As the weather starts to heat up, many homeowners start to take a second look at their air conditioning units – perhaps including yourself. You want to be sure that your home is cool and comfortable throughout the warmer months.
From this perspective, an AC is basically a life-saver, but a problematic unit won’t exactly protect you from those scorching temperatures! Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to restore normalcy and perhaps extend the life of your unit.
Below is a brief guide on how to troubleshoot some AC problems, and when to call in an expert.
Troubleshooting Common Air Conditioning Unit Problems
There are certain air conditioning issues that you can troubleshoot and fix without having to call an HVAC expert. Some of these may include:
No Air Coming From the AC
Is your home or room feeling toasty all over a sudden? If so, the air conditioning unit might not be blowing any air at all, and several things could be to blame, some of which you can easily fix on your own.
- Power: First, check to see if the unit is turned on. If it is, check to see if it is receiving power. In case it’s not receiving power (usually indicated by lights), head over to the mains and check if the circuit breaker is tripped or the fuses are blown.
- Freezing: The unit could also have frozen an issue you can easily correct by turning it off and letting it thaw.
- Clogging: Clogged air filters may also prevent cool air from coming out of the unit, so check it out at the top or bottom of the unit depending on your AC’s design. As part of HVAC maintenance, clogged filters usually need replacing to get the unit back in top performance.
Unit Is Not Cooling
While the lack of cooling might be caused by the issues above, you may also want to check the thermostat temperature settings as soon as you notice the issue. If this is the problem, you may only have to adjust the thermostat to a temperature lower than the current room temperature. A dysfunctional AC fan may also cause cooling problems in the unit.
When to Call an HVAC Expert
If you have a problem with your HVAC system, it is always advisable to call an expert. HVAC experts have the training and experience to troubleshoot and repair your system. They can also advise you on how to maintain your system to prevent future problems. Below are some HVAC issues you might want to call an experienced professional for:
Strange Sounds Coming From the Unit
If the air conditioner is making strange noises, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the compressor. A hissing noise often indicates that the unit is low on refrigerant.
If you hear a banging noise, it could be that the compressor is overworking and needs to be replaced. These problems often require the attention of an experienced HVAC professional.
An Alarming Spike in Energy Bills
It’s not unusual for air conditioning bills to rise a little during the warmer months. But if you notice a sudden and unusual spike high enough to cause an alarm, it could be time to have an HVAC expert check out the unit.
It’s often an indicator of a serious problem that’s making your AC overwork, such as a faulty compressor or improper sizing. Your air conditioning unit might also have exceeded its lifetime, calling for a replacement.
Strange Smells Coming From the AC
From dirty filters to clogged air ducts, several things could be to blame when an air conditioning unit is producing strange odors. They could also stem from clogged water drainage or the overheating of certain parts. A skilled technician will be best poised and properly equipped to find where the odors are coming from and get rid of them.
The AC Is Blowing Hot Air
While the problem could come from clogs and dirt in air filters, power supply, or improper thermostat settings, it could also be that your AC coils are dirty or faulty. The compressor could also be damaged, thus necessitating a professional eye.
How to Choose a Reputable Company for Air Conditioning Repair
Most serious air conditioning problems require being addressed by a reliable HVAC professional. This is especially for the latter problems that could indicate your air conditioner needs repair or replacement. As the ARS air conditioning repair service technicians would put it, it’s best to consult an expert as soon as you spot the signs of malfunction with your unit.
This can help you prevent future damage, costly repairs, and early replacement. The following are some things to consider when choosing a reliable AC repair company.
- Consider experience
- Check online reviews
- Ask for referrals from friends or family
- Get multiple estimates
- Make sure the company is licensed and insured
A home (or office) could easily turn into an uncomfortable and seemingly uninhabitable space when the air conditioning unit fails to perform optimally in the warmer months. Thankfully, you now have a few hacks up your sleeve that you can pull to troubleshoot the unit or have it fixed.