Your air conditioner is a complex system of motorized parts, electrical components, refrigerant, fans, and more. If one part is too dirty, out of whack, or has simply gone kaput, your A/C won’t operate efficiently or, perhaps, it won’t work at all. Try these troubleshooting tips before you call your HVAC contractor.
Unit Doesn’t Run
The first component to check if your A/C isn’t running at all is the thermostat. Make sure it hasn’t been turned to HEAT accidentally. Adjust the temperature five degrees below the displayed temperature. If your A/C still doesn’t turn on, look inside the circuit box to see if a breaker has tripped.
Unit Runs but Not Cooling
It can be frustrating and perplexing when your A/C is running but it’s not blowing out cool air from the vents. There may be dirty components or obstructions that are making your A/C work too hard and unable to keep up with the cooling load.
Journey outdoors and take a look at the unit next to your home (i.e. in a split-system A/C). Remove any obstructions to airflow, such as tall grass and debris. If the condenser coil inside the unit doesn’t receive ample airflow, it won’t be able to cool.
The condenser itself could be dirty enough to block heat transfer — especially if you haven’t scheduled professional maintenance this year. Use a can of spray-on foaming cleaner. Let it soak in according to the instructions and spray off with a garden hose. Make sure power is turned off at the thermostat and circuit breaker.
Professional HVAC Help
Professional preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your A/C running efficiently. This saves you energy, reduces system wear, and keeps your San Marcos home comfortable until summer’s end. Moreover, regular service helps prevent expensive and unnecessary malfunctions, which always seem to occur at the hottest and most inopportune times of the year.