If you are like many homeowners, calling a technician is likely the first thing you will do when you have a problem with your central air conditioner. However, there are several ways that you can troubleshoot and possibly repair the most common problems that you might experience with your air conditioner on your own. Here are the steps you should take for three common central air conditioner problems.
Air Is Not Cool
Sometimes your air conditioner will cycle normally, but the air that it produces simply won't be cool. This may be a sign that it is time to clean the evaporator coils. In a central air conditioner, the evaporator coils are usually located inside your home directly above the furnace. If the coils are coated with dust or corrosion, they will not be able to remove enough heat from the air to cool your home properly.
If your coils are dirty, it is time to turn your air conditioner off and clean them. This process is as simple as spraying the coils down with a commercial foaming coil cleaner. No scrubbing is required, as the chemical will run off on its own after a few minutes. Repeat the process as necessary until your coils are completely free of dust and corrosion.
AC Won't Turn On
If your air conditioner won't turn on at all, you may be surprised to learn that there is often a simple fix. You have probably thought to check the breaker for your HVAC system, but you may not be aware that there is also a 240-volt breaker outside.
The double breaker will usually be installed in a box mounted on the side of your home near the outdoor condenser unit. If this breaker has flipped, return it to the on position and try running your air conditioner again before you call for repairs.
Low Airflow From Vents
Even if the air from your air conditioner is cold, it won't do any good if enough air is not coming into your home. Low airflow from your vents could indicate a problem with your HVAC blower, but the problem could also be much less serious. For example, a clogged furnace filter could limit airflow, so you should be sure to clean or replace the filter at least once a month.
Another common cause of low airflow from your vents is a dirty outdoor condenser. To clean your condenser, use a vacuum hose to suck dirt, leaves, and other debris out of the aluminum fins on the side of the condenser. It is also a good idea to cut away any weeds and shrubbery that have grown up around the condenser. Keeping the condenser clear will ensure that it can take in enough outside air to distribute cooled air evenly throughout your home.
Keep these tips in mind so you can solve the most common central air conditioner problems quickly and easily. For more information, talk to a professional like Weather Control Air Conditioning, Inc.
A few years ago, I could tell that we were having serious furnace problems. In addition to dealing with a house that was constantly too cold or too warm, we were also plagued by a noisy, smelly furnace that seemed to have trouble on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I didn't know enough about furnaces at the time to spot the problems quickly. One day, the entire system died, and it was beyond repair. After having that experience, I learned a lot about HVAC systems, so that I could troubleshoot future systems. This website is all about teaching you what you need to know so that you don't end up in the same situation.