According to The Boston Globe, summer came early this year. You need to make sure your AC unit is up to the job.
An air conditioner not cooling during the summer months is a big problem, especially during a heatwave. Depending on where you live, it can be dangerous to be without adequate air conditioning.
Is your AC not cooling efficiently? You probably should have an HVAC professional inspect your unit. However, you may be able to troubleshoot the problem by checking the following common AC problems. You can fix a few of these yourself, and others require an HVAC technician.
Keep reading to learn more.
Is Your Thermostat Set Correctly?
To troubleshoot an air conditioner running and not cooling, start with the obvious — the thermostat. Make sure someone in the household has not adjusted the temperature setting or turned it off.
Is Your Air Filter Clogged?
A dirty filter will cause poor cold airflow in your AC system. Change your air filter and see if it makes a difference. If it doesn’t, the clogged filter may have led to another issue causing the problem.
Is the Evaporator Coil Frozen?
If a clogged filter caused your evaporator coil to freeze, changing the filter won’t immediately get your AC cooling again. Because accessing the evaporator coil is difficult, it is best to have an HVAC professional have a look at your system.
Is the Condenser Unit Blocked?
If you have an outdoor condenser as part of your AC unit, the exterior of the condenser is made up of thin metal “fins” spaced very tightly together. Dirt, debris, and grass can collect between the fins, which can clog the coil and cause a lack of cool air from the registers.
First, clear any debris from around the unit. Then clean the fins by gently rinsing them with a garden hose or using a brush attachment to vacuum the fins. If your AC unit still isn’t cooling, make an appointment to have your unit checked.
Does the Unit Have a Refrigerant Leak?
Refrigerant is necessary for an AC unit’s cooling process. A severe refrigerant leak can prevent your system from blowing cold air, or your AC unit may run longer and work harder trying to cool your home. Fixing refrigerant issues is another AC repair job better left to an HVAC professional.
Is Your AC Unit Undersized?
Air conditioners are “sized” according to the amount of cooling they can provide. Unless outdoor temperatures get very high, you may not have any problems with an undersized air conditioner. But as temperatures heat up, your unit may run for long periods without cooling your home.
To determine if you have an undersized AC unit, contact an HVAC technician who can accurately assess the cooling capacity of your home.
Is Your Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough?
If your air conditioner is not cooling or you have other AC problems, make an appointment right away to have your unit inspected. Quite often, the hotter temperatures get, the busier AC companies get. So don’t delay in having your unit serviced.
For more tips on keeping your AC running efficiently, visit the Home Advice section of our site.
