We’ve enjoyed a bit of a break from the heat but Summer’s hot weather is back in full force and if you are someone who appreciates a cool home, your air conditioner is going to be running a lot. If your A/C is working well, then staying cool is a breeze. Unfortunately, like everything else, air conditioners can break down and when this happens on a hot day it is miserable. Below are some common reasons why your air conditioner may not be working and how you can remedy the situation.
The Batteries in Your Thermostat are Dead
There may not be any problem with your air conditioner at all it’s a result of dead batteries in your thermostat. This is an easy fix! If your display screen is blank, simply change out the batteries.
* Also, always make sure your thermostat is set to cool. If it’s not, you are either running the heat or just your fan.
Your Indoor Disconnect Switch is Off
Particularly if your switch is located in an attic or the garage, it may have been accidentally bumped and switched off. Always check to make sure this switch is in the “on” position.
Your Outside Disconnect Switch is Off
There is also a switch installed next to your outdoor air conditioner unit. Whether it be due to lawn maintenance or other reasons, this switch may have been turned off. This is an easy item to check and reset if needed.
Do You have a Tripped Circuit Breaker?
Make sure you check your breaker box. Is a breaker tripped? It could be the one that connects to your HVAC system. Reset the breaker and try your air conditioner again. If your breaker continues to trip, it may be due to an overloaded circuit.
Your Dirty Air Filter Needs Changing
Frequent changing of your systems air filter is necessary in order for the equipment to function properly. If filters are not changed often enough, they can become so clogged with dust and gunk that airflow is restricted.
Your Indoor and/or Outdoor Colis are Dirty
If your thermostat is set on cool but the air coming out of your vents is not, a dirty coil may be the problem. Your air conditioner actually has two coils. One in your outdoor unit and one in your indoor unit. If you don’t have regular routine maintenance performed on your HVAC, these coils can become dirty. If they are allowed to accumulate a lot of dirt, the system will not be able to remove heat from your home efficiently. What happens in this case is that air more or less the same temperature, is just recirculated, never reaching the temperature your thermostat is set on.
All of the problems listed above are preventable. The best way to avoid these common problems and many others is to have your Heating and Air system serviced twice a year. Once before the heat cycle and again before the cooling cycle. An inspection and tuneup will identify small problems before they become large and expensive repairs or result in a system replacement.
If your air conditioner is not keeping you cool, give Horne Heating and Air conditioning a call today at (704) 321-4173 or visit the web www.hornehvac.com to schedule an appointment for service with one of our trained technicians.
