Nothing puts a damper on those hot Ohio summer days quite like an air conditioning system that’s blowing out hot air instead of cool air. It’s no surprise that a working air conditioner ranks high on the home comfort checklist – particularly during our peak heat and humidity period from June to August. If you have currently found yourself in such an unfortunate situation, you may indeed feel like you are melting!
In all seriousness, we understand, and we’re here to help! Because we know that your AC is not just about comfort, but also about maintaining healthy airflow and good air quality in your home. So, together with our family at Circleville Heating & Cooling, let’s take a closer look at why your AC might not be on its best behavior and how you can safely troubleshoot these issues.
- Check the Thermostat: Your thermostat is like the brain of your HVAC system, so when it’s not functioning correctly, it can cause a ripple effect on the rest of the system. Start by making sure it’s powered on and interacting properly. Remember to replace the batteries if necessary and ensure the settings are correct. It should be on “auto,” not “heat.”
- Check the Breaker: The next troubleshooting step could be a simple fix. The breaker switch might have flipped off. So, take a quick look at your circuit breaker to see if the air conditioner switch tripped and needs to be flipped. Keep in mind, if this resolves your issue, but then the issue continues to repeat itself, you will need to have a professional diagnose the problem to see why it keeps getting tripped.
- Check the Air Filters: Air filters can get overworked and clogged, drastically affecting your AC’s performance. You should be giving them a check-and-change every 1-3 months, depending on your home and system usage. If your AC is still not blowing cool air once again, try checking the air filter to see if it is clogged or needs to be changed.
- Check the Evaporator Coils: The next step is to check out the evaporator coils. A dusty air filter could also lead to other problems like buildup on the evaporator coils. When this occurs it hinders their heat absorption ability, which in return affects the cooling process. You can click here to learn how to clean evaporator coils properly.
- Check for a Refrigerant Leak: Much like your car needs coolant for the AC, your home’s air conditioning system needs refrigerant as well. If you suspect your AC’s refrigerant is low, it is best to leave this troubleshooting step to a professional. Signs of it running low or leaking include hearing a bubbling or hissing sound, seeing ice on the evaporator coils, or your system not putting out cool air.
- Check the Condenser (Outside Unit): Lastly, it’s time to stroll outdoors and inspect your condenser unit. This is because, if its coils are dirty, they won’t be able to extract warm air from your home, ultimately reducing the flow of cool air and potentially damaging the condenser unit.
First thing, make sure to turn off the power completely. Then, using a water hose, gently rinse off the dirt with a gentle setting, like “shower” or “flat.” You definitely want to avoid the “spray” mode. Be sure to hold the hose steady and start at the bottom of the condenser, slowly working your way up, inch by inch, from left to right. If you feel uncomfortable performing this task, we are always here to serve you.
Still feeling the heat? Sometimes, the best solution is to call in the professionals. Our NATE-certified technicians are ready and willing to help. Let’s get your AC back to making your home the cool haven it should be during Ohio’s hot months!
Call Circleville Heating & Cooling today at (740) 218-5323, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
