An air conditioning service contract should not stop homeowners from learning troubleshooting tips for common air conditioning problems. Even with a reliable AC maintenance service, it possible to be failed by a provider when you are in dire need of professional air conditioning troubleshooting. Well-maintained air conditioning systems will function appropriately with minimal unexpected flaws.
Often homeowners will reach out to their AC maintenance service provider when faced with heating and cooling issues hoping for a rapid response. Unfortunately, quick responses and services are not always available. People need to learn some basic tactics on how to manage their air conditioning systems without entirely depending on professional AC support.
Some defects in air conditioners can be managed without a specific set of skills. This guide is meant to equip homeowners with the right knowledge that will help them during challenging moments when faced with heating and cooling issues. The discussed guidelines should not be used to replace the scheduled air conditioning maintenance programs. But it should be an alternative to resolve home cooling and heating complications in a prompter way.
Homeowners should never use this guide with intentions to save the cost associated with air conditioning professional service. Instead, their aim should be to avoid wasting time on snags that they can handle with basic knowledge. Here are simple air conditioning troubleshooting tips that homeowners must know:
Inadequate Air Flow in the AC System
A dirty air filter can hinder the flow of air, causing the malfunctioning of the air conditioning unit. Modern air conditioners are very delicate, and slight dirt on the filters can result in huge complications. Homeowners must check the filters to be sure they are clean. If there is a need for replacement, this must be reported to the maintenance service company. Future issues must be addressed through proper dust management and regular cleaning of air conditioning filters.
Sometimes water can accumulate in air conditioning units, causing challenges in airflow. Homeowners must assess their units for possible ice accumulation. An ice build-up is easy to spot on external units and can be managed with minimal effort. While it is hard to spot water accumulation in the inner units, hand examining will help address issues of coldness.
AC Is Not Cooling
When the air conditioner fails to cool the air as expected, homeowners should check the furnace. They should set the regulator to AC mode and reduce the temperature. This should get the furnace fan running. Additionally, they should reset the circuit breaker on their furnace. If this does not activate the furnace to start operating, professional help should be considered.
A homeowner should also verify the temperature settings on the controller for any erroneous set-ups. If the unit settings are turned off or set to heating mode, they should adjust the thermostat to cooling mode.
If the AC is still not cooling, they should reset the main air conditioning breaker. Ensure the outdoor condensing components and air handlers are functioning appropriately. Also, ensure that the outdoor condensing unit is not covered with ice. Reset the system by disconnecting the AC breaker from the main HVAC box and engaging it after an hour. Professional help should be considered if no improvements are recorded.
Overflow in the Drain Pan
Clogs can be a huge hindrance to the performance of the drain pan. Homeowners should check if exhaust pipes are blocked. If there are signs of clogs, the system should be turned off. It is advisable to hire a professional in such an instance to troubleshoot your system.
Interchangeable Failure of Fans and Compressors
Cooling professionals can handle compressor complications better than you. However, if the compressor starts but the condenser does not turn on, it could be a problem with the fan motor. These repairs should be left to a competent professional.
Thermostat Programming
Setting the air conditioning system is not that challenging. An average homeowner should be able to program a thermostat properly. Heating and cooling needs vary every season. That is why homeowners should regularly assess their thermostat settings and reset accordingly. Before they conclude that the AC is faulty, they should first check their thermostat settings and adjust to match the current heating or cooling demands.
Thermostat Battery Not Working
Homeowners should not rely on a professional AC service provider to change thermostat batteries. A failure of the AC unit can be due to dead thermostat batteries. No communication will happen in the air conditioning system if the thermostat is not powered.
Homeowners must regularly confirm if the batteries are functioning and change them when necessary.
AC Air Handler Not Running
This can be a power failure issue. Checking and fixing the circuit breaker and all other controls can help resolve the issue. If not, the problem could be the furnace cabinet. Check if it is open and have it closed. This will complete the circuit, and the air handler will start running.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Tripping of circuit breakers is usual. In the case of AC failures, homeowners should check the circuit breaker. If it is not connected, they should be able to reconnect it.
AC Air Is Not Cold as Required
If AC blows warm or hot air, the issue is not the blower motor or thermostat. This is a sign of a malfunctioning of the refrigeration system, which can be triggered by dirty filters. For optimal efficiency, homeowners should clean their AC filters regularly.
Air Vents Issues
Homeowners can assess AC air vents without an expert’s help. They should examine the vents and air ducts for possible clogs. Often dirt tends to be trapped in these areas hindering the proper flow of air. Simple cleaning of the vents will relieve a homeowner of the distress of having to deal with heating and cooling complications.
Homeowners can do many things to combat common air conditioning problems facing them. Some situations may demand professional intervention. Before a homeowner contacts an HVAC expert, they should assess the situation and fix what is within their capability. Waiting for professional help may mean more days with a failed air conditioning system. The troubleshooting tips discussed above can revive a malfunctioning air conditioner and get it up and running.