Being able to control the properties of air such as temperature and humidity in your home greatly depend upon the extent to which your air conditioning system is working. An air conditioner is a complicated machine with many parts. However, by learning about the basics of your central AC system, you can successfully troubleshoot minor problem. Use the following steps to assist you with this.
Central air conditioners have two main parts: the evaporator and the condenser. The evaporator is situated above the furnace inside the plenum or in the main duct junction. The condenser should be located outside the home on a flat surface such as slab concrete. Locate these two separate components before you start your air conditioning repair.
If your condenser is not running at all, there may be a problem with the power access. Check for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker. These safety devices are located at the main entrance panel or in an independent panel. Replace any blown fuses and reset a tripped circuit breaker. If you have problems doing this, consult with an electrician. Also, check the thermostat. Lower it by 5 degrees. This should prompt the condenser to start. When this fails, try this step again. Other possible solutions should be performed by an AC contractor unless you have the skill to do them.
When your AC system is running but not cooling properly, lower the thermostat by 5 degrees. Wait about ten minutes for your home to start cooling. Try this step again when it does not. After a failed second attempt, clean the condenser and evaporator. The evaporator should be cleaned with a stiff brush. Clean out the underneath the evaporator with bleach. Ensure that the drainage tube is clear so condensation can exit the evaporator. When cleaning the condenser, remove all vines, weeds, grass, and other plants hindering the flow of air. Use a fin comb and commercial cleaner to rid the fins of grime build-up. When these steps fail to correct the problem, it’s a good idea to call an AC contractor.
Performing basic air conditioning repair will help you lengthen the useful life of your system and save on repair costs. By reading the owner’s manual and inspecting your system, you will be a well-informed AC system owner who can fix simple problems to enhance your indoor air quality. For more information about troubleshooting central air conditioning repair, visit Robertsheating.com or Yelp.com.
