Your air conditioning system is the key to keeping your home comfortable and cool, especially during the heat of the summer. When an AC unit stops functioning it is a crisis that you want to address as soon as possible, but the high demands of the intense summer months can mean that a repair technician appointment can be days or even a week away.
There are a few different troubleshooting tips that you can use to diagnose your air conditioning repair on your own. The following guide provides general highlights and a few common solutions to get your air conditioning system up and running to its full potential as quickly as possible.
Ensure Proper Thermostat Setting
Confirming that your thermostat is set properly can sometimes resolve your air conditioner troubles. Improper settings can cause your HVAC unit to not work as desired. Your thermostat could be accidentally adjusted to heat instead of cool, or the temperature setting can be jostled. If undetected, it can cause your AC system to push out warm air instead of the refreshing cool air desired. Before you call an air conditioning repair technician, be sure to check your thermostat.
Check Your Thermostat Batteries
If your thermostat is set properly, make sure that the batteries are still functioning. If you are unsure of their life-space, replace them with fresh batteries to rule out a low battery issue. Without functioning batteries, the thermostat cannot communicate with the air conditioning unit.
Replace Your Air Filter
Proper airflow is crucial to a fully functioning air conditioner. An HVAC filter that is clogged with dust and debris will restrict airflow and increase the strain on your AC system. The newer and more modern that air conditioning system, the more sensitive the unit will be to a dirty AC filter. If you cannot remember the last time your filter was changed, it is time to change the filter. We strongly recommend writing the date of installation on the filter to keep accurate records of the replacement date of the filter.
Check the Circuit Breaker and Electrical Components
Checking to make sure that the power supply to your air conditioning unit is in good shape sounds elementary, but a tripped breaker or a switched flipped to the “off” position can be an easy and quick fix to HVAC system failures.
Inspect Your Air Vents
Keeping your air vents and air returns clear and unobstructed is an important step in ensuring your air conditioning unit is properly functioning. Dust, debris, or furniture can block air vents and can impede airflow and increase the strain on your air conditioning system. There can also be a variety of obstructions that are inside of your air conditioner ductwork such as mold, crushed ductwork, vermin infestation, or insulation blockages.
How to Know When You Need to Call for Air Conditioning Repair
We have discussed a few tips to diagnose a poorly functioning air conditioner. Although there are DIY techniques that you can do yourself to improve air conditioner function, there are several situations that require an air conditioning repair professional. Here are just a few that require an immediate call so we can quickly repair your air conditioning system.
Unusual Noise of Any Type Coming from Your HVAC System
Loud banging, vibrations, or metal sounds of any type are an urgent sign to call in the professionals. These sounds are an indication of a serious problem. The chances of this being an easy fix that you can do on your own are highly unlikely.
Any Issue with the Outdoor Unit
You should never attempt to repair the outdoor component of your HVAC unit. Improperly attempting to repair your outdoor AC component can result in costly repairs by our professional technicians.
Improper AC Installation
An AC installation that was not properly configured can be the cause of a poorly function air conditioning system. If the HVAC system is too small for the size of the home, or the ductwork is improperly designed, it can lead to an air conditioner that needs constant repair and servicing.
For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Conditioning Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.