Discovering that your air conditioning unit is only expelling hot or warm air when you’re trying to cool down is an experience best avoided. From June to August, Ohio experiences peak heat and humidity, marking it as the hottest and wettest season. So, dealing with a malfunctioning air conditioner during this period can make you feel as if you are, in fact, melting.
Now, we understand the urgency of restoring your air conditioner to full functionality, as it is a top priority. A working air conditioner is essential, not just for comfort but for ensuring your health and safety. Proper airflow and circulation throughout your home are critical, and when these elements are compromised, it can negatively impact your indoor air quality.
At Pickerington Heating & Cooling, we provide practical troubleshooting steps to help you understand why your AC isn’t blowing cool air. You can troubleshoot by:
Checking the Thermostat
First, focus on the thermostat—it’s the heart of your HVAC system. A faulty thermostat can disrupt the entire operation by miscommunicating with your HVAC system, impacting your AC’s functionality. As a result, many HVAC issues stem from thermostat problems. If you’re experiencing AC troubles, the solution might just be thermostat-related.
- First, ensure your thermostat is switched on and operational. If your model requires batteries, they may need to be replaced.
- Secondly, verify that your thermostat is not mistakenly set to “heat.”
- Lastly, set your thermostat to “auto” instead of “on.” Setting it to “on” means the fan runs continuously, regardless of temperature.
Checking the Breaker
Is your AC unit operational? There’s a chance the breaker switch has tripped, causing a disruption. If your unit is emitting warm air, it might not be a pressing issue for you. Nevertheless, it’s always prudent to perform a quick check to ensure everything is functioning as it should.
Circuit breakers are strategically placed in areas of the home that see less foot traffic, such as the basement, garage, or utility closet. To maintain the efficient functioning of your home, inspect your breaker to determine if it has been tripped by the air conditioner. If this is the case, simply switching it back to the “on” position may rectify the situation. If this resolves your issues – great! However, if your unit is frequently tripping the breaker afterward, it could indicate a more serious underlying issue that demands the attention of a certified professional.
Checking the Air Filters
Neglecting dirty air filters can lead to significant complications. A filter clogged with dust and pollutants restricts airflow, cascading into issues affecting vital components like the motor, fan, or compressor.
Maintaining peak performance of your AC system requires regular air filter replacements every 1-3 months, depending on the specific filter type, presence of pets, and frequency of use. Given your current AC issues, we recommend checking your air filters to ensure they don’t need replacing. A timely filter change can often resolve issues with warm air. If this step doesn’t resolve the problem, please proceed to the next recommended action.
Checking the Evaporator Coils
In line with the previous step, it’s essential to understand the importance of keeping your air filter clean. A clogged filter can cause dust and debris to accumulate on the evaporator coil, which significantly reduces its efficiency in absorbing heat from the air. This hampers the crucial heat exchange process necessary for cooling. Therefore, maintaining clean components is vital for optimal air conditioning performance.
For optimal performance and longevity of your system, regularly checking the evaporator coils is essential. Should you observe any dust or debris accumulation, a gentle cleaning is advised. For instructions on cleaning your evaporator coils, please visit this link.
Checking for a Refrigerant Leak
Just as your vehicle relies on coolant for its air conditioner to deliver cool air, your home’s air conditioning system operates on a similar principle. The key to your AC’s ability to efficiently exchange heat for cold lies in its refrigerant. Should the levels of this refrigerant drop—perhaps due to a leak or simply a low supply—your system will instead circulate warm air.
If you’re not an HVAC technician, you likely can’t legally access the refrigerant your air conditioning system needs. It’s smarter to leave this kind of troubleshooting to the professionals who are trained and certified in handling such tasks. However, it’s crucial to stay alert for any obvious signs that your refrigerant might be low or leaking. Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Reduced cooling efficiency: If your AC isn’t cooling your home as effectively as it used to, low refrigerant levels could be the culprit.
- Hissing or bubbling noises: These sounds may indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Ice buildup on the evaporator coils: Ice formation can be a sign of insufficient refrigerant.
Checking the Condenser (Outside Unit)
Let’s focus on the outdoor unit, known as the condenser. When the condenser coils become clogged with dirt, their efficiency in expelling warm air from your home drops significantly. This can result in a noticeable decrease in cool air circulation. Neglecting this issue not only reduces performance but can also cause considerable damage to the condenser over time.
If you discover that your condenser coils are coated in grime, you’ll want to clean it off with a water hose. The first step is to ensure the power supply to the unit is safely turned off. Safety always comes first. With gloves on for protection, gently wash away the debris using a water hose on a soft setting like “shower” or “flat” to avoid damage. It’s crucial to avoid the “spray” setting to prevent harm to the coils.
While there are steps you can take to address this issue on your own, some situations require professional intervention. If your air conditioner is still not performing well, our expert team is here to assist. Our technicians are NATE-certified and bring extensive experience to the table. We offer emergency services 24/7, ensuring you’re never left in the lurch.
Get your air conditioning system ready for Ohio’s heat with your Pickerington Heating & Cooling family. Call us at (614) 837-4026 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
