If your AC has currently given out on you and is not blowing out cool air, you’ve come to the right place! Unfortunately, June to August are the hottest months of the year in Ohio. So, the heat and humidity are at an all-time high right now! If you found yourself in a situation currently where your AC isn’t working it may truly feel like you’re about to melt!
In these hot summer months, a functioning AC isn’t solely for comfort (although that is a major factor); it’s also essential for your safety and overall indoor air quality. But don’t worry. We’re here to help you figure out why your AC has decided to call it quits on you. With our practical troubleshooting steps, you can tackle some of the most common issues that we’ve encountered at Chillicothe Heating & Cooling as you try to figure out what’s going on with your air conditioning system.
- Thermostat: First off, you’ll want to ensure that your thermostat is set up correctly and properly powered. This humble device actually controls your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, instructing it when to turn on or off, and communicating with it accordingly. Be sure to check that it’s not set to ‘heat’, and it’s set to ‘auto’, not ‘on’ – you don’t want that fan running nonstop regardless of temperature.
- Circuit Breaker: Still no cold air? Don’t sweat it (pun intended)! Check if your AC is powered on. If it isn’t, it could be because the breaker switch has tripped. Head on to your garage, basement, or utility closet and flip that switch back to “on.” If this keeps happening, though, it might be a good idea to call an expert.
- Air Filter: While you’re at it, see if your air filters need changing. These vital components need to be replaced every 1-3 months. Keep in mind that the timeframe of when they need to be changed can vary based on if you’ve got pets or if you use your system regularly. Over time, they can accumulate dust and airborne contaminants which can restrict airflow and damage important parts of your AC.
- Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coils are next up on the checklist. These components can also be directly affected by your air filters, so if they’re clogged up, those coils might just be dirty, too. And yes, this could be why your AC is blowing hot air. Click here to learn how to clean them.
- Refrigerant: Now, just like your car’s air conditioner, your AC needs refrigerant to perform its cooling magic. So, if it’s low or leaking, it’s likely to blow out warm air. However, unless you are a licensed professional, you likely do not have access to getting AC refrigerant. So, this particularl task is best left to a professional.
- Keep an ear out for hissing sounds when the AC is off
- Keep an eye out for visual cues like ice on the evaporator coils
- Stay on alert if your vents are blowing out warm or hot air
- Condenser: Finally, as a last troubleshooting step, head outside and check out your condenser unit. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to effectively draw out the warm air from your house, which can ultimately lead to a reduced flow of cool air and potential damage to the unit. If they’re dirty, carefully rinse them off with a water hose, using a gentle setting and working meticulously to avoid damage.
If you’ve gone through all these steps and your AC is still a hot air factory, it’s time to let us step in. We’re here 24/7, ready to help get your home back to its cool, comfortable state. Our team of NATE-certified technicians at Chillicothe Heating & Cooling are highly experienced, even in emergency situations.
So, give us a call today at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment online. Chillicothe Heating & Cooling is here to ensure you’re ready to beat the Ohio heat all year round!