Having a faulty AC unit is a drastic problem, especially when you live somewhere with an extreme climate. Whether you’re escaping from the heat or avoiding the cold, your home should be the place where you’re most comfortable. The last thing you want is to come home to a frigid, cold house or a hot and unbearable house.
When your house AC stops working, there could be several reasons why. The most important step is understanding what’s causing the problem so you can correct it as quickly as possible.
Is your house AC not cooling properly? In the guide below, there are several reasons why your central air conditioner might be having trouble. Continue reading to learn more and start your journey towards a more comfortable home!
A Dirty Air Filter
Your AC unit’s air filter filters all the dust, dirt, and other debris that enters the air. Instead of allowing it to transfer through your unit, the filter catches all this debris and helps keep your home’s air fresh and clean. Your air filter needs to be changed at least every three months.
You might need to change it more regularly if you have pets or like to keep your doors or windows open often. If you wear shoes in your home, then this is another factor that may cause your air filter to be changed sooner.
When you allow your AC unit’s air filter to go too long without switching it out, it can become filled with dirt and dust. All of this built-up dirt and dust will prevent normal airflow into your unit. Because the air’s blocked, your unit won’t work as efficiently.
This can reduce the cooling in your home. A dirty air filter can cause other AC problems as well.
If you notice your unit isn’t cooling your home correctly, then be sure to check the air filter first.
Leaking Refrigerant
Another common reason for cooling issues is leaking refrigerant. A leak can occur in both the inside and outside unit. After checking your air filter, you might want to check the refrigerant levels.
If these levels are off, your unit will have a hard time keeping your home cool. If a leak goes without repair, it can even cause issues with the compressor and the unit as a whole. When you notice the refrigerant levels are incorrect or if you suspect a leak for any other reason, be sure to a professional AC repair service to come and diagnose the problem.
Thermostat Settings
An incorrect thermostat setting might seem obvious, but it’s not always clear. Checking your thermostat to ensure the temperature setting is correct might be a simple solution for your AC troubles. Not only should you check what temperature you have it set on, but you should check out the other settings as well.
Do you have your thermostat set to the “on” option? If so, this can cause your AC unit to run all throughout the day and night. It’ll switch between cool and lukewarm air, but it won’t switch off.
To correct this, place your thermostat in the “auto” setting. This will instruct your AC unit to only blow cool air and switch off in between. One of the last things to check for is the “cool” setting.
Even if you don’t believe you’ve changed the setting from “cool,” it’s still a good idea to check. Sometimes mistakes happen, and you could get lucky with an easy fix.
Too Small of a Unit
Do you have the right size AC unit for the size of your home? If your AC unit is having a hard time cooling your house, then it may be due to its size. The unit could be too small for your home’s cooling needs.
There are several factors that’ll determine the right size unit for your home. Some factors include the square footage of your home, the climate you live in, the home’s insulation, and more. In this situation, it’s best to work with a professional who can tell you if your unit is too small.
If so, you’ll then need to replace the unit with the correct size.
Maintenance Issues
When’s the last time you scheduled routine maintenance for your AC unit? Both your indoor and outdoor units need regular maintenance. You should have a professional service conduct routine maintenance on a regular basis.
You can give them a call to determine how often you should have this done. There are a few things you can do yourself as well. For example, you don’t want to have any objects blocking your indoor unit.
Remove any cleaning supplies, brooms, vacuums, and other items you may currently store in your AC unit’s closet. Then, head outside and remove any debris surrounding your outdoor unit. Leaves, twigs, and other obstructions can cause issues for your unit.
The concrete slab the unit rests on should be even and in good condition also.
Frozen Air Handler
When you remove the air filter, are the coils frozen? When an AC unit freezes, it won’t cool as it should. The first step you take should be to turn the unit off.
Allow it to remain off for about 24 hours. This gives it time to defrost. You can then try turning the unit back on.
If you’re still having the same problem, then you should contact the professionals to further investigate. There are several reasons why your unit may be freezing. A professional will help you determine the exact cause.
Is Your House AC Not Cooling?
Coming home to a hot house is undesirable. Is your house AC not cooling properly? If not, be sure to follow each step listed in this guide above.
Go through each possible reason until you determine what the issue might be. Hopefully, it’s an easy fix. Otherwise, be sure to contact a professional air conditioning service to help correct the problem.
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