Summer, with its high temperatures, is around the corner. One detail we need to prepare for is the constant heat of the summer sun. Let us not forget those already living in areas that have high-temperature climates. The cool breeze from your air conditioner brings instant and needed relief when you enter your home. However, what happens when your air conditioner breaks down or does not release an efficient cooling breeze? Let’s look at a few common cooling problems and how to fix them.
The Thermostat Fails to Work
One crucial element in an AC is the thermostat, which influences how well your cooling system will work. It controls how warm or how cool you need your home's interior environment. Therefore, what happens when the thermostat cannot deliver the desired temperature?
It might be a sign of faulty sensors in the thermostat. Damaged sensors trigger the AC to work on and off without completing a complete cooling cycle. The damaged sensors might stop the AC from operating or have the AC running continuously with no cycle breaks.
Another sign might be that your AC parts are dirty and cannot send the correct temperature readings.
How to fix: - Before calling an HVAC professional to check your system, clean out any dirty air filters if they are removable. If your filters are not removable, consider replacing them. Check your thermostat setting. Have you set it to your desired temperature? Check thermostat batteries to know if they are working. You might need to replace them. If all these check out ok, then your thermostat might need replacing.
Air Conditioner Producing Loud Racket
If your AC is producing a loud sound inside the unit, it is a sign that you have something loose in the AC unit. For older AC versions, maybe the belt has worn off and broken, or the fan belt is loose. If your AC is one of the new versions, check the fan motor's condenser's bearings.
How to Fix: - Call your local HVAC professional to check your AC unit and recommend repairs. You might need to replace your fan's belt or the AC's motor.
High Electric Bills
The older your AC unit becomes, the higher the bills you will pay. The older the air conditioner, the more energy it uses to keep it going. More energy means higher electric bills. Most air conditioners' life expectancy is roughly 10 to 12 years for older units and 15 to 20 years for modern air conditioners. If your AC unit has lasted over the 10-year or 15-year mark and the AC experiences constant breakdown, an AC replacement is necessary.
Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cool Air
To blow cool air, the AC filters air from outside and blows it through air filters and vents to remove debris, then blows clean air into your home. Therefore, if the AC is blowing out little or no breeze, the filters or air ducts might be blocked and thus are limiting the airflow.
How to fix: - If your air conditioner's air filters are detachable, remove them and clean them by blowing out the dirt buildup or replacing them. Consider cleaning or replacing your air filters every so often to keep them from clogging.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance and cleaning is the best way to keep your air conditioner from breaking down or having cooling problems. You can carry out most minor maintenance without calling a local professional. However, when your AC encounters major cooling issues, it is best to consult your local HVAC professional for their advice and guidance.
