There’s nothing worse than turning on your air conditioner during a Washington heatwave… only to feel warm air blowing through your vents. An AC blowing hot air is one of the most common AC complaints — and luckily, it’s often fixable.

If you’ve been wondering, “How do I fix my AC blowing warm air?”, our experts at Apex Air have created a guide to help you. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most frequent causes and what you can do to restore that cool comfort fast.

1. Start With the Thermostat

Before assuming the worst, double-check your thermostat settings. It’s possible the system is:

• Accidentally set to “heat”
• Set to “fan only,” which moves air but doesn’t cool it
• Programmed incorrectly or stuck in an old schedule

Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” — at a temperature lower than the current indoor temp — and the fan is set to “auto.”

2. Check for a Dirty Air Filter

A clogged filter restricts airflow and can cause your AC to overheat — or fail to cool altogether. If it’s been more than 1–3 months since your last filter change, swap it out and see if that helps.

Clean airflow is key to efficient performance and comfortable indoor temperatures.

3. Look for Refrigerant Issues

Refrigerant is the chemical that actually cools the air. If your system has a refrigerant leak or low levels, it may still run — but only blow warm air.

Signs include:

• Ice on the outdoor unit or evaporator coil
• Hissing or bubbling noises
• Long cooling cycles with little temperature change

This isn’t a DIY fix — you’ll need an HVAC pro to inspect, repair the leak and recharge the system.

4. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Your condenser coils live in the outdoor unit and help release heat from inside your home. If they’re covered in dirt, leaves or grass clippings, they can’t do their job — and your home stays warm.

Gently rinsing the unit with a garden hose (never a pressure washer) may help. Or, schedule a professional coil cleaning as part of routine maintenance.

5. Check Circuit Breakers

If your indoor fan is running but the outdoor AC unit isn’t, a tripped circuit breaker could be the culprit. Head to your breaker box and see if any switches have flipped.

Reset the breaker and listen for the outdoor unit to turn back on. If it doesn’t — or the breaker keeps tripping — it’s time to call in a technician.

6. Compressor Problems Could Be To Blame

The compressor is a critical part of your cooling system. If it’s malfunctioning or has failed completely, your AC may run but only push out warm air.

This is a more serious issue and often requires replacement. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the more repair options you may have.

Preventive Maintenance Makes a Big Difference

Many of these issues can be avoided with regular seasonal maintenance. An AC tune-up includes:

• Checking refrigerant levels
• Cleaning coils and filters
• Inspecting electrical components
• Testing system performance

Don’t wait for a warm-air emergency to take action — maintenance helps you catch small issues before they become big problems.

Call Apex Air — We’ll Help Fix It Fast

Still need help?  Don’t sweat it. The team at Apex Air is here to help.

We’re proud to serve homeowners across the Portland and Vancouver metro areas with expert diagnostics, reliable repairs and affordable service. With over 55 years of combined experience, we’ll get your system back to cooling the way it should.

Contact us today to schedule your AC service or request a consultation. Let’s get your home comfortable again.

During the hot summer months in Washington State, it’s tempting to keep your air conditioner running around the clock. But constant AC use can wear out your system prematurely and send your energy bills skyrocketing. At Apex Air, we believe staying cool doesn’t have to come at the expense of your comfort — or your wallet. If you’ve been wondering how to keep your home cool without overworking your AC in summer, you’re in the right place.

Here are some practical, energy-efficient tips to help you stay cool and extend the life of your HVAC system.

1. Make the Most of Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are one of the simplest ways to circulate cool air. Just make sure they’re set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes air downward and creates a wind chill effect, helping you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

2. Block Out Direct Sunlight

Sunlight streaming through your windows can increase indoor temperatures by up to 10 degrees. Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. For an added boost, consider installing reflective window tint to reduce solar heat gain while still enjoying natural light.

3. Limit Heat-Producing Activities

Appliances like ovens, stoves, dryers and even incandescent light bulbs generate heat. Alternative options:

• Grill outdoors instead of cooking inside.
• Hang-dry laundry to avoid running your dryer.
• Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent ones.
• Unplug unused electronics, which generate heat even in standby mode.

4. Use Exhaust Fans Strategically

Turn on kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans while cooking or showering. These fans pull excess heat and humidity out of your home, making it easier for your AC to maintain a consistent temperature.

5. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Drafty windows and doors let warm air in and cool air out. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal leaks, and check your attic insulation. Upgrading insulation keeps hot air out and cool air in, reducing your AC’s workload.

6. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats allow you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day. For example, raise the temperature when you’re away and lower it just before you return home. This can lead to increased energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

7. Control Indoor Humidity

Excess humidity makes the air feel warmer and harder to cool. Your AC removes some moisture, but in humid conditions, a whole-home dehumidifier can ease the burden. Lowering indoor humidity not only improves comfort but also helps prevent mold and mildew.

8. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

A clogged air filter forces your AC to work harder than necessary. Replace filters every 1–3 months, and make sure your ducts are clean and free of obstructions. Regular maintenance by a professional technician ensures your system runs efficiently and catches small issues before they become costly repairs.

9. Let in Cool Air Naturally

Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by opening windows and creating cross-ventilation. Just remember to close everything up before the heat of the day sets in to trap the cool air inside.

10. Schedule Professional AC Service

Sometimes, your system may already be overworked. If it’s struggling to keep up, making strange noises, or blowing warm air, it’s time to call in the experts. A seasonal check-up can ensure your AC is ready to perform efficiently all summer long.

Stay Cool and Save Energy with Apex Air

Now that you know how to keep your home cool without overworking your AC in summer, you can enjoy greater comfort, lower bills and a longer-lasting HVAC system. But if your air conditioner isn’t keeping up or you’re noticing signs of strain, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Contact the experts at Apex Air for air conditioning service, maintenance or repairs. We’re here to help you stay cool, energy-efficient and comfortable all season long.