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Heating & Air Conditioning

Why Does A/C Blow Hot Air If Outside Temp Is Above 93 degrees?

7 years ago

Our central a/c works fine except when outside temps get over approximately 92-93 degrees, then it starts to blow warm air. I recently found out that the clearance above the condenser is only about 2 feet, which I understand is not proper clearance. It, like all the condensers in our condo complex, was installed underneath the balcony. Airflow from the condenser goes upward right into the underside of the balcony. Could this flow obstruction be causing the problem? I suspect a fair amount of the warm air that just got blown out of the condenser is getting sucked right back in. Is there an inexpensive workaround for this situation (i.e. after flow exits the top try to direct it out sideways, etc)?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Austin Air Companie
7 years ago
It sounds like an installation problem, without more information it's merely a guess.

How old is the condo?

Post a picture of where the condenser is and the area around it if you can.
klem1
7 years ago
Timmy I do believe you already figured out what the problem is. The condenser is going out on high pressure,do not by-pass the switch. There's no conventional "workaround that I know of. Moveing the condenser is the best solution and shouldn't cost more than $300 to $500 unless there's complications. If other condensers are not haveing this problem,make certain coils are clean. This is very ineffecient both from energy consumption and longivity of unit standpoint.
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I've got the installer coming out early next week. He only appeared in the morning and left installation to his underlings (he tells me all are on the payroll though!). He said the condenser or coil--I am not sure which--gives off some air. If anyone is interested in seeing a pic of the unit with the air leaks, I could send a pic that I took with the leaks circled in red. Now he also says something about the possibility of the ducts having leaks...
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your best bet in this situation is to hire someone yourself to check out the system and give you an honest answer. If you check craigslist, you'll find guys offering to do "check ups" for $50-100 - just make it clear that you want a full inspection with line pressures, subcool/superheat delta-T and static pressure readings documented in writing on the repair order. Tell them before they come out that you aren't interested in a new system, just in getting the unit back to factory specs. Something is definitely wrong, and it's likely an inexpensive fix if you can get someone to actually break out their tools and check the system properly. Don't let them talk you into a new system, and don't believe the warranty company's lapdog. Google the warranty company's name to see what you're dealing with, most have terrible reviews.
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PRO
Austin Air Companie
7 years ago
That's provided the condensing unit has a high pressure switch, many do not and if that's the case the compressor just goes off on internal over load.
mike_home
7 years ago
If you post the model number of the condenser someone might be able to figure out if it has a high pressure switch.
tigerdunes
7 years ago
sounds like a safety lockout issue...I assume you can tell if condenser's compressor is functioning when this scenario occurs...certainly not normal though...

IMO
ionized_gw
7 years ago
What is the real probability that this outdoor part is overheating to a shut-down condition only due to poor clearance? I can see lowered efficiency, but shutdown?
klem1
7 years ago
If everything else ( clean coils,good blower and such) is normal I'd wager (A) the unit is barly adiquate and (B) the heated discharge air is diluting intake and raiseing head pressure to the degree compressor shuts down. It's very possible as Austin pointed out,the unit isn't equiped with a high pressure switch and is shutting down on compressor overheat. In my experience shutting down on overheating compressor will soon damage compressor. At minium the oil suffers from heat and that alone will cause premature compressor failure. There are wildcards such as leaky return air giveing unit more heat than it can handle. As tiger said, op need's to tell us if compressor is running while vents blow warm air.

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