Home cooling problems can happen at any time. Probably, you’ve already had to deal with a few minor issues. What do you do when the problem is major? Should you call a professional?
Ignoring air condition repair leads to larger, more expensive problems down the road. Issues shorten an AC’s life and increase your energy bills. You also have to deal with poor indoor air quality, which causes health problems. How do you fix cooling problems?
Change the Filters Regularly
Change the air conditioner's filters every one to three months. A dirty filter restricts airflow and makes the system work harder. As a result, it doesn't cool as effectively and breaks down faster.
When concerned about poor indoor air quality, upgrade to a pleated filter. It captures smaller particles than the standard one. They also last longer, so you don't have to replace them often.
Call a professional when not sure which filter to buy. Also, the unit might have a problem when you have to change the filter more often than the recommended three months.
Clean the Vents and Coils
The vents and coils also need regular cleaning to function well. A professional can clean the coils and ducts as part of a tune-up. You can also do this yourself, but take caution. They're delicate, and it's easy to damage them.
Not cleaning the coils and vents leads to the same problems as a dirty filter- reduced airflow and inefficiency. The system works harder, which means more wear and tear and higher energy bills. You might also experience other problems such as water leaks, strange smells, and noises.
Check the Refrigerant
If your AC blows warm air, it might be low on refrigerant. You can recharge, but this is a temporary solution. The real problem is the leak. A professional has to find and fix the leak before recharging the refrigerant.
Failing to do this means you'll have to recharge it, which is expensive in the long run. It's also harmful to the environment. Common causes of leaks are damaged coils and connections.
Check the Thermostat
Is the thermostat set to the right temperature? The unit will run continuously without adequately cooling the room if it's too low. Conversely, if it's set too high, the AC will turn on and off frequently, leading to a shorter lifespan and increased energy bills. Adjust as needed throughout the day to find what works best for your family.
Remember to also invest in a programmable thermostat so you can automate the temperature. This is especially useful when no one is home during the day, or everyone is asleep at night.
Call a Professional for Regular Maintenance
You should have a professional do a tune-up at least once a year, preferably in the spring. This is before the peak cooling season. The technician will inspect and clean the unit, coils, and vents.
They'll also check for leaks, damage, and other issues. Catching problems early prevents more significant and expensive repairs later on. It also keeps the unit running efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
When to Call a Professional
There are some problems you can fix yourself, but others require the help of a professional. It's best to call for help when in doubt. Doing so prevents more extensive damage and expensive repairs. Some issues that require professional service are:
- Noisy unit
- Strange smells
- Water leaks
- The AC doesn't turn on
- Warm air coming from the unit
- High energy bills
When you take care of your AC and fix any cooling problems, you prevent more extensive issues and expensive repairs down the road. You have more peace of mind and stay comfortable all season long. Always call a professional to help with more significant problems when in doubt.
