If your air conditioner is blowing warm or hot air despite the temperature gauge reading normal levels, there could be several possible reasons for this issue. Here are some common causes:
Thermostat Issues: The thermostat might not be functioning correctly. Even though the temperature gauge appears normal, the thermostat may not be accurately detecting the temperature and controlling the cooling process effectively.
Restricted Airflow: Insufficient airflow due to a dirty air filter, blocked vents, or closed registers can lead to the air conditioner not cooling the air properly. This may cause the system to blow out warmer air.
Refrigerant Leak: A refrigerant leak can decrease the cooling capacity of your air conditioner, resulting in inadequate cooling. While the gauge may read normal levels, the overall amount of refrigerant in the system might be insufficient.
Compressor Issues: The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant to cool the air. If the compressor is faulty or not operating optimally, it may lead to warmer air being blown into the room.
Condenser Problems: The condenser is the outdoor unit of the air conditioner responsible for dissipating heat. If it's dirty, clogged, or damaged, it can affect the cooling efficiency.
Electrical Problems: Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring or a malfunctioning capacitor, can result in the air conditioner not functioning properly, leading to warm air output.
Thermostat Settings: Sometimes, the air conditioner might be set to "fan only" mode or a higher temperature, which will circulate room-temperature air.
Undersized AC Unit: If the air conditioner is too small for the space it's trying to cool, it may struggle to reach the desired temperature on hot days.
To diagnose and fix the issue, you should contact a professional HVAC technician. They can inspect your air conditioning system thoroughly, identify the root cause, and perform the necessary repairs or maintenance to restore proper cooling performance. Regular maintenance of your air conditioner, such as cleaning filters and checking for leaks, can also help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.