You can get through this sweltering heat by keeping your home’s air conditioner in good working order. Here are some easy tips on how to troubleshoot your AC unit.
Check Air Filter
If you haven’t done this for a while, it might be time to replace or clean the filter. A dirty filter will cut down airflow and make the AC work harder more often than not, resulting in your AC shutting down sooner than it should. It could also allow dirt and debris into the system, which will cause further damage. It is recommended that you change/clean your air filters at least once every month during heavy usage days (normally on/around the 1st of each month).
Is There Power To The Unit?
Make sure you have power getting to the unit. Some units plug directly into a wall socket; others require a power cord (normally referred to as the “household drop”). If your AC is plugged in but still won’t work, it might be time for an electrical inspection.
Is The Capacitor Working?
Like most appliances, there is usually a capacitor built into it that regulates the flow of power and helps keep things running smoothly. A faulty capacitor can sometimes prevent your AC from working at full capacity or even cause it to shut down without notice automatically. Replacing this part might help regain your unit’s proper functionality if this sounds like the problem you are experiencing with your system.
Is Your Thermostat Working Properly?
If your unit is working properly, but your home’s temperature is still not changing, it might be time to inspect the thermostat. Sometimes the “brain” of these units will go bad and need to be replaced with a new one. Costly, yes, but sometimes necessary to ensure your AC keeps on working at its optimum level.
Is The Compressor Capable Of Cooling Your Home?
If you have just moved into a new place or finished some renovations that have affected how well your air conditioner can cool down your space, then you might want to give this problem some thought. After all, there isn’t much more of an uncomfortable feeling than coming home from work on a hot summer day and trying to feel comfortable in front of your AC unit only to find that it is already struggling to keep the temperature down. If this problem occurs, one simple way to solve it is by adding units (or two) in different parts of the house, such as the living room or kitchen, which will help improve your overall comfort level and save you money on your electric bill.
Is The Unit Leaking Water?
If water is beginning to pool around the exterior of your home’s air conditioner, then something might be wrong and needs fixing (normally a good idea to call a professional for assistance with this). It could also be time for some preventative maintenance which should remedy this issue altogether.
Are You Experiencing Frequent Shutdowns?
If your unit is turning itself off before it should, this could signify several problems. The most common cause of this is lack of maintenance or even filters that are too dirty, which will prevent proper airflow.
Do You Hear Loud Noises?
Loud noises coming from your AC unit can sometimes indicate some serious damage being done to your home’s air conditioner and, in worse cases, could be a sign of something breaking. If you hear loud noises, then give us at Econo Air & Electric a call ASAP for assistance!
Is It Too Hot To Stand By Your Unit?
Another surefire indication that something might be wrong with the compressor inside your home’s air conditioner is when you begin to notice how hot it is near your unit. If this happens, it might be time to give us a call and schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Is The Unit Making Strange Noises?
Other noises wrong with the compressor can sometimes produce strange sounds such as clanging or continuous buzzing sounds. This can indicate internal damage and will eventually lead to something more serious if not repaired correctly.
Are You Experiencing These Issues With Your System?
Not all AC problems that you encounter will cause these specific symptoms, but we wanted to list some common ones here for reference should you experience them at any point.
Does My Air Conditioner Need To Be Repaired Or Replaced?
That’s a tough one because everyone’s situation is different. For example, a situation that requires repair might be one of the most expensive ones. Still, if you need something that will restore your unit’s complete functionality, it will probably save you money in the long run. Something such as thermostat replacement can add some serious value to your home and give your AC unit more power than ever before, so it’s usually worth considering.
Will A Service Call Be This Expensive?
If our technicians decide to do any repairs on site, there won’t be any additional charges, and we will charge an hourly rate for service and diagnosis (please see our price list). If you decide to schedule a replacement of one or more parts on-site rather than pay for a new compressor which might not even be necessary, this will save you a lot of money as well.
What If I Need A New Unit?
In some cases, it’s going to be time to bite the bullet and purchase a new unit for your home. Sometimes you can do this at little or no cost, depending on what type of system warranty you have from the manufacturer (please see our warranty page). If not, we recommend scheduling a free estimate on a brand new unit first before making any final decisions.
How Long Will It Take To Get My New System Installed?
The installation process usually takes around 5 hours on average. Still, our technicians work as quickly as possible to get everyone back up and to run, so there are no additional charges associated with rush installation attempts.
Can My Old AC Unit Be Brought Back To Life?
Sometimes your old home’s air conditioning unit might be going bad, but a professional cleaning or a new part can make it function as good as new again. Remember, though, that every model and brand is different, so only the professionals at Econo Air & Electric have the right training to determine what can bring your system back from the dead.
Do You Service All Types Of Residential Units?
We service all major brands of residential units such as Goodman, Amana, Carrier, Lennox, Daikin, etc. If you have a question about a specific one, then feel free to ask us!
Will Technicians Fix Or Replace Parts On-Site?
We do both depending on what your specific situation requires. For example, your motor might be too damaged to save, whereas the compressor itself is still good. In this case, we will often install an entirely new unit for convenience’s sake, but if for some reason you want to try and get another year or two out of it, then our technicians can usually fix most problems with a part or two.
What Type Of Maintenance Should I Do On My Own Usually?
There really isn’t that much you need to maintain on these units, but one of the most common things people like is to change their filter monthly (and more frequently during peak seasons) because this helps keep the air inside your home pure and clean smelling.
Do I Need To Be Home For The Whole Installation Process?
That really depends on the type of unit you have and how our professionals decide to approach it. Some units are designed for a quick, hassle-free installment process, but others might require some modifications, such as adding a hole or two, which would indicate that we need access inside your home. Please be sure to let us know if you will not be available to adjust our schedule accordingly!
How Much Will A New Unit Cost?
There is no way for us to give an exact price without seeing your home and its HVAC situation first hand. When we provide a quote after assessing your specific needs, it will consider all relevant factors, such as size, warranty situation, ease of installation, etc.
What Parts Will Be Replaced On My Unit?
If we end up replacing any parts on-site, this will be discussed with you first as a matter of course. In some cases, our technicians might fix a part on your unit rather than replace it if the issue isn’t that serious or urgent, so it’s hard to say what will happen until they actually get started.
How Often Should I Replace A Filter On My Home’s Unit?
It really depends on how often you use your air conditioning, but most people change their filters every 30-60 days during peak seasons and perhaps less often during more mild ones. We recommend checking your filter monthly to be safe, and it never hurts to have extra filters on hand before the new ones are needed.
Does My Home Have Other Problems Or Issues?
It’s quite possible that your unit is not currently experiencing any problems or issues, which is why you’re here asking these questions. Still, our goal with every installation is to make sure your home stays cool for as long as possible, so there are no second thoughts about calling us back if anything goes wrong down the line.
Can A Technician Fix Any AC Unit With Their Skillset?
Technical ability varies from person to person, of course, but in some cases, depending on what issue you’re having, then yes, they should be able to help you out with their skillset. Even if they can’t do it on-site, they can at least provide you with a good idea of issue I,s, so you know what needs to be done next.
How Long Does The Installation Process Take?
Again, this depends entirely on your specific unit and how our professionals approach it during their diagnostic process. Once they have a better idea about what’s going on, we can give a more accurate timeline, but don’t worry about it taking too long because we do everything possible to finish the job as soon as possible.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
As an HVAC company working around the clock with residential units, you should always know something else! In most cases, all you need to do is make an appointment and pay a small fee for us to come out and get started, but other times, we might try working with your landlord first.
Written by Mor Air
