As temperatures rise, and humidity skyrockets, having a cool space to escape the heat is essential. You don’t want to be caught in the middle of summer with no functioning air conditioning, sweating it out while you wait for repairs. That’s why we here at Brasington Plumbing Heating and Air are providing some home DIY troubleshooting tips that will help you ascertain which part of your cooling system needs attention.
From minor homeowner repairs to revealing when it’s really time for professional intervention, here’s your comprehensive guide to troubleshooting your air conditioning system.
Step 1: Make sure your thermostat is set to your desired temperature with the “fan” functions switched “on”. If you have a smart thermostat, and you pre-programmed previous air conditioning schedules, make sure these are not overriding your current cooling efforts by resetting your thermostat altogether. Once this is complete, head outside.
Step 2: Go to your condenser unit and make sure there are no leaves and debris built-up on, or around, your system. If there is, clear your unit before proceeding. Now, have a listen to your system. Make sure there are no concerning sounds emanating from your unit. If operation sounds normal, and there is warm air coming out of the top of the condenser, your outdoor condenser is not the source of your cooling problem.
If you do hear strange noises coming from your system, or if the air flowing out of your unit is cold, you will likely need a professional HVAC technician to secure any loose parts or replace your fan motor.
Step 3: It’s time to assess your ventilation. Fifteen minutes after you set your desired temperature on your thermostat, your space should begin to cool down. If the temperature of your home successfully drops, then you are good to go! If not, you will need to dig deeper into the source of your inadequate cooling. Check all of your indoor air vents and make sure they are open and unobstructed. If they are, and your cooling is still not sufficient, here’s what to do next:
Your thermostat is the remote control for your entire system. If it is malfunctioning, your air conditioner will not operate as is should. Make sure your thermostat has power. If it runs on batteries, these need to be replaced each season! Once you have determined that your thermostat has an active power supply, check your ventilation again. If cool air is now coming out of your delivery system, the source of your cooling woes has been found!
Still not experiencing cool air, but your thermostat has power? Here’s what you need to try next:
The leading cause of poor airflow in residential homes: air leaks. Cracks in your ductwork or along windows and doors will counteract your cooling efforts and can interfere with the pressure balance within your air conditioning network.
If your vents are all open and uncovered, but your cooling remains insufficient, you may have tears or blockages with your air ducts. Schedule air duct cleaning and maintenance!
If you are getting a powerful air supply, but your air is coming out lukewarm, it’s time to observe your refrigerant line. Check for leaks, tears, or breaches in insulation. Listen for hissing and jingling. If you hear either, your refrigerant line is likely compromised.
Contact your local HVAC company to come and patch your refrigerant line and restore the proper solution levels. This should resolve your cooling debacle!
For air conditioning services, contact Brasington Plumbing, Heating and Air at (803) 632-8011! We are here to help you remain cool and collected all summer long!
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