Depending on where you live, air conditioning can be a godsend during the summer months. At the same time, however, it can also be a major headache when it stops working properly. If your air conditioning unit is not working as it should, don’t panic! Troubleshooting common home air conditioning problems is a relatively easy process.
The first step is to determine whether the problem is with the outside AC unit itself or with another part of the HVAC system. In many cases, you can identify the problem yourself and even remedy the issue. Let’s take a look at how to troubleshoot common problems with AC units.
Check the air filter.
If your AC unit is not cooling your home as well as it used to, a few things could be causing the problem. The first thing you should do is check the air filter. Your air filter is responsible for catching and trapping dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. If left unchecked, your filter could become dirty and clogged. If the filter is dirty, it will prevent the unit from pulling in an adequate amount of air. As a result, your system will struggle to cool your home properly. Experts recommend that you replace the air filter every three months. Depending on things like the size of your home, the number of people living in the home, and the number of pets you have, you may need to change your air filter more frequently.
Address water leaks.
When an air conditioning unit starts to leak water, it can be a major problem. Not only will the water damage whatever it is leaking on or near, but it can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. If you’re experiencing water leaks from your AC unit, you can do a few things to troubleshoot the problem and hopefully fix it.
The first step is to determine where the water is coming from. There are a few things that could be causing the leak, so it’s important to identify the root of the issue. Once you know where the water is coming from, you can start to address the problem. If the water is coming from the unit itself, it could be because of a clogged drainage pipe or a problem with the AC’s condensation pump. If the water is coming from the outside of the unit, it could be because of a clogged gutter or drainage system.
If you suspect the problem is with the unit itself, you may need to call a professional to help you address the issue. If the problem is being caused by a clogged drainage system, you can try to fix it yourself by cleaning out the tube. No matter what the source of the water leak is, it’s important to address it as soon as possible.
Troubleshoot airflow issues.
If your AC unit is not cooling your home as effectively as it should, there could be an issue with the airflow. You will need to check to see if the unit or air return vent is blocked by any debris or other items. If there is something blocking the unit or vent, clear it away and see if the problem is resolved. If the problem persists, you might need to check your ductwork for any damage or leaks that could interfere with airflow. You’ll also want to be sure that your vents are opened and that your thermostat is working correctly. If you have checked all of these things and the problem persists, it is likely that the AC unit needs to be serviced. Contact a professional to have the unit inspected and repaired.
To ensure your HVAC equipment is working properly, the best thing to do is to invest in an annual maintenance plan to ensure that your system is tuned up regularly. If you do encounter an issue that you can’t troubleshoot yourself, you should call a qualified technician to address the problem.
