Air Conditioning Repair in Columbus, OH

For Columbus homeowners, those summer scorchers can really put your air conditioning system through the wringer. With highs soaring into the 90s and that brutal humidity, your cooling equipment has to run at full tilt just to keep your place comfortable. And all that extra strain can quickly lead to problems if issues aren’t caught early.

At Bassett Services, we always advise keeping a watchful eye out for any subtle signs of AC trouble. Catching those red flags promptly can prevent further damage and costly repair bills down the road. Here are some of the common indicators that it’s time to call in the pros:

Air Just Isn’t Cutting It

If you’ve noticed weak or warm airflow coming from your vents even when the system is running, it’s a telltale sign something isn’t right. There could be issues with the compressor, refrigerant levels or blockages restricting airflow.

Moisture Buildup

Any excess water or moisture accumulating around your indoor or outdoor AC units is a surefire indicator of a refrigerant leak or condensation drainage problem that needs to be addressed ASAP before potentially causing water damage.

Noisy Operations

Be on alert for any new or increasingly loud noises like clanking, grinding or high-pitched squealing coming from your cooling system. Those abnormal sounds can signal anything from loose parts to failing components.

Uneven Temperatures

If some rooms start feeling warmer than others or you notice hot and cold spots despite the thermostat setting, it could mean issues with blower components, leaky ductwork or airflow balance problems.

Rising Energy Bills

While utility rate hikes can make bills spike, a sudden unexplained jump in energy usage could mean your aging AC isn’t operating efficiently anymore and has to work overtime to maintain temperatures.

At the first sign of any of these irregularities, it’s wise to have one of our Bassett Services techs out for an inspection and tune-up. We can diagnose the root issue and make any needed repairs before it snowballs into a full system breakdown. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way in Columbus!

All that extra strain and heavy workload during the peak summer season can accelerate wear and tear on AC components. Systems that might have chugged along just fine during milder spring and fall conditions can start exhibiting problems once the real heat arrives.

At Bassett Services, we tend to get an influx of repair calls once summer is in full swing. Here are some of the most common AC issues we see crop up due to the intense Columbus heat:

Compressor Failures

As the heart of your cooling system, the compressor has to work incredibly hard during those stretches of extreme temperatures. All that excess workload can cause this vital component to overheat and fail prematurely if the unit isn’t properly maintained.

Frozen Coils

When cooling demand is very high, inadequate airflow over the indoor evaporator coil can allow ice to build up and restrict heat absorption. This puts more strain on the compressor while reducing cooling output.

Refrigerant Leaks

The constant cycling on and off as your AC struggles to keep up with heat loads can loosen connections and cause refrigerant to leak out over time. Lower charge levels make the system work harder and harder.

Electrical Failures

With the compressor and fan motors running nearly continuously during heatwaves, added electrical demand can cause failures of starting components like capacitors and relays.

While summers in Columbus are undoubtedly brutal, the good news is that many of these common repair issues can be prevented with regular professional maintenance. At Bassett Services, our comprehensive tune-ups ensure your system is properly cleaned, charged and calibrated to handle excessive cooling demands without getting overworked.

If you do run into AC troubles this summer, don’t delay calling our repair technicians. Catching problems early prevents further damage and avoids those disruptive full system breakdowns when you need cooling the most.

While AC repair techs like those at Bassett Services are always ready to get your cooling back up and running, the better solution is to take preventative steps to avoid those disruptive breakdowns in the first place. A little proactive maintenance goes a long way in fortifying your system against the brutal summer conditions.

Here are some of the key steps we recommend for preventing air conditioning problems and breakdowns when temperatures really soar in Columbus:

Annual Pre-Season Tune-Ups

Don’t wait until mid-summer to have your AC professionally serviced. An annual pre-season tune-up allows our techs to thoroughly clean the entire system, check all components and ensure everything is operating at peak efficiency before cooling demands ramp up. Small issues can be repaired proactively.

Proper Thermostat Use

On scorching days, avoid setting your thermostat to extremely low temperatures in an attempt to cool your home faster. This overworks the equipment by causing excessive cycling. Set it to a reasonable temperature and leave it.

Attic Insulation Upgrades

Excessive heat gain into your attic space makes your AC work harder. Having adequate insulation installed can drastically reduce cooling loads and prevent overtaxing the system.

Shading Windows

Keeping curtains and blinds closed on sun-exposed windows, especially in the afternoon, prevents radiant heat from entering and allows your AC to operate more efficiently.

Airflow Optimization

During a tune-up, our techs ensure all ductwork is sealed, the blower is calibrated and airflow is properly balanced. Adequate airflow is vital for heat absorption and preventing coil freezing issues.

By being proactive about AC maintenance and implementing smart cooling practices, you can prevent overtaxing your system and reduce breakdowns during those brutal Columbus summer heatwaves. A little preparation saves you from getting caught sweating it out waiting on repairs.

Even with proper maintenance and smart cooling practices, intense Columbus heat can still potentially overwhelm an aging or undersized air conditioning system. If you find your AC struggling to keep up and not providing adequate cooling, it’s important to take prompt action. Letting the issue linger can lead to further damage and expensive repair bills.

At the first sign of cooling problems like warm airflow from vents, uneven temperatures between rooms, or the system constantly running without achieving set temperatures, here are some steps to take:

Check the Thermostat

Start by verifying the thermostat is set to “Cool” mode and the temperature is set reasonably low enough to allow the AC to run cooling cycles. Ensure no settings were inadvertently changed and batteries are fresh.

Change Air Filters

Clogged air filters restrict airflow over the indoor coil, causing it to freeze up and reducing heat absorption. Swap out those filters for fresh ones and see if cooling improves.

Clear Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit needs good airflow too. Check for any obstructions like vegetation, fencing or debris that could be blocking air intake. Also, make sure the unit is free of grass clippings, leaves or dirt buildup.

Check for Leaks

If you notice any excess moisture or refrigerant pooling around the indoor or outdoor units, it could indicate a refrigerant leak that is causing the AC to underperform. Don’t run the system if a leak is suspected, as it can damage the compressor.

Schedule Repair Service

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t resolve the cooling issues, it’s time to call in the professionals at Bassett Services. Our certified technicians can properly diagnose the root cause through thorough system testing and make any necessary repairs to restore full cooling capacity.

Waiting too long to address AC problems during peak Columbus heat can potentially cause further damage and lead to full system breakdowns when you need it most. At the first sign of trouble, take some basic steps to troubleshoot, but don’t delay calling for professional service if issues persist. Your comfort is our priority!

Many seasonal repair issues can be prevented or at least mitigated through proper system maintenance and some smart cooling practices. A little proactive care goes a long way.

Keeping Up with Annual Tune-Ups

At Bassett Services, we always emphasize the importance of an annual pre-season AC tune-up before temperatures really ramp up. During this comprehensive service, our technicians thoroughly clean the entire system, check all components, test operations, and repair any small developing issues. This allows your cooling equipment to operate at peak efficiency when those heatwaves hit.

Optimizing Airflow

Inadequate airflow can lead to frozen coils and other problems. Our tune-ups include ensuring proper ductwork sealing, blower calibration, and balancing airflow across the system. We also check for any obstructions around the outdoor unit that could be restricting airflow.

Monitoring Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant charge is a common issue that causes ACs to underperform and work harder than necessary. Our technicians carefully check for any leaks and ensure refrigerant is properly charged to specified levels for maximum heat absorption and efficiency.

Addressing Small Problems Early

By having your system professionally inspected annually, we can catch small repair needs early before they escalate into larger breakdowns during peak cooling season. Nipping those issues in the bud prevents further damage and disruptions.

While Columbus weather conditions are undoubtedly demanding on air conditioners, the frequency of repairs often comes down to proper system maintenance. By investing in routine professional service from Bassett Services, we can help maximize your AC’s performance, efficiency and lifespan – even when temperatures soar. Don’t wait until you have a problem to get your cooling squared away!

Dealing with AC repairs is never fun, especially when summer temps are scorching. The good news is there are some simple steps you can take to help your cooling system run more efficiently and avoid breakdowns:

Give It Some Shade

Is your outdoor condenser unit sitting in the hot, blazing sun all day? That intense heat radiation makes it work harder. If possible, create some shading with awnings, trees or fencing to reduce radiant heat exposure.

Use Ceiling Fans

Fans don’t actually cool the air, but they create a wind chill effect that makes you feel several degrees cooler. Using ceiling fans allows you to raise the AC temp a few degrees while feeling just as comfortable for less energy used.

Seal Up Air Leaks

Drafty doors, windows and other openings force your AC to work overtime cooling the great outdoors. Do a home audit with a stick of incense or smoke pencil to find leaks, then caulk and weatherstrip them up.

Upgrade Insulation

Older homes with poor insulation allow more heat to transfer inside, putting higher cooling loads on your AC system. Having modern insulation installed, especially in attics, makes a big efficiency difference.

Consider Zoning

If you have hot and cold rooms no matter the thermostat setting, zoning your ductwork may resolve the issue. Strategically closing dampers balances airflow so all rooms get properly conditioned.

A few smart efficiency practices go a long way toward reducing strain on your AC, avoiding breakdowns and saving money on utility bills. Why make your system work harder than it needs to? A little preventative care is the key to cooling down while keeping repair costs low.

Air conditioners are sort of like cars – the older they get, the more likely you’ll have to start forking over money for repairs and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. An aging AC system has more years of wear and tear under its belt from constantly battling through Columbus’s brutal summer heat waves.

The first 5-10 years are usually pretty smooth sailing for most units if they’ve had proper professional maintenance. But once you start creeping up past that 10-year mark, repair needs tend to become more frequent and costly. Those critical components like compressors, coils and fan motors are working harder and harder with each passing summer.

Older R-22 refrigerant units also become more repair-prone and expensive to keep up as production of that old refrigerant gets phased out. You may end up paying a premium just for the refrigerant to recharge the system.

While repair costs can certainly add up over time, there’s also the efficiency factor to consider with aging AC units. An older system has to work much harder to achieve the same cooling output as a modern, high-efficiency unit. Those higher energy bills can really eat away at any savings from avoiding a replacement.

At a certain point, it just makes more financial sense to bite the bullet and invest in a new, higher-efficiency system rather than endlessly sinking money into repairs for an AC that’s nearing the end of its expected lifespan. A professional tech can help assess whether your unit has reached that point or not.

When your cooling system starts acting up during those scorching Columbus summer days, it’s very tempting to just ignore it and hope for the best as long as you’re getting some cold air. But delaying needed repairs is honestly one of the worst things you can do.

Our brutal summer heat and humidity are already pushing ACs to their limits. Running a unit with an existing issue like a refrigerant leak, failed part or electrical gremlins is just compounding that strain. It’s like driving your car in overdrive with the parking brake on – you’re forcing it to work way too hard.

That excess workload will start snowballing into bigger problems before you know it. What may have started small can escalate into a full system breakdown or expensive component replacements if left unchecked for too long. Nobody wants an AC emergency with thousand dollar repair bills in the peak of summer.

Leaks can also lead to moisture issues inside like mold, mildew and water damage if not addressed promptly. Getting hit with remediation costs on top of AC repairs is just adding insult to injury.

Then there’s the simple discomfort factor of toughing it out with poor cooling and hot, sticky indoor air quality. That’s a muggy, sweaty mess no Columbus home wants to endure when temps are sweltering.

The smart move is to get any suspected AC problems looked at ASAP before minor issues turn into costlier nightmares. A little proactive repair now prevents much bigger headaches and expenses when you need cooling the most. Don’t wait until your system completely fails mid-heatwave – that’s a situation nobody wants.

With our summer temps regularly hitting the 90s and that thick Ohio humidity, Columbus homeowners pretty much have to run their air conditioners non-stop for months on end just to stay comfortable. All that constant, heavy usage does put extra strain and wear and tear on cooling systems.

The more run-time your AC logs, the quicker those critical components like compressors, fan motors and coils will start to deteriorate over time. It’s just simple physics – more operation equals more stress and friction on those hard-working parts.

Frequent cycling on and off as your system tries to maintain set temperatures can also take its toll faster. Those start-up surges for the compressor and condenser fan put higher electrical demands on the system.

However, regular preventative maintenance goes a long way in mitigating those extra stresses from heavy summer usage. Having a pro give your AC an annual tune-up allows them to clean, inspect and make any small adjustments to ensure optimal operations.

Replacing air filters, topping off refrigerant levels, lubricating motors – all those little things make a big difference in preventing avoidable breakdowns from lack of basic care. A well-maintained system simply lasts longer, even with frequent summer usage.

So while Columbus’s extreme climate does mean your AC has to work harder, proper maintenance and smart usage are key to avoiding excessive repair needs. An unmaintained unit will definitely struggle more. But a little preventative TLC helps your cooling system go the distance, no matter how brutal the summer gets.