Most Common AC Problems and Possible Solutions

Summers in Minnesota can get sweltering hot. Nothing can be worse than having your air conditioner break down, especially in the midst of extreme heat. That is why you need your cooling system to be in its tip-top shape, especially during the hottest days of the season. What if your unit gives up on you, leaving your home steaming hot? Like most homeowners, you may have a tendency to call an AC repair company immediately to check on your system.

While that’s the best thing to do since HVAC professionals know your air conditioner inside and out, it is possible that the problem is actually very inconsequential and something you can fix yourself. If you closely monitor your AC regularly, you can easily pinpoint many operational issues before they become more serious problems.

Here are a few tips to follow when you deal with a malfunctioning air conditioner. Remember that when things begin to seem a little bit too complicated, call your preferred HVAC company in Hugo MN like Four Seasons Air Specialists.

No Power

If your cooling system fails to turn on, it may be because it is not receiving power or the thermostat is improperly set. The first thing you can do is to check the thermostat’s battery and find out if it needs replacement. You can also check your circuit breaker and try to see if there are any blown fuses. There are times when simply replacing the battery or fuse will fix the problem. After rectifying the electrical issue, set your AC’s thermostat to “COOL” or “AC” and program it to the right temperature to start cooling your home.

Thermostat Issues

Your thermostat is the device that controls your air conditioner. It tells your AC to turn on or off. If your thermostat is not set properly, the AC won’t provide the right amount of cool air. A malfunctioning thermostat can effectively disable your entire cooling system. If your air conditioner stops working, you should always inspect the thermostat before performing any other troubleshooting steps. If you have an older, dial-type thermostat, you should consult your user’s manual as these types of thermostats are subject to calibration problems.

Inadequate Cooling

Having not enough airflow is one of the main causes of a cooling system to not be able to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Check the filter and determine if it needs cleaning or replacing. This should be done as often as every 30-60 days, or if you have a high-end filter, it can last up to 6 months. If you have cleaned or replaced the filter but the problem still persists, consult your HVAC contractor.

A cooling specialist can tell you about the level of your AC’s refrigerant. If the refrigerant level is low, it usually means it is either undercharged at installation or it has a leak. If you notice that your home is not cooling properly and that the air is a bit sticky, chances are, your air conditioner could be low on refrigerant. Without the right amount of refrigerant, heat and humidity cannot be properly removed from the air. The technician should be able to find and seal any leaks and recharge the refrigerant to restore its cooling capacity.

High Utility Costs

It is quite normal for your monthly energy bill to increase during summer, but if you notice a steady hike without a parallel boost in power usage, it could be that the filter is dirty or there is a problem with the condensing coil. Replace the filter as necessary. Then, check the condenser coil, which is located in the outdoor AC unit and can be easily get blocked or congested, rendering your air conditioner inefficient. Remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated in and around the fins of the coil. If this doesn’t fix the problem, call your trusted cooling expert.

Let the Pros Get the Job Done

This summer, you can rid yourself of the discomfort caused by a malfunctioning AC unit. By following these simple steps, you may save yourself a service call and restore the cool air in your home all by yourself. For more serious AC problems, only entrust your cooling system to professionals like our technicians at Four Seasons Air Specialists. Our technicians are licensed, trained, and seasoned to maintain and repair your air conditioner. We are your reliable Hugo AC repair contractor that aims to get things right the first time.