Air conditioner problems are a headache to deal with. These machines are hardly noticeable when everything is in good working order but can cause uncomfortable living conditions the minute something goes wrong. Your local HVAC professional will always be ready to tackle the problem but if you’re short on time or dealing with a quick fix, you can walk through some troubleshooting steps first to get the situation under control.
Common Causes for Broken Air Conditioners
When you notice a problem with your air conditioning, the first places to check are your thermostat, your filter, and the area around your unit. Taking a few minutes to do a quick check of these things can give you a huge indication of what the root of the problem is.
AC units will act up if the thermostat is set incorrectly or, in other cases, not set up at all. If you’re experiencing a problem, first check to make sure your thermostat is turned on and is set to cool rather than hear. You can consult your thermostat manual to ensure everything is calibrated properly. If your unit still isn’t working after you’ve checked the settings and moved the temperate to the lowest temperature, then move on to the next steps.
A dirty air filter can be the cause of many problems and it is an easy task to forget once we get caught up in running the rest of the house. If you notice that your AC short cycles or continuously runs, a clean new filter may be just what it needs to get back into the swing of things. On a related note, it’s also a good idea to check the registers to make sure they aren’t dirty or blocked. These tell your machine when to turn on and off.
Finally, take a scan of the area surrounding your AC unit. If it’s located outside, you’ll want to make sure it’s not being blocked by any plants, debris, etc. A good practice is to keep around two to three feet of space around your unit clear as well as five feet of clearance above it.
Common AC Problems & Troubleshooting Tips
AC is Blowing Hot Air. The first place to check when you notice hot air instead of cold air is the thermostat. Most people forget to change their settings or fail to notice a low battery warning. These are easy to address. If your thermostat isn’t the source of the problem, the circuit breaker, the condenser or the evaporator coil may be the issue.
AC Making Strange Noises. If you’re hearing strange noises from your AC, start by checking the indoor unit for leaks. If you see any, get a professional involved. If you don’t, take a look at the outdoor unit to make sure it’s not blocked by debris.
AC Won’t Turn On. If your AC isn’t turning on at all, the first thing to do is to check your circuit breaker to make sure nothing has been tripped. Then check your thermostat to make sure it is actually turned on and the settings are correct.
Omega Heating and Air is the leading air conditioning, heating, and HVAC company in Covington, Conyers Stockbridge, Georgia and the surrounding areas. Contact us for your needs by calling (404) 438-0353 or get in touch for other HVAC services using our contact form.