Why Your AC Might Be Blowing Warm Air—and What to Do About It in the Winston-Salem Heat
When you live in Winston-Salem, you know summer doesn’t hold back. With sweltering days and sticky nights, your air conditioner is your home’s MVP. So when your AC suddenly starts blowing warm air instead of cool relief, it's more than just inconvenient—it can make your home downright unbearable. If you're experiencing this all-too-common issue in the Triad area, don’t sweat it (literally). Here’s a breakdown of why your AC might be blowing warm air—and what you can do to fix it fast.
1. Your Thermostat Settings Might Be to Blame
Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think. A thermostat accidentally set to “heat” or “fan” instead of “cool” can cause your AC to blow warm air. This can happen after a power outage or during seasonal switchovers. Check out our thermostat product page today to learn more about some of the smart thermostats we carry and install here at Gwyn Services.
What to do:
Double-check your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temp. If it's a smart thermostat, consider resetting it or checking the app settings.
2. Your Air Filter Is Clogged
In Salem and surrounding areas like Kernersville and Clemmons, the pollen and dust levels can climb high, especially in spring and summer. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat—and start blowing warm air instead.
What to do:
Change your filter! Experts recommend replacing it every 30–90 days, especially during peak cooling season in Winston-Salem. Not only will this restore airflow, but it’ll also improve your indoor air quality.
3. Your Outdoor Unit Lost Power or Is Dirty
Your AC’s indoor unit depends on the outdoor condenser to release heat. If the outdoor unit loses power or gets clogged with leaves, grass, or dirt (which is common in our tree-lined NC neighborhoods), your system won’t cool your air properly.
What to do:
Step outside and inspect your outdoor unit. Clear away any visible debris. Check if the fan is spinning—if not, a breaker might have tripped. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself. If in doubt, call a licensed HVAC technician here in Salem, NC.
4. Low Refrigerant Levels
Warm air blowing from your vents could also point to low refrigerant. This usually happens due to a leak somewhere in the system—something we see often in older Winston-Salem homes or systems that haven’t been serviced in a few years.
What to do:
This isn’t a DIY fix. Refrigerant should only be handled by certified professionals. If you hear hissing noises, notice ice on your refrigerant lines, or experience a steady decline in cooling performance, contact a trusted local HVAC company in Salem right away.
5. Compressor or Electrical Issues
If your system is well-maintained but still blowing warm air, the problem might be with the compressor or electrical components. Heat, humidity, and high demand during the summer months can take a toll on even newer systems.
What to do:
Schedule a professional AC diagnostic. Our Salem-based team serves all of Forsyth County and can pinpoint the issue with your compressor or wiring quickly—before the problem gets worse.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve ruled out the basics and your system is still underperforming, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC expert. Don’t wait until the next 90-degree day hits Winston-Salem. A small issue today can turn into a system breakdown tomorrow. At Gwyn Services, based right here in Salem, NC, we’ve been helping homeowners across the Winston-Salem area beat the heat for years. Whether you need emergency AC repair, a refrigerant recharge, or a full system inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Stay Cool, Winston-Salem—With Help from Salem’s Trusted AC Experts
We know how frustrating it is when your AC won’t cool your home—especially when summer is in full swing. That’s why our locally owned HVAC team offers fast, affordable service throughout Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, and beyond. Need help now?
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Call us today or schedule your AC repair online.


