Why Your AC Unit Is Blowing Warm Air — And How to Fix It
Let’s face it — summers in the Tallahassee, FL area, are no joke. With sky-high temps and relentless humidity, the last thing you want is your AC unit blowing warm air when you need it most. If you’ve found yourself sweating inside your own home, you’re probably wondering, “Why isn’t my air conditioner doing its job?”
You’re not alone. We get calls all the time from local homeowners dealing with this exact issue. The good news? Many of the causes are fixable — some even without calling a HVAC technician or company.
If you need immediate help, call 850-562-3132 and one of our local Tallahassee HVAC experts can diagnose the issue and get your system back to cooling quickly or contact us online with any questions. Whether it’s a quick fix or a more detailed repair, we’ve got you covered.
Here Are Some of the Most Common Causes & Real Solutions for Tallahassee Homeowners
Benson’s HVAC will help you understand the most common reasons your home air conditioner might be underperforming and what you can do to stay cool.
1. Low Refrigerant Levels — The Silent Culprit
Your AC relies on refrigerant to absorb heat from your home and cool the air. When levels get low — often due to leaks — the system can’t effectively cool your home.
How to Spot It:
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Weak or warm airflow from vents
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Hissing or bubbling sounds near the unit
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Ice buildup on refrigerant lines
What You Can Do:
Unfortunately, low refrigerant isn’t a DIY fix. You’ll need a licensed HVAC technician to locate and seal the leak, then recharge the system. At Benson’s HVAC, we use advanced diagnostics to get it right the first time.
2. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters — A Quick Fix
This might sound basic, but dirty air filters are one of the top reasons for poor AC performance. In humid Tallahassee summers, filters get clogged faster because of extra moisture and pollen. When they’re blocked, airflow slows down, causing your AC to work harder — and blow warmer air.
How to Spot It:
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Reduced airflow from vents
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Dust buildup around your home
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Higher energy bills
What You Can Do:
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Check and replace your air filter every 30–60 days, especially during summer.
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Consider high-efficiency filters for better airflow.
3. Electrical Issues — Power Problems, Poor Cooling
Sometimes, it’s not the cooling system itself but a power issue causing problems. A tripped circuit breaker or disconnected thermostat can shut down parts of the cooling cycle.
How to Spot It:
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AC turns on but doesn’t blow cold air
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Thermostat is blank or unresponsive
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Frequent power trips on the breaker
What You Can Do:
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Check the circuit breaker box — reset if needed.
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Replace thermostat batteries.
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If problems persist, call a technician to inspect the wiring.
Frozen Evaporator Coils — Yes, Ice Can Be Bad
It sounds strange, but ice on your AC system isn’t a good thing. Frozen evaporator coils happen when airflow is restricted, or there’s a refrigerant issue. When coils freeze, the system can’t pull heat from the air, leaving you with warm airflow.
How to Spot It:
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Ice buildup on indoor or outdoor units
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Warm air blowing despite the system running
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Water puddles near the unit after thawing
What You Can Do:
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Turn off your AC to let the coils thaw.
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Check and replace dirty air filters.
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If freezing continues, call a professional for a system check.
5. Dirty Outdoor Unit — Let Your AC Breathe
In Tallahassee’s humid, rainy climate, outdoor AC units can quickly get clogged with dirt, leaves, and debris. When airflow is restricted, the system struggles to cool effectively.
How to Spot It:
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Warm air from vents despite a running system
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Visible debris around the outdoor unit
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Higher energy bills
What You Can Do:
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Turn off your AC and clear debris around the outdoor unit.
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Gently rinse the unit with a hose (avoid high pressure).
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Schedule routine maintenance to keep the system clean.
6. Thermostat Issues — It’s Not Always the AC
Sometimes the problem is simpler than it seems — your thermostat might be misreading your home’s temperature. Incorrect settings or sensor malfunctions can keep your AC from kicking in properly.
How to Spot It:
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Inconsistent indoor temperatures
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Thermostat set to “ON” instead of “AUTO”
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Display shows incorrect readings
What You Can Do:
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Set the thermostat to AUTO instead of ON (so the fan only runs when cooling).
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Test thermostat placement — avoid placing it near windows or heat sources.
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Upgrade to a smart thermostat for better accuracy and efficiency.
7. Ductwork Leaks — Cooling the Wrong Spaces
Leaky ducts let cool air escape into attics or crawl spaces instead of your home. In older Tallahassee homes, worn-out ducts are a common culprit for poor cooling.
How to Spot It:
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Uneven cooling between rooms
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Higher energy bills despite normal usage
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Dust buildup around vents
What You Can Do:
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Have a professional perform a duct inspection.
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Seal leaks with aerosol duct sealing or metal tape.
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Upgrade old ductwork if needed for better efficiency.
How to Prevent Warm Air Issues in the Future
Dealing with a hot house in the middle of a Tallahassee summer is miserable. The best way to avoid AC problems is with regular maintenance. At Benson’s, we offer preventive tune-ups to keep your system running smoothly when you need it most.
Key Tips for Long-Term Performance:
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Replace air filters regularly.
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Schedule professional maintenance twice a year.
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Keep outdoor units clear of debris.
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Watch for unusual noises or performance changes.
☎️ Need Help Fast? Call Benson’s HVAC in Tallahassee!
If your AC unit is blowing warm air, don’t sweat it — literally. Our local HVAC experts at Benson’s can diagnose the issue and get your system back to cooling quickly. Whether it’s a minor fix or a full system repair, we’ve got you covered.
👉 Call us at 850-562-3132 or Schedule a Service online today to stay cool all summer long!
