Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Out Smoke in My Home in Mansfield, TX?
Air conditioners are complex systems, and several things can go wrong with them. One of the more serious issues is if your AC starts blowing smoke out of the vents or unit. Smoke is never a good sign, so the team at Minuteman Heating & Air is here to answer the question, “Why is my air conditioner blowing out smoke?”
Contact us today to speak to Mansfield’s trusted air conditioning repair company!
Why Is Smoke Coming Out of My AC?
There are several reasons why smoke can start pouring out of your AC and vents, and below are some of the most common culprits.
Trapped Condensation
If you see white smoke coming out of your vents, odds are that it’s not smoke at all but actually water vapor from condensation. Condensation won’t smell like smoke and creates moisture on surfaces it makes contact with. Condensation can get trapped in your system, where the heat causes it to vaporize. Odds are that the moisture in the heater box is coming from a leaking drain line or frozen coil.
Cold Air Meets Warm Air
Similarly, condensation vapor can form when hot air meets cold air in your system, similar to your breath creating fog on a cold day. Generally, this is a result of your system not having enough airflow to remove warm, high-humidity air before it makes contact with the cold air. If your air conditioner isn’t getting enough airflow, you may need to replace your air filters or check the blower motor for malfunctions.
Clogged Drain Line
Condensation in your system is usually pumped out of your home through your AC’s drain lines. If the drain lines become clogged, the condensation has nowhere to go and can start to evaporate, creating a white, smokey vapor. Drain lines can become clogged from hard water sediment and other debris, and you can fix the problem by flushing and cleaning them. You can clean your drain lines using a gentle solution of warm water and vinegar, or you can call a professional to handle it instead.
Overheating AC
Black smoke and a burning smell are a tell-tale sign your AC is overheating. Air conditioners run on electricity, and the excess heat can damage components and create a burning smoke. Overheating can be a result of insufficient airflow due to a clogged filter or component failure. Overheating can permanently damage your system and, in the worst case, cause fires, so contact a professional to tell you why your air conditioner is blowing out smoke.
Electrical Problems
Smoke from your AC can also be a result of faulty electrical wiring or components. Burning wires produce smoke and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Like overheating, electrical issues can cause major system damage and pose a fire hazard, so it’s in your best interest to call a professional for service as soon as possible.
What Should I Do If Smoke Is Coming Out of My AC?
If you notice smoke pouring out of your AC or vents, the very first thing you should do is turn the system off. Running your system when it has sustained damage can make the problem worse and make repairs more expensive. Electrical problems could cause the smoke, so you should shut off the electricity to your system from your breaker.
If the smoke is still coming from your system after turning it off, close off the vents to avoid potential smoke damage. Once you have your system turned off and smoke contained, you should contact an HVAC professional to diagnose the issue and assess the damage.
Avoiding AC Smoke Issues in Dallas
Smoking air conditioners are a bad sign, so follow these tips to keep your system smoke-free and in good condition.
- Get regular AC maintenance. During maintenance, a technician will test and repair faulty electrical connections.
- Change your AC filter at least once every year, preferably once every six months.
- Clean your drain lines at least once every few months. Clear drain lines will remove condensate from your system.
- Run your fan on its high setting. The increased airflow will remove any water vapor from your vents.
- Consider single-room air conditioners to reduce your usage.
Industry-Leading Heating & Cooling in Dallas-Fort Worth
Read our blog to learn more about common AC capacitor issues. If you have any more questions like, “Why is my air conditioner blowing out smoke?” contact Minuteman Heating & Air online or call today at 817-563-1660 to schedule an appointment!