There are days when the heat of summer is something you just can’t bear. In such cases, you heavily rely on your air conditioner to give you that cool breeze and relaxing comfort. But what if you turn your AC on and instead of helping you feel better, it gives you headaches instead? Nothing can be worse than having an air conditioner that’s acting up when you need it the most! Like most homeowners, you’d probably call your friendly North Oaks AC repair company, like Four Seasons Air Specialists.
That’s a wise thing to do because professional HVAC technicians possess the knowledge and tools to properly deal with the problem. However, there are certain AC problems which you can actually fix yourself. If you closely watch your air conditioner, you will be able to identify a number of operational issues and rectify them on your own.
Here are a few tips to consider when your AC starts going kaput:
Poor Airflow
Regardless of brand and type of air conditioner you may have, a clogged filter compromises its overall performance. That’s because the filter collects dust, debris, and other foreign materials, and when the filter is too dirty, it restricts the airflow. As a result, it diminishes the AC’s ability to effectively cool your home. If you haven’t cleaned or replaced your filter, make sure you do and check it on a regular basis.
Filters on central air conditioners, especially during summer months, should be checked or changed at least once every 30 days, especially if the system operates round the clock or if you have pets. Most of the time, service calls for malfunctioning air conditioners are caused by a dirty filter, which is so easy to rectify.
Warm Air Coming from Air Vents
Today, new AC models are compatible with smart thermostats, which can easily control the temperature in your home so that it’s at a comfortable setting when you get home and a bit warmer when you’re away. However, if you don’t have a smart thermostat and the temperature seems weird, make sure the thermostat is set to “COOL” and it is not exposed to sources of heat like direct sunlight, gas stoves, or an oven, which can cause it to make the wrong temperature readings.
In addition, you can also check your outdoor unit. If you notice a layer of dirt on the outside of the unit, use a hose on a gentle setting to eliminate the dirt. But if you see a thick layer of dirt covering the condenser, it is recommended that you call your local AC technician for more intensive cleaning.
The outdoor unit needs enough airflow to work properly, so make sure there’s at least 2 to 3 feet of space between the compressor and any plants or shrubs. There should also be at least 5 feet of space between the top of the unit and anything above it.
AC Won’t Even Turn On
There are at least three possible causes for your air conditioner to not turn on at all (we’re referring to the minor issues here). These include dirty filters, a malfunctioning thermostat, and circuit breaker issues. Obviously, there are more possible causes that require professional attention.
When the filter gets clogged, as discussed above, the system has insufficient airflow, which causes pressure to drop and ice to form on the evaporator coil. When this happens, a low-pressure switch trips and shuts down your compressor to keep the system from having further damage. The solution: change the filter.
If the thermostat is already set to “COOL” but it still malfunctions, try replacing the batteries.
When it comes to circuit breaker issues, try to look for tripped breakers and turn them off and on again. This should solve the problem. However, if the breaker trips again right away or after a few minutes, do not reset the breaker. Call a professional for help. There could be a short or grounded circuit that requires professional attention.
Still Having AC Problems?
If it seems like the problem is too complicated for you to deal with, call Four Seasons Air Specialists. We have teams of experienced and certified technicians who can properly diagnose the problem and apply appropriate solutions. We are your reliable HVAC company in White Bear MN.
