Most homeowners are very much accustomed to living in air-conditioned comfort. And when that climate-controlled cool air is missing, it can throw your whole routine off. It is hard to sleep, get chores done, or even relax in a house that is too hot. But what many homeowners are not aware of is that many issues can be diagnosed on your own, and you can even repair some of them. This guide will help you determine what is wrong with your AC unit and if there is anything that you can do to get your home back to a more comfortable temperature.
Where To Begin
- Make sure that the thermostat is set correctly. You might think the unit is not working. But the problem is only in the programming of a new thermostat or something that you forgot from the previous summer. Most thermostat instruction manuals and quick programming guides can be found online to verify your settings. The solution could also be as simple as bumping the switch that turned on your furnace and turned off your AC. Double-check all of these things before you get upset and think that you are facing an expensive service call or, even worse, the cost of a new AC unit.
- Does Your thermostat use batteries, or is it hard wired? If yours uses batteries, replace them to rule them out as the cause of your discomfort and worry. An analog unit with no digital display might look like it is working. But it will not be communicating with the AC unit unless the batteries are providing the necessary power. This could be a fast and affordable solution to your cool air concerns.
- Replace the AC air filter. If the air filter is too dirty and clogged, the air will not circulate properly. And the result could be that your AC has turned off due to an air circulation default setting. Newer air conditioning systems are far more sensitive to clogged air filters than older models. And they have much more sensitive fail safe settings that turn off the unit when there is not enough airflow.
- Check the circuit breaker. A storm, power surge, or lightning could have tripped the breaker to your air conditioner. Be sure that the breaker is not tripped.
- Check the air vents. Newer AC units have many more fail-safes built in that will shut the system off to prevent damage or destruction due to lack of airflow. If the vents are blocked or clogged, the system could have turned off. A simple cleaning could be the solution you are looking for to get the system back up and running.
Knowing When To Call In A Professional
If you have checked all of the items listed above and your AC is still not functioning, it is time to call in the professionals to evaluate the problem. Several other situations could occur that will also need the help of an HVAC pro to correct. If you notice any of the following, you can skip the DIY inspections and call in a pro right away. In these cases, fast action is the best way to avoid extensive damage to your air conditioner and a costly repair.
- Strange noises are coming from the AC unit. If you hear banging, rattling, or severe vibrations coming from the AC system, there is something seriously wrong. A broken or loose part is moving around. It will damage the internal components if you do not get it fixed by an HVAC pro immediately.
- Issues with the outdoor unit. It is perfectly acceptable to change filters and batteries on the indoor components. But you should never attempt to open or service the outdoor part of your AC system. This apparatus is very complicated. Trying to fix it could result in severe damage to the AC, void the unit’s warranty, or cause injury to yourself.
The best course of action is for you to turn off the AC unit and call (318) 202-9144 for assistance. The Gordon AC & Plumbing team offers 24/7 emergency service, so you never need to worry about facing several days suffering in the heat with no functional air conditioning.
