Having healthy central air conditioning is extremely important to live through the glaring summer. The hot and humid environment inside the home can make your stay uncomfortable and unbearable. To keep your central air conditioning system running strong, be certain to ask experts so that have a chance to see the system and the issues it suffers.
Summer is an amazing season, but also not loved by many. The hot and humid summer often makes staying at home unbearable. The glaring sun outside may not directly impact the indoors, but nonetheless, the effect is felt indoors as well. Besides, many do not want to undergo the painful sweat-inducing summer experience. To get relief from the glaring summer, many homeowners tend to have central air conditioning in their homes.
However, the trouble comes when the system begins to act up. Now, there is nothing to worry about so long as the issues are repairable. No wonder simple maintenance can go a long way towards keeping your system running efficiently. To prevent high repair costs, it would be best to seek professional assistance.
With the complex ductwork, the working mechanism of a central air conditioning unit is totally different. Hence, when it shows signs of trouble, make sure you are asking for professional help.
Let’s check out the common signs of central air conditioning failure:
- Condenser Doesn’t Turn On:
- Due to overwork, the outdoor condenser could be in distress. So, what you need to do is to check if the AC unit is receiving proper power or not.
- Check the breaker or fuse box if the unit isn’t receiving any power.
- Check if the unit is plugged in. Don’t forget to check if the thermostat has batteries.
- If it’s your air conditioner, lower the temperature by around 5 degrees to see if it turns on. If it’s the heater, check if it turns on by raising the temperature to 5 degrees.
- If the problems continue, it’s likely to have an issue with a faulty motor or bad compressor. If it is found that the issue has nothing to do with the thermostat or power source, contact a professional to investigate further.
Air Isn’t Cold Enough
If the temperature in your home isn’t as low as you want it to be, check the thermostat first. Is it set to the right temperature? Did someone reset the programmable thermostat? Is it low on battery? Is it receiving “ghost readings” from sunlight or another heat source?
Sometimes, it could be that the temperature in the home is not as low as you want it to be. In such a case, do check the thermostat first. Is it set to the right temperature? Did someone reset the programmable thermostat?
If you are not confident to handle all of these, then contact a professional. Sometimes, the air conditioner happens to blow warm air. If it happens with your unit, it’s likely that you have a refrigerant leak that needs to be repaired and recharged.
Low/Weak Airflow
Sometimes, you may notice your air conditioner is barely producing a good amount of airflow. In such cases, these DIY fixes can rescue you.
- Replace the air filter. A dirty, clogged air filter can prevent airflow and cause many problems.
- Open all vents and registers. Go around the home and make sure no vents are being blocked. This will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of air duct leaks.
- Seal air duct leaks with mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape.
If the problems still persist, it’s preferable to have professional assistance.
Loud/Strange Noises
Almost 70 percent of people complain about the noise. So, the strange noise is no longer strange. It’s a plain warning that you need to contact a local HVAC expert to take a look. In most cases, the unit produces a kind of buzzing sound. You may also hear hissing, squealing, rattling, or humming sounds. These sounds generally occur due to damage to slipping belts or loose components. If you are hearing these sounds, better turn your air conditioner off until a professional has had a chance to take a look.
Rising Electric Bill
One of the most common signs of air conditioning failure is an increase in electrical bills. A faulty system can cause your electric bill to increase. Problems in electric wiring, insufficient insulation, and other issues can cause electric leakage. Call-out an expert for an immediate inspection.
Freon and Condensate Leaks
Moisture can be troublesome for the HVAC system. When it comes to central air conditioning, the two major headaches are refrigerant leaks and condensate leaks.
How to Prevent Air Conditioner Failure
It would be a mistake to consider these DIY methods as simple do-it-yourself jobs. On the contrary, in some cases, the lack of experience and know-how can lead to major complications. Apparently, these problems might seem easy to fix, and they are provided you with the right tools and techniques in hand. With that being said, these issues might just be a prelude to bigger problems.
Remember, no electronic system is exempt from having issues after some time. So, no matter which brand of air conditioning you have, you will most likely notice issues. Don’t be lazy about them. Make sure that you are calling in experts for central air conditioning repair in Brooklyn and Staten Island at the earliest.
Author – Simone Arnica over 35 years, experienced HVAC expert from Arnica Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Also a writer with years of experience writing on various topics regarding HVAC services. His recent article is a good read on when should experts be consulted for central air conditioning repair in Staten Island.