Why is My AC Not Working in Cincinnati?

The summer in Cincinnati is hot and humid, so going without your AC not working properly can make everyone in your household irritable and uncomfortable. Learning the components of your air conditioning unit and having a basic understanding of how your AC works will help you to determine why your AC is not working in Cincinnati and how to get it fixed…fast!

Here are the seven basic components of your AC unit, what they do and why they stop working.

1. Evaporator

The evaporator has cooling coils that remove heat and humidity from the air by using refrigerant. Evaporator coils need to be kept clean in order to run at optimal efficiency. A dirty evaporator coil can cause higher energy usage, impaired cooling capacity, higher pressures and temperatures and frost and ice buildup. Even a small layer of dust can cause your system to run longer in order to keep your home cool and will cause your energy bills to be higher.

2. Blower

The blower produces air movement to the space that is being conditioned. If you turn on our air conditioner and nothing happens, no sound or cold air, then your blower probably isn’t working properly. This is usually not a very serious problem and can be fixed fairly easily. Your blower may stop working if your system overheats. Try letting your AC cool down before you turn it on again.

3. Condenser

The condenser has hot coils that release collected heat into the outside air. If the condenser begins to malfunction, it can severely damage or even stop the AC’s ability to cool down your home. Condenser issues can occur from outside debris on the unit, leaking refrigerant or electrical failures. If there is a problem with the condenser, contact your local Cincinnati HVAC company Nelson Comfort right away. If not addressed, malfunctions within the condenser can grow and may threaten to cause catastrophic failure of the compressor.

4. Compressor

The AC compressor circulates refrigerant between the inside and outside unit; a pump that moves refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser to chill the indoor air. If the compressor is damaged, then the AC cannot cool your air. If a problem does exist with the compressor, then replacement may be necessary. Without a warranty, a compressor can be very expensive and may be more worthwhile to replace the entire outdoor unit.

5. Fan

The air conditioning fan blows air over the condenser to dissipate the heat outside. If the fan is not working correctly, your home will not be able to cool properly. Your AC unit fan may stop working if you have a burnt out motor, loose or broken belt, blocked air filter or the unit not receiving power. You can avoid fan issues by scheduling a seasonal tune-up. By taking preventative measures, you can avoid costly repairs in the future.

6. Filter

The purpose of the filter is to remove particles from the air. If you don’t feel any air in your home, but it sounds like the fan is running, you may need to replace your filter. If your filter is severely clogged, it can cause your system to quit running efficiently and cause extensive damage to your system. Checking and changing your filter regularly can save thousands of dollars in possible repair or replacement costs. A clean filter also provides fresher, cleaner and healthier air in your home.

7. Thermostat

The thermostat is a control system that regulates the amount of cool air that is distributed throughout your home. If the thermostat is not working, your air conditioner may not turn on at all or the unit may not be able to reach the programmed setting. Before calling your air conditioning technician, check to make sure you have working batteries. Also, make sure the thermostat is clean without dust or debris and that the thermostat is not faulty.

It’s always important to perform routine maintenance in order to keep your system running smooth and efficiently. By having a basic knowledge of how your system operates, you will be better able to troubleshoot problems in and make smart choices when you need to replace parts or upgrade your air conditioning system. If your HVAC issues are beyond your base of knowledge, be sure to contact Nelson Comfort for your Cincinnati repair needs.

About The Author

Dan Detmer

Dan Detmer is the owner of Nelson Comfort. Dan was born into the heating and cooling industry, coming from a family of well respected HVAC contractors in Dayton, Ohio. After working in the family business, Dan decided to work for a local HVAC wholesale business helping local contractors grow their business. When he felt his heart moving him back into the residential and light commercial business, Dan joined the Mortimer Heating & Cooling team in Cincinnati, where he had called home and become part of the community for several years. After a short period of time Dan purchased the company and created what is today, Nelson Comfort. Today he operates a company based on integrity, honesty, and stellar customer service. If you have any questions feel free to tweet (at sign) NelsonComfort and we will get right back with you!