As a homeowner, you may have noticed that your AC heat mode isn't working, but a bit confused about the cause of the problem and how to tackle it. Fortunately, we have made some research for you, and here is what we found.
The heat mode on an AC may not work because of several reasons. The following are the possible reasons why your AC heat mode isn't working:
- Wrong setting
- Dirty air filter
- Faulty circuit breaker
This problem can be easily solved without the help of a professional. Keep reading to get detailed information that will help you tackle the problems of AC heat mode.
What Could Be Wrong If AC Heat Hode Is Not Working?
Your AC heat mode not working could be due to problems from its different components. Not all air conditioners come with both cool mode and heat mode. Some are specifically designed to cool your home.
So, if your AC has a heat mode but it doesn't seem to function well, you should inspect it properly to know the source of the problem. Here are some things that can cause your AC heat mode not to function as it should:
Wrong Setting
If your AC isn't set to heat mode, there will obviously be no heat function. So if notice that your heat mode isn't working, the first thing you should do is check your setting.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter may cause your AC heat mode not to work. If you are having an issue with your heat mode, you can simply check the filter for debris that may be obstructing airflow.
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Faulty Circuit Breaker
A high flow of current may damage your AC circuit breaker. If your AC heat mode isn't working, you can call an electrician to check the circuit breaker to know if it is the source of the problem.
How Do I Tell My AC Heat Mode Is Not Working?
You can tell that your AC heat mode isn't working if your unit no longer warms up your home when it is turned on. To check if your unit's heat mode is working or not all you have to do is to turn it on in cold weather conditions, and wait for about 30-60 minutes.
Then check the room temperature to know if it has warmed up. If there is no change in the temperature (from cold to warm), then there is a high possibility that your AC unit has an issue.
How Do I Set My AC To Heat Mode?
To set your AC unit to heat mode, you will have to set it to a minimum temperature with the remote or thermostat. This will increase the room temperature.
To get more warmth, you may need to set the AC temperature a bit higher. This depends on how cool your room is. You can have your heat mode set high or low depending on the level of heat you desire. Do these to make sure your system is in heating mode:
Set Your System To Heat
If you want your home to heat up, do not leave your unit in Auto mode.
Increase The Temperature
The temperature of your AC should be set higher than normal for the heating to work well. It is recommended to set your system at 68°F (20°C) for heating to save electricity, but this temperature might not start the heat pump. You can set the temperature to about 75°F (24°C) or more if necessary.
Change The Fan Speed
It is not good for your AC unit to remain in auto mode. Change the direction and speed of the fan depending on what you want.
How Long Does It Take An AC In Heat Mode To Blow Hot?
With the heat mode on, it takes up to four minutes for a unit to start blowing hot. This is because the fan has to switch from blowing cold air to warm air. This does not happen until the air conditioner warms up and begins to distribute the hot air around a space.
Air conditioners that have heaters produce warm air, they also have thermostats which makes it possible for the heater to be set at an optimum temperature. The unit's inverter compressor eventually loses pressure and stops.
To prevent air, the inside fan turns off when the indoor unit cools down. At the point where the temperature drops, the air conditioner begins to heat again. This means that the evaporator in the air conditioner will start to get hot and the condenser begins to cool. The hot air helps to dehumidify an enclosed place to keep it warm in the winter season.
Should I Set My AC Fan To Auto Or On?
You can find two settings on your thermostat that controls the fan. They are Auto and On. Leaving your fan on Auto saves a lot of energy. If your fan is in Auto, moisture can move out and drain outside.
Auto Mode
The Auto is a short word for Automatic. It is only when cooling or heating is needed that the fan comes on. Then it turns off when the task is complete.
This means that the Auto is regulated by the air conditioner and it switches off from hot once it has reached the desired temperature which is usually between 20-22 degrees Celsius, although this may not be evenly distributed due to the size of the room and can result in hot-cold spots in your home.
On Mode
The On Mode means that the fan is always blowing when your system is not making the air cool or hot. The fan keeps blowing hot till it is turned off. This way, you can achieve the desired temperature.
However, it is recommended that you turn on the On mode with a timer attached to it to reduce the workload on the air conditioner. This is dependent on what you want. In a case where you want the entire house fully warm, then you can use the On mode, and if you want the house to be moderate, Automatic may be a better option.
How Do I Prevent My AC Heat Mode From Failing?
Your air conditioner needs regular maintenance so it can last longer, there are some things you can do to prevent your AC heat mode from developing issues. Here are some of them:
Clean Or Replace Your Air Filter
One good thing you can do for your AC is to clean or change its air filter once every thirty days. The air filter helps to prevent dirt and particles from getting into your home by filtering the air. So, you should keep it clean. Cleaning your air filter is an easy-to-do task.
Clean Your Coil
AC coil tends to malfunction when it’s not properly cleaned because it may get clogged. It is advisable to keep it clean. Failure to do this may lead to problems that can shorten the lifespan of the AC unit.
Clean Your Condenser Fan
A condenser fan is an important part of an AC unit. If it is not properly maintained, the efficiency of your AC may be affected. You can consult a professional when you notice that the fan is making a strange sound. But if the problem has not gotten to that point, you can just clean the fans.
Pros And Cons Of Using AC With Heat Mode
Installing an AC that can cool and heat your home is beneficial but you may also want to know about some drawbacks of using AC with heat mode.
Pros Of Using AC With Heat Mode
Here are some of the benefits of using an air conditioner with heat mode:
- They can heat your home
- They don't require a lot of power compared to other AC units
- They are efficient
Cons Of Using AC With Heat Mode
In as much as AC with heat mode does more functions than traditional AC, there are some disadvantages connected to them. Here are some:
- They are expensive
- They cost a lot to maintain
- They need regular service
Final Takeaway
If you notice that your AC heat mode is not working, all you have to do is check the setting of your system. You should also check for faulty circuit breakers or dirty air filters because the problem likely comes from these places.
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