Can You Repair Common AC Problems or Do You Need a Pro?
When temperatures become extreme, homeowners need the air conditioning system to be reliable. Unfortunately, common problems arise when the unit works hard to keep the house comfortable on sweltering hot days. Many times, troubleshooting will reveal a quick fix you can handle in a matter of minutes. But it is essential to recognize when qualified, trusted repair contractors like those at Temperge.com will need to inspect to find the issue.
Let us look at some of the most common air conditioning problems homeowners face with their systems and what you can do to resolve them.
What Are Some Common AC Problems and Should You Attempt the Fix
No one wants their air conditioning to quit when temperatures are at their most extreme. Being in a home without a cooling system is unhealthy and dangerous. A priority is to ensure you’re employing adequate care and maintenance to avoid the potential for disrepair or malfunctioning. Still, common problems can arise with any system, and it’s essential to be aware of the issues to know what to do. Consider the following examples of what can go wrong and guidelines for resolving the situation.
● The equipment is not functional
When the equipment fails or is completely inoperable without warning, the motor is not functional, and there is no air, you can take a few steps in attempting to troubleshoot the issue before contacting a repair contractor. A first step is to always look at the thermostat to see if the battery alert shows the need for new batteries. It’s easy to forget to change these each year, whether they need it or not. When the thermostat is not working, the air conditioning cannot function. Replacing the batteries should get it up and running. Another common issue has the setting on something other than “cool” and an adequate temperature or if the circuit breaker has been tripped. A call to the professional for an inspection would be wise if all these things are in line. Go to https://familyhandyman.com/list/21-air-conditioner-maintenance-tips/ for tips on AC maintenance.
● Warm air is coming from the system.
When it is hot outside, and the AC is blowing warm air, that’s a miserable combination. Sometimes you can accidentally move the setting on the thermostat. If these are correct, the first check would be the air filter. These need to be frequently changed, especially if pets are in the home or your location is particularly dusty or heavy in pollen, roughly every 30 days. A clogged filter can cause a host of problems, including freezing coils. If you have already switched this out, the refrigerant could be low. The copper lines that run to the condenser can reveal if the level is adequate if the large line is moist and cool to the touch. A refrigerant issue is one for the repair contractor.
● The unit is loud.
If the equipment makes sounds, it is probably struggling to keep the household cool. When a system begins to fail, there will be a series of noises that can result but will be challenging for a homeowner to distinguish.
- Squeals/screeches: The potential for a faulty belt
- Rattles: This could indicate a few different problems related to the compressors, the fans, or the motor.
When you hear unusual sounds, the most you can do as the homeowner is to ensure no clutter or debris surrounding the equipment outside, a clean filter is in place, and check the thermostat. In some cases, when blowers activate, a loose filter will create a rattling sound. Other than that, an expert will need to inspect the system. Click here for guidance on AC repair.
Final Thought
A surefire way to avoid common air conditioning problems is to maintain the system with adequate care and upkeep. That includes scheduling the HVAC repair contractor to perform annual or biannual tune-ups and inspections of the equipment, usually in the spring and fall. Minor problems will be found in the early stages and repaired by the AC technician with preventive maintenance. Homeowner diligence allows greater efficiency with the equipment and less likelihood of malfunction on those hot, sweltering days. It will also ensure an extended life cycle for your HVAC system.