Is the home air conditioning system not working? When struggling with the AC, sometimes the first instinct is to pick up the phone and contact the local HVAC technician. However, certain AC issues are a lot easier to solve than imagined. Air-Rite Heating & Cooling cares about saving home owners’ time and money.
That’s why the company is providing residents with a basic air conditioning troubleshooting guide that details common AC problems and the solutions needed to get their home back to its optimum comfort level.
Key tips on troubleshooting A/C system
Never settle for hefty HVAC bills that only needed a simple fix, as Air-Rite Heating & Cooling has home owners covered. Please note that if these solutions don’t solve the air conditioning problems, contact Air-Rite Heating & Cooling right away! Troubleshooting the home’s air conditioning unit may seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple.
Listed below is a detailed look on Air-Rite Heating & Cooling’s air conditioning troubleshooting guide.
- How to Fix Common AC (HVAC) Problems?
Thermostat Settings
The first thing home owners should always check, when experiencing air conditioning problems, is the thermostat. From basic models to the most sophisticated programmable versions, these devices can be set to automatically change temperatures throughout the day for higher efficiency and better comfort.
Here is how to know if the thermostat might be broken:
- Inconsistent airflow: Lukewarm air blows from the registers at times while cold air blows at other times.
- Higher than an expected temperature reading on the thermostat.
- No air blowing from the registers.
Here’s what to check, when examining the thermostat setting:
- Although a given, check the temperature setting to ensure that somebody else hasn’t changed it to a higher setting.
- Is the thermostat set for heating instead of cooling the air? If this is the case, simply re-adjust the thermostat to cool, or change the setting to auto so it will automatically change between cooling and heating as temperatures change.
- Is the fan set on ‘auto’, ‘on’, or ‘off’ mode? If the setting is ‘on’, the fan will run constantly, even when the system isn’t cooling the air. This may result in warmer air blowing from the registers when the AC unit isn’t operating. Change the fan setting to ‘auto’, as this will resolve the issue by turning off the blower when the system is not actively cooling. If it’s set to ‘off’, simply select ‘on’ or ‘auto’.
- If there is a programmable thermostat, check the ‘comfort schedule’ for any issues, and make sure that the programmed settings match the times and temperatures expected, when residents are at home, away, and asleep.
If the AC is still not working, in spite of making these adjustments, contact Air-Rite Heating & Cooling and they will provide the perfect solution, in right away.
Dirty air filters
Dirty filters are one of the most common reasons that an AC may not work to the best ability
Dirty filters are one of the most common reasons that an AC may not work to the best ability. For residents having AC problems, check for dirty air filters. Most air conditioning systems include an indoor air handler unit. This is usually a furnace or fan coil.
Air filters keep the air running smoothly, by trapping dust, dirt, debris, and other airborne contaminants. That’s why filter maintenance is critical to keep the air conditioning unit in pristine condition. When filters are not cleaned or replaced, this will clog the filter and hinder proper airflow.
Common symptoms of Air Conditioning Not Working include:
- Warmer-than-usual air temperature.
- Weak airflow from your cooling registers.
- AC runs for short periods of time before shutting down and restarting (also known as short cycling).
Check for thermostat and temperature settings
Before checking your air filter, be sure the thermostat is set for cooling and that the temperature setting is correct. If it’s set correctly and the air is still not working, check the air filter manual, in order to determine how to remove, clean, and/or replace the air filter.
Typically, most filters are situated in the furnace cabinet or outside the furnace between the cabinet and the return air duct. If the air conditioning unit is still not working, in spite of cleaning or replacing the air filter, contact Air-Rite Heating & Cooling for immediate assistance.
Low refrigerant level
The refrigerant in the air conditioner system helps to cool the home. This is done when the refrigerant pulls heat from the home and deposits it outside, leaving the indoor air cooler, less humid, and more comfortable. If the system’s refrigerant levels are low, residents may experience the following symptoms:
- House not staying cool enough.
- System running continuously or for longer than normal cycles.
- AC turning on, then off quickly, several times in a row (also known as short cycling).
With refrigerant, do not attempt to troubleshoot the issue. If the thermostat settings are correct and the air filter is clean, residents may be experiencing a leak or other issues, related to the refrigerant. If home owners suspect low refrigerant levels, contact the local HVAC technician for help.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
For homes with a split-system central air conditioner, the evaporator is a part of the air handler unit that’s typically situated in the home or garage. However, if the indoor unit is a furnace, the coil is located where the outgoing air flows. If it’s a fan coil, the evaporator coil is situated inside the fan coil cabinet.
Common signs of a frozen evaporator coil include:
- Little to no cooling,
- Unusually high utility bills,
- Excessive condensate drainage near your indoor unit,
- Frost or ice forms on copper refrigerant lines that come from your evaporator coil cabinet, and
- Frost forms on exterior refrigerant tubing or the outdoor unit.
Evaporator coils should be handled by professionals
Frozen evaporator can be the result of a lot of issues, usually pertaining to an excessive buildup of dust, dirt
Frozen evaporator can be the result of a lot of issues, usually pertaining to an excessive buildup of dust, dirt, and other pollutants on the evaporator coil, air filter, or the outdoor condensing unit.
Sometimes, it may be due to low refrigerant levels. Whatever the case may be, evaporator coils are not an easily accessible device, and therefore, must be always be handled by professional technicians. Residents should never attempt to troubleshoot a frozen evaporator coil.
Faulty or Broken Condensing Unit
Typically condensing units sit outside of the home and include the condenser fan, the compressor, and its electronic controls. In case of a broken or faulty condensing unit, residents may experience the following:
- Condensing unit won’t turn on
- Also known as short cycling, the unit may turn off and on swiftly
- Little to no cooling coming from the unit
- The unit runs continuously for long periods of time
Condensing unit issues
For homes with a faulty condensing unit, residents may have an excessively dirty coil or refrigerant leakage
For homes with a faulty condensing unit, residents may have an excessively dirty coil or refrigerant leakage. Other potential causes could be shrubbery interfering with the unit. Residents should make sure that all shrubbery and plants are at least one foot away from the unit, in order to keep clear.
Other condensing unit issues include a faulty run capacitor, a failing condenser fan motor, or a faulty compressor. If this is the case, home owners will need to contact an HVAC professional. Never attempt to troubleshoot electrical errors, such as the condensing unit.
Air-Rite, globally renowned provider of HVAC Services
With over 60 years of dependable and reliable HVAC services, Air-Rite Heating & Cooling is a team that home owners can trust. They maintain the highest standard of customer service with true workmanship, efficiency, and quality work. For those experiencing air conditioning issues, contact the Air-Rite team right away and get the best-in-class service that they deserve.
The company performs exceptional HVAC installation, Air conditioning maintenance, and ac repair across The Greater Chicago land area including Burr Ridge, Wheaton, Huntley, Aurora, Vernon Hills, Naperville, and more, in the United States of America.
