Heat coming through heat ducts when central air is on. why?

Question

Heat coming through heat ducts when central air is on. why?

Answer 1

Is this when you first start it after being off all day, or does this happen all the time?

If just when you first start it, this is normal. Even though the ducts are insulated, the air inside does heat up (especially if they're in the attic). So, for the first minute or so, you might experience hot air from the ducts.

If it happens all the time, it could be that the breaker to the compressor tripped for some reason (everything else would work, but the compressor wouldn't come on).  Check your main electrical panel for a double (240-volt) breaker that's tripped. Or, you have a problem with the AC unit (low freon, bad compressor, dirty heat exchanger, etc.). In this case, you'll have to call an HVAC tech to come out and look at it.

Answer 2

Hi,

time to call the ac doctor.

it could have a leak, need more stuff.

could need a reset.

dunno.

Answer 3

Do you actually have it switched to heat?

Is the unit frozen up and therefore moving warm air?

Is this a heat pump or strictly central air? (could you have the furnace switched on, too?)

Answer 4

The air in the ducts is hot when the system is off. When you turn it on, the hot air is forced out.

Answer 5

HVAC Tech.: There are to many possible causes to list them here.    There are breakers/fuses next to the unit outside. Check that power supply first. Then check the small low voltage wires that control that unit, many times children, dogs, lawn mowers, weed whackers can break them.   Duct(s) could be disconnected in attic. Suggest technician take a look at it , solve your problem in minutes and keep you cool.