Step-by-step response
- 1Check the thermostat
Set to COOL, fan AUTO, setpoint 5°F below current temp. Wait 5 minutes. Listen for outdoor condenser starting.
- 2Check the breaker
Look for a tripped breaker labeled 'AC' or 'Condenser'. Reset fully off then on. Don't repeatedly reset if it keeps tripping.
- 3Look at the outdoor condenser
Coils visibly dirty? Spray with garden hose (power off first). Fan blade not spinning? Likely capacitor — call same-day.
- 4Check the filter
Choked filter restricts airflow + freezes the indoor coil, blocking cooling. Replace if dirty.
- 5Call HVAC for same-day diagnosis
If unit is 12+ years old AND repair quote is $700+: get a replacement quote too. Replace becomes economic at the 50% rule.
Verified hvac technicians serving German Village (Columbus, OH)
We're still verifying hvac technicians specifically for German Village (Columbus, OH). Browse all NW Ohio hvac technicians.
Frequently asked
Why does my AC blow warm air?
Most common: blown capacitor (compressor isn't running), low refrigerant (slow leak), or frozen indoor coil from clogged filter or low refrigerant. The diagnosis decides the fix.
Should I repair or replace a 15-year-old AC?
If repair quote is over 50% of replacement, replace. Modern 16+ SEER systems are 30-40% more efficient — payback in 5-8 years. Plus 2026 IRA rebates for heat pumps.
Local context — German Village (Columbus, OH)
Pre-1900 brick row houses in a National Register district. HVAC + plumbing in homes with original 1880s mechanical systems requires patient experts. Brick chimneys + slate roofs add complexity.