It is very frustrating to have a faulty air conditioner in the middle of summer. No matter how low you set the thermostat and your room still does not have better indoor air quality, then your AC is really a problem and needs to be fixed right away.
Getting a competent and authorized HVAC company is one of the easiest ways to have your unit thoroughly serviced and maintain its peak performance. However, HVAC maintenance is sometimes not enough because some issues may arise unexpectedly. But have no worries because the problems do not require you to have an expensive repair because some of them can be done at home and on your own.
When you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling, here are some helpful things that you can do to have your AC up and running again:
- Check and reset the thermostat
It is just a simple thing to do. You just need to reset the thermostat from “fan” to “automatic.”
When the switch is set to automatic, the system adjusts the air conditioner on its own when the room temperature rises. And if it is set to fan, cooling will not take place.
- Replace the dirty filter
When filters are clogged with animal fur and dust, your unit can draw in sufficient air. As a result, only a wimpy flow comes out. If you have already changed the filter and the problem is still the same, then there is something wrong that lies elsewhere in your cooling unit.
- Clear the clogged condensation drain
Locate the end of the condensation drain line (it’s often located in a utility room) and visually check it for clogs when you see something that blocks there; carefully clear it out with the end of a screwdriver or similar narrow item.
- Try to diagnose duct malfunctions
If you have an unfinished basement, you can check the ductwork to see if a joint has loosened. If so, refit both ends of the joint and tape them together securely with duct tape. Should you have finished walls, it is harder to locate the ducts and will require you to hire an HVAC expert.
- Clear the area around the compressor
You have to clean away all the debris that crowds the unit. These things could be the reason why your system is not cooling your room.
- Clean the dirty coils
This one’s a little bit risky since you have to open the entire unit to clean the said part. Should you not like to clean it on your own and you want to have it done properly, hiring a professional is the best option.
When you have done all the above DIY processes to have your AC unit fixed, there might be something wrong with one of your unit’s essential parts. With that said, hiring a professional to do the repair job is now highly recommended.
Keep Your AC Healthy During Summer
Summer is one of the most-awaited seasons of the year. Not until the heat index has become extremely high, urging most people to stay at home instead of going out for a vacation. The uncontrollable increase in earth’s temperature has made air conditioning units a trend in most houses to keep them cool and have a better indoor air quality to avoid scorching heat.
Air conditioner units are designed to withstand outside temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit; more than that, and problems may arise and cause the system to malfunction. That is why it is important to know that you should always keep an eye on your air conditioner from time to time, regardless of the season.
When outside temperatures increase to ninety-five degrees or higher, the AC will run at its maximum efficiency. At this point, the temperature inside your home will remain at least seventy-five or eighty degrees. And lowering the thermostat is not a solution to better the air quality. As a matter of fact, this will only cause the unit to work harder even without changing the temperature in your home. In layman’s terms, the more your unit works at its maximum capacity, the easier it is to become defective.
To avoid having issues and to keep your AC healthy at all times and during summer, you may follow the steps listed below:
- Schedule a yearly maintenance check with experts
HVAC specialists can easily diagnose and recognize potential problems with your air conditioners and what needs to be repaired or replaced. In fact, setting an appointment for maintenance before summer can help you get a better rate before the peak season.
- Regular cleaning and changing your filters
Taking care of your filters is the easiest way of keeping your unit healthy. It is also important that you take note of the kind of AC filter you have and how to clean or when to change it.
- Avoid opening and closing your doors and windows
Opening and closing your doors and windows too much can make the temperature of your room rise and fall, which will make the unit work hard to adjust consistently.
- Regularly inspect your wiring
Another technique to enhance the effectiveness of your air conditioner is to inspect the wiring in the condensing unit for signs of overheating or deterioration. Before you begin, remember to switch off the air conditioner. If you notice burned, frayed, or broken wires, contact a professional to get the damage repaired.
- Give your AC system a break
Even with good maintenance, a system that is always in use will lose efficiency quicker and will need to be replaced sooner than a system that is used infrequently. Using your air conditioner sparingly will also keep your monthly energy expenditures low.
Having an air conditioner that can’t give enough coldness in your room can be very frustrating. If you are having a hard time troubleshooting this kind of problem and you need a professional’s hand to handle the job for you, calling 5 Star Professionals is the number one solution; book with us now!
Ways to Do to Keep Your AC Unit Healthy
As a homeowner, your air conditioner is one of the pivotal investments you’ll make for your abode. However, it is also an expensive one to have. That is why it is important that you should follow these five simple steps to keep your AC unit functional year-round.
- Change the filter regularly
Changing the filter in your air conditioner on a regular basis is the best thing you can do to keep your system up and running. You can be done in just a few minutes.
- Keep the coils clean
Air conditioning coils are important parts of your AC system. It is essential to keep your home cool by absorbing the heat. One way of keeping it functional is by clearing the debris and dirt in this area.
- Check the fins
Regularly check the fins if they are not bent. You can purchase a fin comb to solve the issue right away or ask for help from an expert.
- Check the condensate drain
Regularly check when this part of your AC is draining the water properly. If the draining process is not normal, unclog everything that obstructs the process.
- Schedule an appointment with experts
Setting an appointment with HVAC professionals can help you maintain your cooling unit. Technicians are trained to handle all your air conditioning concerns in a timely manner.