3 Questions To Ask Yourself When Your AC Isn't Working
Central air conditioning is a modern amenity that most homeowners can't imagine living without. You rely on your AC system to keep your home's interior nice and cool when outdoor temperatures rise.
The last thing you want to discover is that your AC unit isn't creating the cool air you need and desire. Before you panic, ask yourself a few simple questions to troubleshoot the problem and restore the efficiency of your AC system.
1. Is the Thermostat Working Properly?
A lot of people attribute poor cooling to the AC unit, when the problem could actually be coming from a thermostat. Take a look at your thermostat to ensure it is working properly.
Verify that the temperature setting is correct. If you have a programmable thermostat, check to see if any programs are interfering with the performance of your AC system.
You should also make sure that the thermostat is not exposed to direct sunlight or located near an electronic device that radiates heat. This type of exposure could cause the thermostat to receive a false temperature reading, which can affect your cooling system.
2. Are Your Vents and Registers Clear?
Another simple solution to poor cooling in your home could be dirty or blocked vents and registers. As air moves through the vents and registers, dirt and debris suspended in the air can begin to accumulate on the interior surfaces of your air ducts.
Eventually, the buildup of dirt and debris could interfere with the delivery of cooled air throughout your home. Use a vacuum to clean out your vents and registers often for maximum cooling efficiency.
You can also take the time to check the placement of furniture in your home. A sofa or lounge chair placed over a vent could restrict air flow and cause your home to feel warmer than it should.
3. Is Your Outdoor Condenser Crowded?
The heart of your home's air conditioning system is actually located outdoors. The outdoor compressor is responsible for sucking in air from the surrounding environment and moving this air through the evaporator coils for cooling.
Your condenser can easily become crowded by shrubs or other plants that block the flow of air through the unit. Trim back any foliage in the area to eliminate potential obstructions.
You should also check to see if the condenser is in direct sunlight. Adding a canopy to shade the condenser could improve cooling efficiency over time.
For further questions regarding your air conditioning system and air conditioning repair, reach out to an HVAC specialist near you.
