Troubleshooting Your AC: Common Problems To Be Aware Of
If you have a central air conditioner in your home, it might occasionally give you problems. You may have difficulty getting it to turn on, not have sufficient cold air, or notice that your energy bill is a little higher. Here are some common issues with air conditioners so you can troubleshoot the problem and know what needs to be repaired.
Old or Clogged Filter
A very common reason behind issues with your air conditioner is having a clogged, worn, or old air filter. Luckily, this is easy and inexpensive to fix. The air filter is in pace to catch allergens, dander, and debris that would have otherwise made its way through the vents and into your home. This works great, but over time, it can get clogged. If your air conditioner uses disposable air filters, you need to remove it and replace it with a new one. However, if you have one that is reusable, you will need to clean it thoroughly and wait for it to dry before putting it back in. Even with a reusable one, you need to pay close attention to its condition and replace it if needed.
Issues With the Exterior Unit
Your air conditioning system has a unit outside that helps control the cool and warm air you get inside your home. This unit may also be the source of the issues you are having with your air conditioner. It may not be functioning at all or may be having issues with its function, from not having enough power, to the thermostat being faulty. The outside unit might also be dirty and filled with debris, such as twigs, leaves, and dirt. You should clean the unit around the same time you replace the air filter to ensure it is clean and ready for proper operation.
There is a Leak
If you notice that there is a pool of water around the exterior unit or that the air conditioner isn't providing cool enough air, it may be from a refrigerant leak. This is often something that an HVAC technician needs to inspect and fix for you. Any time you suspect a leak, leave the unit turned off and call for help. They will look closely for the source of the leak, repair the problem, and add more refrigerant as needed.
If you're not sure what the problem is, calling an HVAC technician, such as those at Doctor Fix-It, is the best course of action.