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Nobody wants their air conditioning unit to break down in the middle of summer. But, if you have the best AC repair professionals around, help is on the way. Servicing an AC unit is pricey but there are things you can check before calling for service. Have a look at the following ways you can check first and possibly save some service fees while staying cool at the same time.
How to Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioning Unit
What to Check Before You Call for Service
• The Basic Preliminary Checklist
First, determine if your AC unit does not work at all, only cools a little, or throws out warm air. Then, if your AC unit doesn’t work at all, check for these potentials issues:
- An air furnace in an indoor ac unit isn’t working.
- A condenser in an outdoor ac unit isn’t working.
- Be certain that it is correctly plugged in. Sometimes dogs, kids, or an unintentional hit with the vacuum will dislodge the connection with the plugin.
- Make sure the fuses and circuit breakers are the right place, switched on and working properly. Circuits, particularly in older houses, are easily overcharged if the air conditioning unit shares a circuit with home appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, or irons.
- Ensure that the thermostat or cooling control is set to the right temperature. Other family members might change it without your knowledge.
• Blower Belt
Determine if the blower belt is broken, damaged or shows excessive slack. This may cause a low air-flow to form ice, and therefore lead to low cooling ability. Replace or repair the blower belt. Let the ice dissolve before starting the air conditioner.
• Filter And Coils
If they’re caked with debris and dust, clean them carefully. You should let the ice melt before starting the unit.
Find the Best Service
If you have confirmed that everything is powered, clean, and set up properly, and that does not clear up your issues, then, it is time to call for service. Search for a reputable air conditioning unit service vendor in your area and be sure to check online reviews for the best possible service.
Bonus! Routine Maintenance Checklist
• Wash the Condenser Coils
Wash the condenser coils at least once per season or more often if needed. Switch off the air conditioning unit, get a hose, and spray the coils in an up-and-down motion. Also, keep the condenser away from dryer vents, or cottonwood trees because these two things are “air conditioner killers”.
• Change or Clean the Filter Regularly
This easy step alone will improve the efficiency of the air conditioning unit. It’ll also be easier on the unit, thereby increasing its lifespan.
A sure sign that the filter requires cleaning or changing is when ice forms inside the cooling unit (evaporator section). This is often hard to see because the unit is sealed. So, check the outside metal and feel for a noticeable temperature difference. It’s also possible to see ice on the line coming from the outside unit (suction line).
If ice is forming, it’s possible that the air conditioning filter is significantly grubby and restricting the normal air movement. This will allow ice to form due to less heat in the cooling section.
• Important Safety Measures to Remember
- Leave the electrical repairs to the professionals who are trained and licensed.
- Only a certified HVAC contractor can perform repairs safely.
- Make sure that you wash the fins and coils in an up and down motion.
A properly running air conditioning unit is at the top of the homeowner’s list of maintenance projects for the summer months. Be sure to follow these tips for a smooth transition into the warmer months ahead for the comfort and enjoyment of you, your family, and guests.
All Images by Canva.
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About the Author: Ashley Edwards
