Air conditioner troubles often crop up in the middle of summer, when a lack of cooling can put you in an uncomfortably hot and sticky predicament. Sometimes, you can save time and money by solving the problem yourself without calling in an HVAC pro.
What to Watch Out For
Here are four common A/C problems that are easy to correct, plus some tips on when to pick up the phone:
- The air conditioner is running, but there’s no cold air. If the outside condenser’s cooling coil is dirty or airflow is blocked, you won’t feel any cold air at the registers. Clean off the coil, and clear away any debris and/or tall vegetation within 18 inches of the unit. If that doesn’t help, have an HVAC specialist check the refrigerant level and the compressor.
- There’s a flow of air, but it’s not cool enough. A dirty evaporator coil can cause this problem, so check and clean it if needed. If this only happens when the temperature soars, it may be completely normal since an A/C’s cooling ability directly correlates to the thermometer reading outdoors. If the air never feels quite cold enough, your cooling unit may be inaccurately sized, and it’s best to get an expert opinion.
- The condenser doesn’t kick in. If your thermostat is set too high, it won’t signal the condensing unit, so try turning it down a few degrees. Next, make sure the unit is plugged in, then check for a blown fuse or tripped breaker in your electrical panel. If it’s still unresponsive, a faulty motor or compressor may be causing the problem, and you’ll need professional help.
- The A/C cycles on and off too quickly. This can happen if the cooling coils are dirty or proper airflow is restricted. Repeated on-off cycling not only wastes energy, but it also puts unnecessary wear on the equipment and shortens its life span. If you can’t resolve the issue by cleaning the coils and removing any airflow obstructions, schedule a visit from a certified HVAC technician.
Contact us today at Gentry Heating Inc. for expert help with solving common A/C problems in your Asheville area home.
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