Introduction – How to Fix Your A/C
Are you sweating it out this summer because your air conditioner isn’t working properly?
Do you have to turn on the fan as well as the AC to stay cool?
These problems, and many others like them, are all too common. But don’t worry – we’ve got solutions for all of them! Even the most reliable units can break down from time to time.
Many of the issues you might experience with your air conditioning system are fairly simple to diagnose and fix.
Here are 10 easy steps that will help you repair your unit and get it back up and running in no time. If some of these tips don’t work for you, keep reading till you find a solution that does.
Check Your Filter
The first thing you want to check if your AC isn’t blowing cold air is the filter. Dirty filters can significantly reduce the airflow through your system, which means that your AC has to work harder to keep you cool.
The longer that filters are neglected, the more gunk will build up on them, which will reduce your airflow even more. You can check the filter and clean it if it needs it. If you find that you need a new filter, change it as soon as you can. If you let it get too dirty, it could completely plug up your system. The type of filter that you need will depend on the size and make of your AC unit.
Use the filter that came with your unit as a guide to find the right filter for your system.
Check Your Ductwork
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should check your ductwork. Whether you have central air or window AC units, dirty and clogged ductwork can reduce the amount of cooling power in your system by up to 50 percent.
When ducts are dirty, they restrict the free flow of air, which can reduce the cooling efficiency of your AC. If a duct is completely clogged, you may see reduced or no airflow at all.
Inspect the ducts for any clogs or debris, such as leaves, insects, or even pieces of ductwork that have become dislodged. Remove clogs from your ducts by using a duct cleaning brush or duct cleaning vacuum.
Change Your Air Filters
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should change your air filters. Dirty or clogged filters can significantly reduce the amount of airflow through your system, causing your AC to work harder to keep you cool.
If you have central air, you can check your air filters frequently to make sure they’re clean. If you have window units, check the filters at least once a year. If your filters look dirty, change them.
If you have a multi-room AC unit, check your filters to ensure they’re all the same. If they’re not, they might not be working correctly.
Turn Off Your Condenser
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should turn off your condenser. If your condenser isn’t running, it could be causing your AC to overheat. When your AC unit is running, the condenser is what brings heat out of your home.
If it’s not running, it can cause your AC to overheat and break down. Turning off your condenser is easy: all you have to do is switch off the circuit breaker that powers it.
Fix a Blown Fuse
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should check your fuse. If the fuse that powers your AC has blown, it could be because the circuit is overloaded, or that your AC is drawing too much power.
To fix the problem, you’ll first want to make sure that the fuse is actually the issue. You can do this by turning off every electrical device in your house except for the AC and seeing if the fuse is still blown.
If you find that the fuse is blown and that you don’t know how to fix it, you’ll want to call a professional.
Fix a Broken Or Sticky Switch
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should check the temperature switch. The temperature switch is what tells the rest of the AC system when to turn on and off.
If the temperature switch is broken or sticky, it might not be switching on and off when it should. If the temperature switch is broken, you can replace it.
Be sure to buy a unit that’s compatible with your particular make and model.
Fix Airedale Problems
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should check the air direction. If the air direction is broken or otherwise faulty, it might not be blowing in the right direction.
If you have central air, check the air directly with the unit’s control panel. If you have window units, inspect the air direction switch. If the switch is broken or stuck, you’ll want to open the unit and repair it.
Fix Leaks in Condenser or Ductwork
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should look for leaks in your ductwork or condenser. Leaks in these systems can cause your AC to overheat and break down.
To check for leaks, you’ll want to keep an eye on your AC unit while it’s running. If you see a puddle near your AC, you have a leak. To repair leaks, you’ll either need to clean out the debris in your ductwork or call a professional to take a look at your condenser.
Repair Coils
If your AC still isn’t blowing cold air, you should check the coils. The coils are the part of your AC unit that changes liquid refrigerant into a gas, which cools your home as it evaporates back into liquid. If your coils aren’t working properly, your AC won’t be able to cool you off.
To check the coils, open the unit and look at the coils. If they’re covered in dirt or debris, you’ll need to clean them. If they’re completely clogged, you’ll need to replace them.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing problems with your AC unit, don’t panic. There are many common issues that can be easily fixed with a little troubleshooting and upkeep.
Check your filters, change your air filters, and clean the ductwork to prevent problems in the future. If you have an AC emergency and don’t know what to do, call an HVAC professional.
They can help you fix your AC so you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long. And remember: ACs are like people: they need regular maintenance to stay healthy and last as long as possible.
