Even if it is still a bit chilly where you live, it will soon be getting warmer. And as spring approaches, you need to remember to include checking out your air conditioner to your spring chore list. Because discovering an issue early this year will be far less troubling than waiting until the first hot days of summer. Once the heat hits, it can be tough to suffer through even a day or two with no AC. And in many cases, there are simple solutions to many air conditioner issues that you can handle on your own.
When you turn on your air conditioner, you always expect to hear the fan turn on and then feel that first cold air blowing out of your vents. But if that is not your experience this year, here are a few simple items to check out before you call the pros at Action Air & Plumbing:
- Check The Thermostat- After many months of using the furnace and not the AC, it can be very easy to make an error in setting your thermostat. First, double-check to make sure it is set to air conditioning and not heat. This is an easy fix to stop that hot air that is blowing. And it is one that costs you nothing, so be happy that it was just a simple problem. And if you live in a more mild climate and have not been using your heating, check the batteries in your thermostat before you resign yourself to thinking you have an expensive problem with your AC unit. Over the winter, your thermostat batteries could have easily failed. And you would have no way of knowing it until you try to turn on your air for the first time.
- Replace The Air Filter- If your air conditioner is turning on but not blowing cold air, or is turning off quickly, the issue could be as simple as a dirty air filter. These units are designed to determine when the air filter is too clogged to provide the necessary airflow. When this happens, it will only run a short time and then turn off. This process is a safety feature so that the AC does not become overworked and burn up due to a lack of airflow. Eventually, the air conditioner will not turn on at all. So replace your air filter and then restart the unit to see if you just took care of the issue very cost-effectively.
- Tripper Breaker- If your air conditioner is still not turning on, the next stop is at your electrical panel. You need to check the breaker for your AC unit to make sure that it is not tripped. If the breaker is tripped, reset it and try to turn on the AC again. If you find that the breaker continues to trip, leave the breaker in the off position. Then turn off your AC unit and call us to schedule a visit from one of the pros at Action Air & Plumbing. Never try to force a breaker to reset or replace it. Leave that work to the professionals to avoid a severe injury from an electric shock or worse.
- Duct Issues- If you know that your air conditioner is running, but you don’t feel any cold air coming out of your vents, the issue could be as simple as a clog. Cleaning your air ducts and vents could eliminate the problem and be a very affordable solution for you. Many vacuum cleaners have attachments that are perfect for removing dust and dirt from your ductwork and cleaning your vent screens.
When To Call In The Pros
It is commendable to put in the time to find and fix an air conditioner issue on your own. But some AC problems are beyond the average homeowner’s ability. If you hear loud banging or other odd sounds coming from your AC, it is time to call 806-583-3558. Also, any time you notice a burnt smell, hear crackling sounds or see a leak from your outdoor AC equipment, it is time to entrust your air conditioner to the pros at Action Air & Plumbing for your own safety.
