Most people don’t realize there is a problem with their central air conditioning system until they’re sitting in a sweltering home in 90 degree weather. Don’t be caught unawares when it comes to your home’s central air system. If your air conditioner is not working properly, getting to the bottom of the problem is key to enjoying your home again.
The most common culprit behind a non-working unit is that the central air conditioner needs charged. Air conditioning units are built to go years without needing charging, but there are times when they simply need a refill. If your air conditioning unit runs hot frequently, it could indicate a leak in the system. This is often caught during routine maintenance and can be a matter of simply replacing some hoses.
If you just need your Freon charged, your certified technician can perform this step. A Freon charge is a simple fix and doesn’t require a major investment. When your Freon is charged, your air conditioner will start blowing ice cold air again.
In some cases, it is not the unit itself but the thermostat that is to blame. If the thermostat is not working properly, the unit thinks that the home is cooler than it is and delivers warmer air. Start by checking thermostat to make sure the readout matches the ambient temperature in your home. Turn the thermostat to different settings and check to see if the temperature in the home changes accordingly.
Make sure your thermostat is set to “cooling” and is not on a timer. If it is on a timer, it might be set to go off at a certain time, making your home uncomfortably warm.
Often, broken hoses, blown motors and obstructions can cause performance problems with a central air conditioner. Insects have been known to build nests inside of hoses, blocking the flow of air from the unit to the home. In some cases, mold and mildew can accumulate in these hoses, making it difficult to cool your home.
Obstructions in the outside unit can cause your motor to blow, leading to a major repair. During the fall months, leaves and blowing branches can clog up your unit, damaging the internal parts. Even mice can do a number on your central air conditioning system.
The key to keeping your system up and running is to perform regular maintenance on it, making sure that all of the parts are working properly. A certified technician can visit your home and check for dirty air filters, loose components and broken parts. This routine maintenance means that you can avoid major repairs later and enjoy continuous use of your home’s central air conditioning unit.
Call your certified heating and cooling technician for a routine maintenance check today.
