Interior piping overheating

A week ago, while driving, i noticed hot air coming
at my feet. I though nothing of it as it was hot
weather, but the heat persisted even at night when
the temperature was colder. When i checked, the
heat was coming from a plastic pannel on the
bottom right of the driver's side. Behind the pannel
was piping, which i assume is connected to the
heater core and a/c. The pipe got so hot that the
plastic pannel covering it would be hot to the
touch. On longer drives, the heat would radiate and
actually warm up the left side of the center
console. Im confused as to what it could be. Also
when i put on the heat, the air that flows, is
extremely hot (almost burning) which seems a bit
overkill. Idk if that could be connected.