
The heat and humidity of summer has landed in Cincinnati. What do you do if your air conditioner isn’t keeping your house cool? Here are some clues as to what the cause could be.
Settings
The first and easiest check when your air conditioning or furnace isn’t working is on the thermostat. Make sure no one has accidentally switched the system from “Cool” to “Heat”. Also, check that the fan on it is set to “Auto”. While on the “On” setting, the fan will run even when the system is not on a cooling cycle – meaning you might have warm air coming out of your vents.
Dirt
A layer of dirt on the coils that transfer heat between the inside and the outside of the house could impact your system’s performance. Both sets of coils are prone to collecting dust and grime that interfere with the air that’s blown across the top as part of the cooling process.
Also, the air filter can become clogged with dirt. If the air inside your home can’t be pulled through the filter, it can’t be chilled.
Leaks
The refrigerant that flows through the coils is the main ingredient to properly cooling the air in your home. If this substance is leaking, you will notice that the cold air you want isn’t so cold. The unit might be running, but a lack of refrigerant makes the whole operation useless.
Shrubs
Believe it or not, a shrub or plant crowding your outdoor unit can affect the performance. If a condenser unit can’t take in enough air to release heat the condenser coils, the system won’t work properly.
Age
Finally, when a unit is reaching the end of its useful life, its efficiency and effectiveness start to decline. Look up the estimated life of your system and see if it’s getting close. If it is, it might be time to consider a replacement.
Keeping Your Air Conditioner in Good Order
Like an annual physical from the doctor, getting a professional to inspect and clean your air conditioning will keep it running better and longer. The experts here at Nelson Comfort in Cincinnati know how to check for all of these and more. Contact us today for assistance.