Your air conditioner literally serves one purpose: to keep your property cool during the hot summer. If it’s not doing its job, it’s time to troubleshoot potential problems. The good news is that Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling is here to make it much easier by giving you an inside scoop about what could be going on.
Tricky Thermostat
Tricky thermostats are a common HVAC problem. Dead batteries, loose wiring, and ambiguous settings can contribute to heating and cooling concerns. Don’t worry, though, problematic thermostats are one of the easiest things to repair. Check to make sure if you have batteries, they are charged and look to see that your thermostat is on and set to “cool.” If the problem persists, it may be a wiring issue, which should be repaired by a professional.
Tripped Breaker
Are you having problems with your power? If so, this will definitely affect your AC. Air conditioners run on electricity, which means if there isn’t any, your AC won’t work. Fixing the source of your power outage, whether it be a tripped breaker or a blackout, is key to restoring your AC.
Obstructed Air Filter
If you have power and your thermostat is working fine, your next step should be to check your air filter. Dirty, obstructed air filters are one of the leading causes of system malfunctions. Remember, the functionality of your air conditioner depends on its ability to circulate air throughout your property. Having an air filter covered with dust, pet fur, debris, and more can not only compromise its ability to work properly but also the quality of the air you’re breathing.
Blocked Outdoor Unit
Similar to your air filter, you will also want to make sure there are no leaves, dirt, or other obstructions blocking the airflow of your outdoor unit either. Hindering your heat exchange process will only put unnecessary stress on your unit that can lead to sudden and mysterious breakdowns. To prevent this, we recommend you carefully wash down your outdoor unit regularly, keep at least 46cm of clear space around your outdoor condenser, and keep it tightly covered in the off-season.
Mechanical Mishaps
No matter how well you take care of your air conditioner, there will likely come a day when you experience a simple mechanical issue, like a busted compressor or faulty fan motor. This is usually an easy fix too. Just reach out and let one of our remarkably skilled HVAC technicians know what’s up, and we can get it fixed up in no time.
Refrigerant Leak
Think of your system’s refrigerant as the magic fluid that keeps your cool air cold during the summer. It circulates continuously to ensure even temperatures throughout the season. If you have a leak and your fluid gets low, though, your unit won’t be able to adequately cool the air passing through. If you notice hissing noises or an icy buildup around your unit, you’ll want to call us for repairs as soon as possible.
Improper Installation
Have a newer air conditioner and still not satisfied with your cooling power? You might have a unit installed improperly. One of the main reasons we encourage all our customers to trust our installation services is because all it takes is one little mistake to compromise the efficiency of an entire unit. And it’s not always a simple fix.
Leaky Ducts
Your air ducts are what your cool air travels through to evenly disperse it through your property. If they’re worn and cracked or the joints are loose and leaking, the cool air never reaches the rooms it’s intended to reach, leaving you wondering why your property isn’t getting any cooler no matter how low you set your thermostat.
Old Age
Nothing lasts forever, so if your air conditioner isn’t working and your system is old (more than 15 years old), it’s likely just time for you to consider getting a replacement. The good news is that there are always newer, more efficient models coming out. So, if you need a replacement, you may even end up saving more money long-term!
System Freeze
If your air filter was filthy but replacing it didn’t make too much a difference, there’s a chance your system suffered obstructed airflow too long, causing the refrigerant to freeze the whole thing up. If your evaporator coil is frozen, there’s too much dirt in your drainage pipe, or you’re having an issue with your fan, your unit can freeze up and stop working properly. If this is the case for you, you will want to get a pro out there right away for repairs.
For more information on keeping your air conditioner running and running cool, contact Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling today by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.
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