—AC blowing hot air.
If you’re comfortable checking your electrical panel, look for any tripped breakers and reset them. Just remember: if it keeps tripping, don’t keep resetting it. That’s a sign something deeper needs attention.
Faulty Compressor or Capacitor
Your compressor is the heart of your AC system. If it fails, your system can’t circulate refrigerant—and cooling stops.
Capacitors give the compressor the kick it needs to start. If either of these parts fail, you’ll likely notice warm air blowing and a humming or clicking sound from your outdoor unit.
These are not DIY fixes. But don’t worry—our technicians at Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating are trained to handle these issues safely and efficiently.
AC Blowing Hot Air in Riverside? Call Good Hope
We know how brutal a hot day can be in Riverside. Whether you’re here in Riverside or in one of the surrounding areas, the last thing you want is your AC blowing hot air when you need it most.
We’re local, we care, and we’re here when you need us. At Good Hope Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ll inspect your system, explain what’s going on, and get the cool air flowing again—fast.
If your system’s acting up or your vents are pushing out hot air, don’t wait. Give us a call today and say goodbye to the stress of AC blowing hot air in your home.
