Looking for an AC Repair Service in Austin?
Is your air conditioner not cooling? If so, it’s likely the middle of the summer as air conditioning units always seem to break down when the temperatures are soaring. Before you call the local ac installation company, why not try to do some air conditioning troubleshooting on your own? You may find that it’s a simple problem, one you can fix yourself at very little cost, if any. Doing so may not only save you money, but also time as you won’t have to wait for the repairman to arrive or rearrange your schedule to accommodate him or her. Here are some common air conditioning problems you may encounter.
The AC Unit Isn’t Running
Check to ensure the unit is plugged in. Although this may seem like common sense, many overlook this common problem. Children and pets can unintentionally unplug the unit or an adult may do so accidentally while moving furniture or cleaning the floors. If the unit appears to be plugged in, unplug it and reinsert the plug. It may be that it was dislodged, either partially or completely.
Ensure the fuse or circuit breaker has not been tripped or blown. This problem is more commonly seen in older homes, where the circuit has been overloaded. If this is where the problem lies, an electrician may need to be called in to upgrade the electrical system. Until then, try to run the air conditioning unit on a separate fuse or circuit breaker.
The Unit Isn’t Cooling Properly
In many cases the air conditioning coils and/or air filters are clogged or dirty. When this is the case, the unit won’t be able to properly cool and the unit will be required to work harder than normal. This can lead to early failure of the air compressor and/or fans.
The Problem May Lie in the Thermostat
Check the thermostat to ensure the temperature hasn’t been changed by another person in the household. If this isn’t the case, check to see if the thermostat has been programmed to shut the unit off at certain times during the day. Some users choose to do this to save on energy bills, and improper programming may lead to the unit not working when one expects it to.
If the thermostat shows the correct temperature and the settings are correct, carefully remove the cover. Look to see if the thermostat sensor has been knocked loose. This sensor is responsible for measuring the air temperature entering the unit’s evaporative coil. The sensor is designed to be located next to the coil, but they should not be touching. If they are, you’ll need to carefully move the wire holding the sensor so they are adjacent to each other, but not touching.
High Humidity May Lead to Problems
When the temperatures are rising, humidity levels may also go up. When this happens, the condensate drain can become clogged, which leads to the unit not cooling as it should. Check to ensure the drain isn’t clogged and that water is draining properly.
These are a few things to check when your AC unit isn’t working. The best way to prevent problems is to have the unit serviced a minimum of every two to three years. Although this doesn’t guarantee the unit will continue to work properly, it does reduce the risk of a breakdown. If the unit stops working or no longer cools the home, follow the above steps. If they don’t work, it’s time for professional help to be called in as you shouldn’t have to suffer in stifling heat.