Discovering that your air conditioning unit is only expelling hot air when you’re trying to lower the temperature is an experience best avoided. The period from June to August in Ohio is marked by peak heat and humidity, making it the hottest and wettest season. Therefore, dealing with a malfunctioning air conditioner during this time can understandably make you feel as if you are melting.
In all seriousness, we fully recognize the urgency of restoring your air conditioner to operational status, as it is a critical priority. A functioning air conditioner is not merely a matter of comfort; it is essential for ensuring your health and safety by facilitating proper airflow and circulation throughout your home. When these aspects are compromised, the indoor air quality of your home can be adversely affected.
With Vandalia Heating & Cooling’s practical troubleshooting steps, you can determine why your AC might not be blowing cool air. As your trusted local experts, we will explore the most common causes behind your AC’s lack of cool air and guide you through the most effective troubleshooting methods. You can troubleshoot by:
Checking Out the Thermostat
First, concentrate on the thermostat—it is the central component of your HVAC system. A malfunctioning thermostat can disrupt the entire operation by miscommunicating with your HVAC system, thereby affecting your AC’s functionality. Many HVAC issues originate from thermostat problems. Therefore, if you are encountering AC troubles, the solution might be related to the thermostat.
- Ensure that your thermostat is switched on and functioning properly. If your model requires batteries, consider replacing them.
- Next, confirm that your thermostat is not inadvertently set to “heat.”
- Finally, it is advisable to set the thermostat to “auto” rather than “on.”
Checking Out the Breaker
Is your AC unit functioning properly? It’s possible that the breaker switch has tripped, leading to a disruption. If your unit is emitting warm air, it might not be an urgent concern. However, it is always advisable to conduct a quick check to ensure everything is operating correctly.
Circuit breakers are typically placed in areas of the home with less foot traffic, such as the basement, garage, or utility closet. Inspect your breaker to determine if it has been tripped by the air conditioner. If so, switching it back to the “on” position may resolve the issue. Should this resolve your problem – excellent! However, frequent tripping of the breaker by your unit may indicate a more serious underlying issue that warrants the attention of a certified professional.
Checking Out the Air Filters
Although a clogged air filter may not initially seem like a significant concern, neglecting dirty air filters can result in considerable complications. An air filter burdened with dust and airborne pollutants restricts airflow, leading to a cascade of issues affecting critical components such as the motor, fan, or compressor. Consequently, regular maintenance and timely replacement of air filters are essential to ensure the longevity and efficiency of these systems.
It’s crucial to maintain your air filters by replacing them every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type, presence of pets, and frequency of system use. Given your current AC issues, we recommend inspecting your air filters to ensure they’re not overdue for replacement. A timely filter change could resolve your warm air problem. If this step doesn’t work, please proceed to the next solution.
Checking Out the Evaporator Coils
In relation to the aforementioned step, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of maintaining a clean air filter. A clogged filter can lead to the accumulation of dust and debris on the evaporator coil. When these coils become dirty, their efficiency in absorbing heat from the air significantly diminishes, thereby impeding the essential heat exchange process required for cooling. Therefore, ensuring that these components remain clean is vital for optimal air conditioning performance.
For optimal performance and longevity of your system, it is essential to regularly inspect the evaporator coils. Should you observe any accumulation of dust or debris, a gentle cleaning is recommended. For detailed instructions on how to meticulously clean your evaporator coils, please refer to this link.
Checking Out for Signs of Low Refrigerant or a Leak
Just as a vehicle relies on coolant for its air conditioner to deliver cool air, your home’s air conditioning system operates on a similar principle. The efficiency of your AC in exchanging heat for cold depends on its refrigerant. If the levels of this refrigerant diminish—due to a leak or simply low supply—the result will be the circulation of warm air. Such situations highlight the importance of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and prevent the discomfort caused by inadequate cooling.
If you aren’t an HVAC technician, it’s unlikely that you can legally access the refrigerant your air conditioning system requires. It’s prudent to leave such troubleshooting to professionals. Nevertheless, it’s beneficial to remain vigilant for any clear signs that your refrigerant may be low or leaking. Be attentive to these indicators:
- Audible bubbling or hissing sounds when the AC is not operational
- Noticing a lack of cool air from the vents
- Ice formation on evaporator coils indicates a problem
Checking Out the Condenser Unit
Finally, let us turn our attention to your outdoor unit, known as the condenser. It is important to understand that when the condenser coils become coated in dirt, their efficiency in expelling warm air from your home is significantly reduced. This inefficiency can result in a noticeable decrease in cool air circulation. If left unaddressed, this issue may not only persist but also cause considerable damage to the condenser unit over time.
- Should you find your condenser coils covered in grime, the first step is to ensure the unit’s power supply is safely turned off—safety is paramount. Protect your hands with gloves, and gently clean the debris using a water hose. Opt for a softer setting such as “shower” or “flat” to avoid damaging the coils. Avoid the “spray” setting to prevent any harm.
- Ensure you securely grasp the hose and begin the rinsing process from the bottom of the condenser, carefully progressing inch by inch across the coils from left to right. It is crucial to proceed with diligence and thoroughness, as rushing through this process could potentially damage the unit.
- Remember, for a more comprehensive cleaning, your HVAC technician is equipped to address the finer details of the condenser during your routine maintenance and safety inspection. This guarantees your unit operates efficiently and extends its lifespan, protecting your investment in your home’s comfort.
Still experiencing persistent issues with your AC blowing hot air? Although there are steps you can take independently to resolve this problem, certain situations necessitate professional expertise. If your air conditioner continues to underperform, our team is prepared to assist. Our NATE-certified technicians bring extensive experience to the table. We offer emergency services 24/7, every day of the year, ensuring you are never left without support.
Get your air conditioning system ready for Ohio’s heat with your Vandalia Heating & Cooling family. Call us at (937) 912-1303 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
Recent Comments