Facebook Youtube Google Yelp
Logo of J.A. Bertsch Heating and Cooling. J.A. Bertsch Heating and Cooling offers HVAC or electrical services near Coeur d'Alene, CDA, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Spirit Lake, St Maries, Athol, Blanchard, Dalton Gardens, Worley, Plummer, and Harrison, ID. Services include thermostat, furnace, heat pump, boiler, fireplace, air conditioner, and water heater installation, maintenance, or repair.
BOOK NOW

Keep Your Cool with a Healthy AC System

When your AC is blowing hot air, it’s more than just uncomfortable—it could indicate issues with refrigerant, airflow, electrical components, or your thermostat. At J.A. Bertsch Heating & Cooling, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing these common cooling problems so your home stays refreshing all summer long.

Common Reasons Your AC Blows Hot Air

  1. Dirty Air Filters
    Clogged filters restrict airflow, causing warm air to circulate. Replace filters every 1–3 months to maintain proper airflow and energy efficiency.

  2. Low Refrigerant or a Leak
    Without enough refrigerant, the AC can’t absorb heat properly, often freezing coils and causing hot airflow. A licensed technician can locate and fix leaks and safely recharge your system.

  3. Thermostat Malfunction
    Incorrect settings or a faulty thermostat may prevent cooling. Ensure it’s set to “Cool” and at a lower temperature than room temp.

  4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
    Blocked airflow or low refrigerant can cause coils to freeze, stopping cooling. Turn off the system, let it thaw, and check filters and airflow before restarting.

  5. Dirty Condenser Coils or Blocked Outdoor Unit
    Debris around the outdoor unit reduces heat rejection efficiency. Keep the area clear and clean coils periodically.

  6. Electrical Issues or Faulty Components
    Problems with capacitors, contactors, compressors, or breakers can cause warm air to blow. These require professional diagnosis and repair.

What You Can Do Right Now

  • Replace or clean your air filter.

  • Check thermostat settings to ensure correct mode and temperature.

  • Inspect condenser, removing leaves or debris blocking airflow near the outdoor unit.

  • Reset tripped breakers, but if it recurs, call a pro.

If your AC still blows hot air after these steps, it’s time to reach out to certified technicians.

Professional AC Services We Offer

At J.A. Bertsch Heating & Cooling, we provide full-service solutions:

We proudly serve Coeur d’Alene (CDA), Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, and Spirit Lake, ensuring reliable comfort across Northern Idaho.

How to Prevent Future Issues

Schedule annual AC maintenance before summer’s peak. Clean filters regularly, maintain clear airflow, and don’t ignore minor issues—early attention prevents major repairs. Learn more about routine care in our blog on AC maintenance benefits.

Get Cool Comfort Today

We’re just a call away for expert AC care and peace of mind.

Call J.A. Bertsch Heating & Cooling now at (208) 715‑9694 or fill out our online form to schedule your service.

FAQs

How do I fix my AC from blowing hot air?

Start by checking your thermostat settings to make sure it’s set to “Cool” and your desired temperature. Then inspect your air filter—if it’s clogged, replace it. Next, ensure the outdoor condenser unit is free from debris. If your AC is still blowing warm air, the issue could be low refrigerant, a faulty capacitor, frozen evaporator coils, or a malfunctioning compressor. These problems typically require professional AC repair to safely diagnose and fix.

Should I turn my AC off if it’s blowing hot air?

Yes, it’s a good idea to turn it off. Running the system while it’s malfunctioning can cause further damage or freeze components like the evaporator coil. Powering it down helps prevent wear on the system and gives it time to defrost if the coils are iced over. You can then try basic troubleshooting or call for AC service if needed.

How do I know if my AC needs Freon?

Signs that your AC may be low on refrigerant (commonly known as Freon) include the system blowing warm air, ice forming on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, longer cooling cycles, or a noticeable hissing sound from the AC unit. Low refrigerant is usually caused by a leak, which should be professionally located and repaired before recharging the system.

How much does it cost to refill Freon in an AC unit?

The cost to recharge your AC with refrigerant can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the type of refrigerant (like R-22 or R-410A), the size of the system, and whether any repairs (such as leak detection) are required. It’s best to get a system evaluation first to determine the exact cause of low refrigerant.

How often should I add Freon to my AC?

In a properly functioning system, you should never need to add Freon regularly. Refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” like fuel—it only escapes when there’s a leak. If your AC keeps losing refrigerant, it likely means there’s a leak in the lines, coil, or connections that needs to be fixed. Regular recharging without addressing the source of the leak will only be a temporary solution.

Still dealing with an AC blowing hot air? Schedule a service with J.A. Bertsch Heating & Cooling for fast, professional air conditioning repair in Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding areas.