https://thermaconservice.com/ac-problems-may-crop-summer/The temperatures are on their way up, and that means your A/C will be working overtime to keep your house comfortable. Unfortunately, excessive use of your air conditioner means you are more prone to experiencing A/C problems. Make sure you’ve scheduled your annual maintenance appointment so your A/C is in top shape and less likely to malfunction.
In addition to repairing or replacing any problem parts, routine maintenance ensures your cooling system is working as efficiently as possible, which will save you significantly on your utility bills and reduce long-term wear and tear.
Following are some typical A/C problems that require a visit from a licensed HVAC technician. The more you know about them, the more you’ll be able to help the customer service representative when you call to schedule your appointment.
Inadequate Cooling
Does it seem like your cooling system is running non-stop with no tangible difference in temperature? This could be a mechanical problem, such as a dirty evaporator coil, but it’s better to check the non-mechanical offenders before you schedule a service call.
- Check to make sure that all of your doors and window are closed. When it’s hot and humid outside, it only takes one window left open to seriously compromise your indoor comfort and air quality.
- Verify that all of your vents are free and clear of furniture, drapes or debris. If air flow is hindered, your cooling system will struggle to meet your thermostat setting.
- Turn your thermostat down five degrees and see if that kick-starts your A/C.
- Have reasonable expectations. If outdoor temperatures are 100 degrees or more, your system won’t be able to keep your home much cooler than 75 degrees.
You can try cleaning your evaporator on your own to see if that helps. Otherwise, call a technician for an accurate diagnosis and solution.
It’s Running, But the Air Isn’t Cool
When you hold your hand up to the vents, do you feel tepid or warm air? First, make sure your thermostat is still set for “cooling.” Sometimes, the settings are unaccountably altered, and you may find the system has been changed to “Fan,” “Off” or “Heat.” Often, some of the most common A/C problems have the easiest solutions, and this one is a simple fix.
Make sure the area around the outdoor condenser/compressor is free of debris, such as leaves, branches, trash and grass clippings. You can disconnect it from the power source and spray it down with the hose to make sure it’s clean. Plug it back in and see if that helps. If not, give your HVAC contractor a call.
The Air Conditioner Isn’t Running
Is your air conditioner refusing to run at all? In some cases this can be as simple as a condenser unit that has been unplugged or has tripped its dedicated circuit. Before you call the pros, do a little sleuthing on your own. There’s nothing more frustrating than paying for a service call, only to have the technician walk over and flick a switch or adjust a connection. If the electrical connections seems sound, take a walk to your breaker panel and make sure the breaker isn’t tripped. The switch should be clearly labeled. You can move it back and forth a few times, and then switch it firmly into the “On” position to see if that helps.
The Air Conditioning Is Cycling On and Off Repeatedly
In addition to causing comfort issues, a repeatedly cycling A/C can be incredibly annoying and is usually a good sign that something is wrong. In most cases, clearing the condenser of debris, changing the air filter, and giving the unit a good cleaning will be enough. If that doesn’t work, you may have an under- or oversized A/C, or some other A/C problem that needs professional attention. If the technician determines your HVAC system is the wrong size, it may be worthwhile to install a correctly sized system.
Are you experiencing A/C problems in your Beaumont area home? Please contact us at Thermacon Service Company. We’ve provided reliable and competitively priced HVAC service to our Southeast Texas clientele for more than 30 years.
Image provided by Shutterstock.com.
