Over 90% of households in the U.S. have air conditioning. Air conditioning can offer many benefits and can be lifesaving when temperatures begin to climb. But what happens when your AC stops working correctly?
The air conditioning issue may gradually worsen, which means you might not recognize there is a problem immediately. Or, as Vancouver, WA, temperatures start to rise, your air conditioning might not be able to take the heat and stop working when you need it most.
Before starting an AC repair, it is time to do some air conditioner troubleshooting. Read on for some steps to take before you call an HVAC repair service.
Check the Air Filters
Dirty air filters can cause various AC issues, including restricting airflow and not blowing any cold air. Your AC unit will lose its ability to cool your home efficiently.
If the filters are dirty, or you have exceeded how often your unit needs to change filters, it is time to call an AC repair service for a filter clean or change. Filters usually need to be changed every three to twelve months.
Examine the Thermostat
The thermostat is responsible for the temperature of your AC unit, so check the settings. You might need to examine any settings or switch your AC unit to auto to see if that helps it blow cool air. If your thermostat is not responding, call an air conditioning and heating repair service.
Consider Refrigerant Issues
If your thermostat appears to be on the right setting and your air filters are clean, it could be that your refrigerant levels are low. A common sign of this is if your AC unit is switching on and off, running continuously, or your house is not cool enough.
It could be that you have low refrigerant levels of a leak, which is the same if your ductless heat pump does not blow hot air in an HVAC system. You need to call HVAC repair to check this, as there are many risks of dealing with refrigerants if you do not have the right tools or experience.
Listen for Sounds
If your air conditioning unit is not blowing cool air, and you can hear peculiar noises from your unit, it could be an issue with the evaporator coil. It could be frozen due to low refrigerant levels, moldy due to moisture, or worn out. Be sure to have your evaporator coils checked if you suspect this is the problem.
Time for AC Repair
These air conditioner troubleshooting steps can help you determine your AC issue. However, it is best to call a professional HVAC repair company to assist you in fixing the issue. They have the tools, experience, and training to identify problems and repairs.
Trying to fix AC issues yourself can lead to more costly consequences. So, if you suspect you have an AC issue, such as the unit turning on but not cooling, call a professional AC repair service.
MetFab Heating & Cooling has been Clark County’s premier HVAC specialist since 1981. We offer HVAC installation and repair. Contact us today to get started.