What To Do if Your AC Is Blowing Hot Air

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It can be alarming when your air conditioner starts blowing hot air on a sweltering summer day. If that happens to you, don’t sweat it — read on for some tips and guidance on what might be causing the issue and how to proceed.

A man and a woman sweating while sitting on their couch

Common Reasons Why Your AC Would Blow Hot Air

There are several reasons why your AC might be blowing hot air. If you’d like to try to diagnose the problem before calling a professional, here are some of the most common issues:

Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to struggle and potentially overheat, leading to warm air being circulated. Look at your air filter — is it dirty or clogged? Regularly checking and replacing your air filter can prevent this common issue.

Thermostat Error

Sometimes, the culprit can be as simple as incorrect thermostat settings. The problem can also be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat. Does the temperature that your thermostat is reading seem to be the correct temperature? Does your thermostat need new batteries? Depending on the situation, it may be time to upgrade to a new thermostat.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If your evaporator coils freeze, your AC will struggle to absorb heat from your home, resulting in warm air. Inspect the coils on the outdoor unit for ice; if they’re frozen, this could be caused by insufficient airflow due to a number of problems, like a malfunctioning fan.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is the agent that allows your air conditioner to cool air. If there’s a leak, your AC can’t cool the air effectively, leading to it blowing warm air. A leak can be slow or sudden. Detecting and fixing refrigerant leaks requires professional expertise, so call for AC repair if you think this may be the problem.

How To Fix Your Air Conditioner if It’s Blowing Hot Air

If you’re a fan of DIY solutions, try these steps if your air conditioner is blowing hot air:

Change the air filter: If you checked your air filter and discovered that it’s dirty, try changing it to a fresh one and see if the problem improves.
Check the thermostat settings: Check your thermostat and make sure it is set to ‘cool’ and not ‘heat’ or ‘fan.’ Make sure that the goal temperature is set lower than the room temperature.
Thaw your evaporator coils: If you find that the evaporator coils are frozen, turn off your AC and let them thaw. Consider running just the fan to speed up the process.
Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling to fix a refrigerant leak: You cannot DIY a refrigerant leak, as only technicians with the proper certifications can legally purchase refrigerant.

The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance

Regular AC maintenance is key to preventing unexpected hiccups such as refrigerant leaks and clogged filters, and can entirely prevent your AC from blowing hot air in the first place. With Rick’s Heating & Cooling’s HVAC Maintenance Plans, you can keep your system running at peak efficiency, saving you time and money while avoiding inconvenient breakdowns.

When To Call an Expert To Fix Your AC

If you’ve tried everything above and it hasn’t worked, you most likely need expert AC repair. Electrical problems, complex mechanical issues, and ductwork concerns are best handled by professionals. Improper repairs or letting issues go unaddressed can cause further damage to your AC system, leading to more expensive repairs.

Call the team at Rick’s Heating & Cooling for 24/7 emergency repair service, and we’ll get your AC back to running smoothly. If you need AC replacement, Rick’s Heating & Cooling is equipped to provide top-notch installation services to keep your home comfortable. We’re the experts you can trust for exceptional AC services!

If your AC is blowing hot air, call our team at (513) 899-6005 to schedule AC repair throughout Morrow and the suburbs of Cincinnati.

5 Signs You Need a Heat Pump Replacement

Heat pumps offer a highly efficient, all-in-one solution for both heating and cooling. They’re designed for year-round operation, durability, and long life. Even the best units eventually need to be replaced, but it’s not always clear when that’s the case. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common signs that indicate it may be time to replace your existing heat pump with a new model.

Top 5 Signs You Need a Heat Pump Replacement

Heat pumps reach the end of their lifespan for several reasons. The five signs below are some of the most common.

Your Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

If your heat pump won’t activate, it may need to be replaced, but it may also simply need repair. A malfunctioning thermostat or a power supply issue could be the problem. In any case, you need a qualified professional to inspect the unit to determine whether it needs full replacement or just a repair.

Your House Isn’t Getting Warm

When your heat pump isn’t pumping heat during periods of cooler weather, that’s a significant issue. If it’s blowing room-temperature air or even cold air, make sure you get it checked out by a professional. When operating correctly, there should be no question the unit is producing warm air.

Your Heat Pump Is Consistently Running

Under ideal conditions, heat pumps only run until your thermostat indicates the desired temperature has been reached. It should shut off at that point. If the unit continues running constantly, it could mean a bad thermostat or the heat pump needs replacement. Have a professional check it out to be sure.

Strange Noises Coming From Your Heat Pump

Heat pumps make a soothing hum when operating properly. They may make screeching, rattling, or other unusual noises when they malfunction. This can mean loose parts or a looming breakdown.

Your Energy Bill Increases

When your heat pump is near the end of its lifespan, it has to work harder to get the job done. This means more energy use, leading to higher energy bills. A new heat pump will immediately lower your monthly energy costs as it takes less energy to do the job.

A professional technician installs a new heat pump outside of a home

Choose Rick’s Heating & Cooling for Heat Pump Services in Cincinnati

Rick’s Heating & Cooling has performed superior heat pump services throughout the Cincinnati area since 1986. We’re experts you can trust! Our professional heat pump experts have comprehensive training and extensive experience handling heat pump challenges quickly and effectively. Count on us for a variety of reliable HVAC services, including:

Our quality workmanship and excellent customer service will ensure your heat pump performs at its best when needed. We service all heat pump brands, offer free estimates for replacements, and have Better Business Bureau accreditation. Customers can also take advantage of our specials and coupons. We treat customers like family!

To learn more about heat pump replacement services from Rick’s Heating & Cooling in Cincinnati, call (513) 899-6005.

3 Signs You Need a Whole-Home Air Cleaner

Whole-home air cleaners are great for keeping the air quality in your home at its peak, which is beneficial for your health. At Rick’s Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to offer comprehensive whole-home air cleaner services, including installation, replacement, and repair. We offer a variety of air cleaners, so you can pick one that works best for your home and your needs.

Not sure if you could benefit from one of these systems? Here are three signs you need a whole-home air cleaner to improve the indoor air quality in your space.

Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling at (513) 899-6005 or contact us online to learn more about our whole-home air cleaner services.

Your Allergies Are Always Bad

One major sign the air quality in your home could use improvement is if your allergies are always bad. You can’t control the environmental factors that trigger allergies outside, but you shouldn’t have to suffer in your own home.

Allergens such as dust, pollen, and dander can easily get into the air, causing more problems for people with allergies and respiratory issues. Your HVAC system has filters that catch some of these allergens, but sometimes that’s not enough.

If your allergies are acting up when you’re in your home, that’s a sign that you could benefit from a whole-home air cleaner. A whole-home air cleaning system will work to eliminate allergy particles throughout your home and make sure they’re not floating around in your air or triggering your allergies.

A Lot of Dust Throughout Your Home

Does it feel like no matter how much you clean, dust accumulates? If so, you may have an issue with the air quality in your home. Whole-home air cleaners reduce dust in your space by clumping dust particles together. This way, the air filter in your HVAC system can easily catch the dust particles, ensuring they’re no longer floating around and forcing you to dust all the time.

Your Home Smells Bad

If your home often smells funky or just downright bad, this could be due to pollutants such as mold, dust, bacteria, and smoke. You can try opening the windows, but that will bring more allergens into your home. You could also try candles or air fresheners, but those don’t remove odors; they cover them up.

Whole-home air cleaners work to remove foul-smelling pollutants from the air in your home, removing any bad or funky smells. With one of these systems, your home’s air will stay fresh and clean.

Why Choose Rick’s Heating & Cooling?

You will benefit from a whole-home air cleaner if you notice these signs. At Rick’s Heating & Cooling, we treat our customers like family. Our expert technicians are available to help you choose the best option for you regarding air purifiers, and then they’ll install the system. We also offer whole-home air cleaner repair and replacement services.

What sets us apart:

24/7 emergency services
Free estimates on replacement quotes
BBB accredited
In business since 1986 (incorporated in 2005)

When you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, call the experts you can trust at (513) 899-6005.

Prepare Your HVAC System for Ohio Seasonal Shifts

Heating and cooling systems require special care in preparation for each season to operate at maximum efficiency and provide reliable performance. With Ohio’s dramatic seasonal shifts, it’s critical for homeowners to take the time to prepare their HVAC systems for the change in weather so they can enjoy stress-free heating and cooling all year long.

The HVAC experts at Rick’s Heating & Cooling offer key insights into how Ohio families can prepare their equipment for each season, allowing them to enjoy an extended system life span, increased reliability, and lasting performance.

Need to book a professional maintenance appointment for your system? Rick’s Heating & Cooling has you covered. Call (513) 899-6005 to schedule your tune-up today!

How To Prepare Your HVAC System in Ohio for Each Season

Each season places different stressors on your heating and cooling equipment, making it important for homeowners to optimize their systems to satisfy the upcoming shift in demand. Here’s how you should prepare your HVAC systems depending on the season that lies ahead:

Spring HVAC Maintenance

In Morrow, OH, the average temperature in the spring is typically around 64 degrees F, making it the perfect time to retire your heating system and start to think about ways to optimize your AC’s efficiency and performance. We recommend scheduling an annual air conditioning tune-up during the earliest parts of spring to ensure your system is ready for the increased demand once the hotter weather hits.

During your professional cooling maintenance appointment, your HVAC contractor will:

Change and clean air filters as needed
Check refrigerant levels
Clean condensate drain lines
Clean condenser and evaporator coils
Examine ductwork for leaks
Inspect your thermostat
Lubricate moving parts
Tighten loose electrical connections

Summer HVAC Maintenance

Summers in Ohio are typically mild, with temperatures resting comfortably between 82 degrees to 87 degrees from June through August. During this period, you’ll naturally experience increased demand for your AC system, making it important to ensure it functions properly on the hottest days of the year.

Some of the most common cooling failures stem from a poorly maintained system, especially when it comes to restricted airflow. Be sure to swap out your air filters at regular intervals (typically once every 90 days) and keep your air ducts clean and clear of obstructions to prevent poor airflow from negatively impacting your indoor comfort.

Fall HVAC Maintenance

Similar to the springtime, the average temperature during the autumn in Morrow, OH, is usually around 66 degrees. During this time, it’s important to start thinking about making the switch over to your furnace as seamless and stress-free as possible. We recommend scheduling your annual heating tune-up in early fall to beat the seasonal rush and ensure your system keeps you warm all winter.

A heating maintenance appointment will typically entail the following:

Assessing for gas leaks
Changing and cleaning air filters as needed
Checking electrical connections
Examining ductwork
Inspecting the burner assembly and heat exchanger
Lubricate bearings

Winter HVAC Maintenance

With snow covering the ground for an average of 32 days each year in Morrow, having a fully functioning furnace is essential for all local families. To ensure your system remains operational and reliable throughout the winter, replace air filters regularly, keep vents and registers free of obstructions, and conduct periodic inspections to catch the signs of needed repairs early.

Maintaining an Energy-Efficient HVAC System in Ohio

The best way to enhance your system’s energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs year-round is by scheduling a professional maintenance appointment. Routine maintenance ensures your system operates efficiently and helps reduce the need for expensive repairs, extend your system life span, and improve overall performance.

In some cases, maintenance may not be the answer. When your unit is outdated, needs frequent, expensive repairs, or has a notable decline in efficiency, a full system replacement may be necessary. Modern systems are inherently more energy-efficient, making them a great choice for homeowners concerned about energy conservation and savings.

Call Rick’s Heating & Cooling for Seasonal HVAC Maintenance

Has it been longer than one year since your last HVAC maintenance appointment? Don’t let the season settle without booking your heating or cooling tune-up with Rick’s Heating & Cooling. Our expert team has proudly offered the comprehensive system inspections that Ohio families have trusted since 1986. With a deep familiarity with local seasonal HVAC needs and a team of continuously trained experts you can trust, we are confident in our ability to prepare your system for reliable performance, regardless of outdoor weather.

Book your seasonal HVAC maintenance visit with our team today by calling us at (513) 899-6005!

Humidifier vs. Dehumidifiers in Your Ohio Home

The air inside your home is vital to your health and the health of your family members. It’s also important to the HVAC system, as bad air quality can lead to serious issues for your air filters, heater, and air conditioner.

Some homes have dry air, while others are too damp. Depending on your situation, a humidifier or dehumidifier may be needed. These units add moisture to the air or remove it, respectively.

In this article, we’ll talk about what a humidifier does and what a dehumidifier does for your air. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each system and help you determine which system would be most beneficial for your home.

What Is the Difference Between Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers?

Humidifiers add moisture to your air in the form of humidity. Dehumidifiers do the opposite, removing moisture from the air. Some homes seem to be very dry, while others seem to be more humid.

A humidity monitor can be used to check the humidity level within your home. A range of 30% to 50% humidity is generally considered comfortable. More humidity can run the risk of developing mold, while a lower humidity level can lead to excessive static.

Benefits of Humidifiers in Ohio

Some homes in our region struggle to keep a reasonable level of humidity. A whole-home humidifier could be the solution. A few advantages of these systems include:

Less static throughout the home
Easier breathing with less nasal pain
Less sneezing due to dryness and dust

Cons of Humidifiers

While humidifiers can be a great addition to a home, they could also be detrimental in certain situations. A few disadvantages of humidifiers can include:

Excessive humidity that warms up the home too much
The potential for mold development on surfaces and within walls
The need for regular system cleaning to avoid airborne bacteria and viruses

Benefits of Dehumidifiers in Ohio

If your home seems to be too humid, a dehumidifier may be the best solution. Adding a whole-home dehumidifier can:

Make the entire home feel cooler due to less moisture in the air
Reduce the chances of mold and mildew development around the house
Speed up the drying process of clothes and paint by removing water from the air.

Cons of Dehumidifiers

Just like humidifiers, dehumidifiers could cause issues when there is already a reasonable humidity level present. It may be detrimental to your home to add a dehumidifier if:

You notice a lot of dust in your air
Your family complains of allergens
You generally feel very dry, to begin with

Which Is Right for Your Cincinnati Home

Choosing between a whole-home humidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier can beat a tall task. Both systems offer benefits and disadvantages, depending on your circumstances. An expert HVAC technician can discuss your needs, run tests, and help you determine if a humidifier or dehumidifier would be the best option.

Why Choose Rick’s?

Whether a humidifier or dehumidifier is in your future, look to Rick’s Heating & Cooling for installation. Our team brings years of experience to every assignment. We treat every customer like family and do what it takes to ensure you’re satisfied with our work.

For humidifier or dehumidifier services in Morrow, OH, look no further than Rick’s. Call (513) 899-6005 now to discuss your needs with our staff.