Finding out your air conditioner is blowing hot air when you’re trying to cool down is the worst! From June to August, Ohio hits peak heat and humidity, making it the hottest and wettest time of the year. If your AC is acting up right now, it probably feels like you’re melting.
On a serious note, we totally get how important it is to get your air conditioner up and running. It’s not just about staying comfy; it’s crucial for your health and safety too. A good working AC helps with proper airflow and circulation in your home. When that’s off, your indoor air quality can take a hit.
With Reynoldsburg Heating & Cooling’s handy troubleshooting tips, you can find out why your AC isn’t blowing cool air. As your go-to local experts, we’ll explore the common reasons behind your AC’s issues and walk you through the best ways to fix them.
You Can Troubleshoot By:
Inspecting the Thermostat
First, let’s talk about the thermostat—it’s like the heart of your HVAC system. If it’s not working right, it can mess up the whole operation by sending the wrong signals to your HVAC system, which affects your AC. A lot of HVAC issues actually start with the thermostat. So, if you’re having AC problems, it might just be a thermostat issue.
- First, check that your thermostat is on and working. If it uses batteries, you might need to replace them.
- Then, make sure your thermostat isn’t accidentally set to “heat.”
- Finally, switch the thermostat to “auto” instead of “on.” If it’s set to “on,” the fan will run non-stop, no matter the temperature.
Inspecting the Breaker
Is your AC working? The breaker might have tripped, causing a disruption. If your unit is blowing warm air, it might not be urgent, but it’s always a good idea to do a quick check to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Circuit breakers are usually tucked away in less busy areas like the basement, garage, or utility closet. Take a look at your breaker to see if the air conditioner has tripped it. If it has, just switch it back to the “on” position and see if that fixes things. If it does – awesome! But, if your unit keeps tripping the breaker, it could mean there’s a bigger problem that needs a professional’s attention.
Inspecting the Air Filters
Even though a clogged air filter might not seem like a big deal at first, ignoring dirty air filters can cause serious issues. When an air filter is full of dust and pollutants, it restricts airflow and affects important parts like the motor, fan, or compressor. That’s why it’s so important to regularly maintain and replace your air filters to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently.
It’s important to keep up with replacing your air filters every 1-3 months. The timing depends on your specific filter type, whether you have pets, and how often you use your system. Since you’re dealing with a faulty AC right now, why not check your air filters? They might need replacing. A quick filter change could solve your warm air problem. If it doesn’t, then let’s move on to the next step.
Inspecting the Evaporator Coils
It’s important to understand how crucial it is to keep a clean air filter. A clogged filter can lead to dust and debris piling up on the evaporator coil. When that coil gets dirty, it can’t absorb heat efficiently, messing up the cooling process. So, keeping these parts clean is key to making sure your air conditioning works well.
To keep your system running smoothly and lasting longer, it’s important to regularly check the evaporator coils. If you spot any dust or debris, a gentle cleaning should do the trick. For a step-by-step guide on how to clean your evaporator coils, check out this link.
Inspecting for SIgns of low Refrigerant or aLeak
Just like your car needs coolant for the AC to blow cold air, your home’s air conditioning works the same way. The magic behind your AC’s ability to keep things cool is its refrigerant. If the refrigerant levels dip—maybe there’s a leak, or it’s running low—you’ll end up with warm air instead. That’s why regular maintenance is so important to keep everything running smoothly and avoid the frustration of a poorly cooling system.
If you’re not an HVAC tech, you probably can’t legally get the refrigerant your AC needs. It’s best to let the pros handle that. But hey, keep an eye out for obvious signs your refrigerant might be low or leaking. Look out for these indicators:
- You hear bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is off
- Not feeling cool air coming from your vents
- Seeing ice forming on your evaporator coils
Inspecting the Condenser (Outside Unit)
Let’s talk about your outdoor unit, known as the condenser. It’s important to know that when the condenser coils get covered in dirt, they can’t efficiently expel warm air from your home. This can noticeably reduce the cool air circulation. If you ignore this issue, it won’t just stick around—it could also cause significant damage to your condenser over time.
- If you find your condenser coils covered in grime, the first thing to do is ensure the power to the unit is safely turned off. Safety first, right? Then, put on some gloves for protection and gently wash away the debris using a water hose. Use a softer setting like “shower” or “flat” to avoid damaging the coils. Definitely steer clear of the “spray” setting to keep those coils safe.
- Hold the hose securely and start rinsing from the bottom of the condenser, moving an inch at a time across the coils from left to right. Be careful and thorough; rushing could cause damage to the unit.
- Remember, for a deeper clean, your HVAC technician can handle the finer details during your next routine maintenance and safety check. This helps keep your unit running efficiently and extends its lifespan, protecting your investment in your home’s comfort.
Having trouble with your AC blowing hot air still? While there are a few DIY fixes you can try, sometimes you need a pro. If your air conditioner still isn’t cutting it, our team is here to help. Our NATE-certified technicians have tons of experience and are ready for emergencies 24/7, all year round, so you’re never left hanging.
Get your air conditioning system ready for Ohio’s heat with your Reynoldsburg Heating & Cooling family. Call us at (614) 879-3789 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
