- On February 28, 2017
There are a variety of things that could cause your air conditioning unit to not cool your home properly. Some solutions to these problems can be done on your own, but others may require contacting professional help, like the friendly folks at Howard Air.
In this article, we’ll categorize issues you can try to solve on your own and ones that should be handled by a professional.
Do It Yourself Central Air Repairs
Before calling in a locale air conditioning repairman, give these easy HVAC fixes a try.
1. Turn it off, then back on again.
If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, it’s possible that the pipes may have frozen over, you have an electrical short, your thermostat may be set incorrectly, or your unit is shot and it’s time for a new one. Sometimes, turning off your AC unit, waiting about 30 minutes, then turning it back on can ensure the thermostat is set to the correct position, automatic schedules are reset, and if the pipes are frozen it will give them time to thaw.
The fix: Set the thermostat to AUTO or verify the cooling schedule if your thermostat has one.
2. Change the air filter
If turning off the thermostat for a while helps, but the luke-warm air comes back after a short time, check your air filter. Having a clogged or dirty air filter puts a strain on the unit and can cause the evaporator coil to freeze (literally) which prevents air flow.
The fix: Check your air filters and change them regularly.
3. Check the condenser outside
Most AC units have a condenser located outdoors to transfer the heat outside. If the condenser is dirty, the fins are bent, or if something is blocking the unit, it won’t be able to dissipate the heat properly.
The fix: Remove any debris that may be blocking the condenser. Lightly spray the outside unit with a garden hose, but be careful not to bend the fins inside the condenser.
When to Call in a Professional
Sometimes, the trouble with your AC unit should be resolved with the help of a professional. A few examples of these types of problems include:
1. Fan motor failure
If the fan motor has stopped working, the condenser isn’t able to dissipate heat and prevents the AC from cooling your home.
2. Low refrigerant or leak
AC refrigerant is what absorbs the heat from the air. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, it means there is a leak and it can’t absorb enough heat to cool the air. If you notice ice buildup on the refrigerant line or the outside unit, or you hear a bubbling or hissing noise, or if your AC doesn’t cool the home on hot days but works fine at night, these are signs of a refrigerant leak.
3. A failed compressor
A compressor is the “heart” of an air conditioner, circulating refrigerant between the evaporator inside and the condenser outside. If there is an issue with the compressor, it may need to be replaced.
HVAC Preventive Maintenance
Howard Air
If you are not able to resolve the trouble with your AC unit on your own, we highly recommend contacting us at Howard Air to assist you with resolving your trouble. Our professional technicians have years of experience and are ready to assist you. Click here to contact us or call (623) 201-5153 to speak directly with a representative.
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