Your HVAC system can produce a lot of water in a day...up to 20 gallons. Because of this, many of the service requests we receive at Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning are for AC repair due to leaking water caused by condensation. Leaks can occur if the condensate drain is blocked or clogged, the air filter is dirty, and or if there is a hole in the drain pan. 

The drain line of your air conditioner can fill with dust particles and bacteria. This can result in mold and mildew growing in the condensation drain. Mold in the condensate drain system is especially dangerous.  A mold colony can disperse spores into the airflow in the supply ducts, and contaminate your entire home. People with allergies and other respiratory conditions are especially prone to suffer when this occurs. 

Over time the drain will become blocked. The result is flooding of the overflow pan and possible water damage inside your home. During the colder months when your  air conditioning system is not in use, especially for non-heat pump systems that perform cooling only, condensate and accumulated dust and debris that rests in the drain trap can convert to a dried blockage.

To help prevent the buildup and blockage of the condensate drain line, there are a few various methods of cleaning an air conditioner drain line. The two most popular methods are pouring white vinegar or chlorine bleach in the drain line to clear clogs. We don't recommend you pour chlorine bleach into a drain line. The strong vapors can cause premature oxidation and degrade your pipes.

Residential condensate drain lines are most often constructed of PVC. Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at the PVC as well as the glue and cement that joins the line to the fittings and the condensate pan. Pouring bleach into a condensate drain will flush the drain pipe and its contents to the outside of the home. This can damage plants, lawns and anything it drips or spills on.

If the blockage does not clear after flushing with vinegar, a wet-vac or air compressor can be used to help clear the clog. Be extra careful. Damage can occur to your system if not carried out properly. Should you damage the PVC pipe, it could lead to water damage.

Flushing your system with vinegar or using an air compressor cannot solve the problem for every homeowner.  Air conditioning systems are not all installed the same way. Often gaining access to the condensate line can be very difficult and an experienced technician is needed. 

Preventing condensate blockage depends on how well your system is cared for and how often you replace the filter. Regular service and HVAC maintenance is always recommended every six months for optimal performance and to extend the life of your equipment. If you need help, give us a call. We can help you maintain your cooling system.

Maintaining your cooling system will result in:

• Increased Efficiency
• Quieter Operation
• Fewer Opportunities for Breakdowns
• Greater Peace of Mind                                        

Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning can help you keep your system in optimal condition. Just give us a call to schedule AC maintenance check today!

A hot water heater is one of the biggest energy users in your home. It is responsible for approximately 18% of your  energy bill each month. If the water heater temperature is set too high, then you can expect to pay an even higher energy bill. If it’s set too low your water might not be hot enough for you and may not be safe.

Water temperature is important. First, it should be hot enough to prevent bacteria from growing. Prevent bacteria from growing it should be set no lower than 120°. Diseases like Legionella (a type of pneumonia) and the bacteria that causes the illness can thrive in a water tank between the temperatures of 77 degrees and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

An ideal temperature of 120° is recommended by the EPA. This temperature will be hot enough that diseases will be kept at bay. The water won’t be scalding hot, won't skyrocket your energy bill, and should keep the average small family comfortable. Setting the temperature higher can result in burns.

If you are concerned that your water heater is set at an incorrect temperature — either too high or too low — call in a professional who can easily check the setting with a special thermometer and make any adjustments.

Once the temperature has been adjusted but you do not notice any difference in the water temperature, a professional will also be able to check for sediment buildup and calcification in the tank. Hissing or sizzling noises are also indications that sediment may have built up in the tank. It needs to be drained and then any scale scraped off that may have built up over time.

Most hot water heaters have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. If you have a water heater that is 10 years or older, and appears to be leaking or is having some issues, you may want to consider replacing it, rather than just making a repair that will only temporarily solve the problem.

Most people never think about their hot water heater until it stops working. However, a water heater that isn't working correctly could result in higher energy bills as well as water that is either piping hot or ice cold. It is important to schedule annual maintenance to ensure that your unit is clean (hard water build-up is damaging to your water heater) and is set to the right temperature range. This will save you money, prolong the life of your water heater, and ensure that you and your family are healthy and happy.

Ohio Heating & Air has an experienced team that can help you with the repair or replacement of your hot water system. Give them a call at 614-863-6666 to learn more. 

Making the decision about buying a new air conditioning system can be confusing. It can be a big expense, but continually repairing an old unit can also cost a lot.  The hot humid days are here and you want to be cool and comfortable.  

It is much better not to wait until a hot humid day when your home just won't cool off and you find yourself calling a service technician to come and make more repairs on your old system.

At what point should you stop patching up your old equipment and start investing in a new one? There are signs when you know your air conditioner is on its last legs.  Here are a few.

 • Your AC unit  or heat pump is more than 10 years old. The older models start to break down more often and soon repair bills will start to climb. If you are calling a repairman more often, it is probably time to get new equipment. 

• Are you hearing a lot of noise when your AC is running? These units are designed to run as quietly and as efficiently as possible.  More noise than normal is a sign it is time to call in an expert for a system check. There may be a problem with loose or disconnected parts, or the motor might be starting to fail.

• Coolant leaks can be serious. Determining why your air conditioning system is losing coolant is essential. A system that is working correctly should never leak refrigerant. A common cause of leaking refrigerant is due to a leak in the evaporator coil or outdoor condenser coil. This can only be fixed by replacing the part. A coil replacement is one of the most significant AC condenser repairs. This a very expensive part, but some coils can also be hard to get, depending on the model and age of the equipment.

• Have you noticed that your energy bills are rising? Aging AC parts can wear down and become much less energy efficient. Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20% on heating and air conditioning costs.

These are just a few of the warning signs that your AC system probably needs to be replaced. Ultimately this question is best answered by a qualified contractor such as Ohio Heating & Air Conditioning.

Our factory-trained and Nate certified technicians can help you with all problems, questions, or concerns that you have about your HVAC system. We can help you find the right equipment for your budget and your home. We even have easy financing options.

During this unprecedented time, we at Ohio Heating & Air are diligently following the protective guidelines from health and government officials to maintain the safety, security, and health of our customers and employees.

We know these are challenging times, and we want to do everything possible for you to get the services you need and to feel comfortable doing it. We appreciate the trust you have in us as a leading heating and air conditioning contractor and are making enhancements to improve your experience with us.

614-863-6666

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Suddenly it's hot and humid here in Central Ohio and if you are running a business, you should be thinking about  providing your employees and customers a comfortable environment. Humidity issues are not pleasant and if they cause  your space to be uncomfortable, it can lead to productivity issues.  Poor ventilation is one cause of humidity problems and can make spaces more vulnerable to mold and mildew.

A commercial dehumidifier can help create a more comfortable environment in your commercial building. The main benefit is reducing the presence of allergens and irritants in damp areas.

A dehumidifier works by drawing warm air currents into its coils via a fan. The warm air contracts as it’s fed through the refrigerated coils of the machine, and condensation is left inside the dehumidifier.

As this condensation collects, one droplet of water at a time, it falls into a storage tank attached to the dehumidifier. Cooler, drier air is then released back into your space through the other side of the machine.

Your dehumidifier should be able to bring the moisture in the air down to a relative humidity of 30 to 50 percent. Most dehumidifiers have a meter that measures the relative humidity where it’s placed in your building and allows you to set the humidity level where it is most comfortable

Ohio Heating & Refrigeration can help you choose the best equipment for your business. They can help you determine the tank size, range of humidity control and other important features. A dehumidifier does have some established health benefits. 

We pride ourselves in our commitment to our clients and we are constantly working to streamline our processes, including upgrading systems, creation of new services, as well as the continual pursuit of educational opportunities and certifications.