Steps to take when your air conditioner is causing problems

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Steps to Take When Your Air Conditioner is Causing Problems

Is your air conditioner acting up? AC issues can make you agitated, especially if they occur in the middle of the summer when the temperature is at its peak. During this season, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you and your family comfortable, so it is understandable that you would want to address the AC problems as soon as possible. But before calling in a pro, keep your cool and try these troubleshooting tips to fix your AC: 1. Your air conditioner isn’t blowing cool air A delightful, warm breeze is pleasant—until it comes from your air conditioner. If this occurs, drop the temperature by five degrees and watch if the air cools. If that doesn’t work, one of the following could be the possible reasons:   

Clogged air filter Dirty evaporator Insufficient refrigerant levels

Ensure that the evaporator is in good working order and either clean or replace it based on the inspection. Depending on the temperature, pets in the house etc, change the air filter every month or two. Have a professional inspect your unit before adding the refrigerant, to ensure it is not leaking. 2. AC is not blowing air at all This AC problem might manifest in two ways. You could either hear your unit running, and no air is being pushed through the ducts or the air is passing through, but it is not cool. One of the following would most likely be the reason:   

Circuit breaker has tripped Blower belt has worn out Insufficient refrigerant levels

Inadequate airflow can be caused by something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker, so check your fuse box first. If the problem isn’t with your fuse box, you should let a technician


evaluate your system to determine if there are any internal issues. They’ll be able to tell if the belt is worn out or there is any refrigerant leakage. 3. Your air conditioner is frequently turning on and off The process is known as short-cycling, and it occurs when your AC has a dirty air filter or a jammed condenser unit or evaporator. Short-cycling can significantly harm your compressor. In the worst-case scenario, it most likely happens because your air conditioner is too strong for your home and has trouble determining when to switch on and off. If the issue is a clogged condenser unit or a dirty air filter, thoroughly cleaning your system will solve the problem. If these adjustments don’t work, call a technician to examine your home’s cooling demands, and ensure you have the right AC capacity for your room. 4. AC Leakage Your AC could either be leaking water or the refrigerant itself. Condensation on the outside of the ac unit is quite normal, but bright coloured stains around the unit or water leaking into your home signifies a more serious problem. If this is the case with your split AC, then you should immediately turn the unit off and request for a technician. A refrigerant leak, whether R-410 or R-22, might harm your compressor, which is an expensive component to replace. So, it is advisable to have it checked without wasting any time. Regular maintenance of your air conditioner will help you avoid most of the potential AC problems that may otherwise turn out to be devastating. Furthermore, it is important to seek expert assistance every couple of months if using DIY fixes aren’t helping. Image Source: cielowigle.com


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