Air conditioning problems can be a real annoyance on a hot Southeast Texas summer day, but many are easy to solve yourself. For those that require professional care, a little troubleshooting helps you better explain the problem to your technician.
Common Air Conditioning Problems
- The condenser isn’t running – Simple power loss may be the problem here. Make sure the unit’s power cord is plugged in or the power switch is on, then check your home’s electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. A high thermostat setting can also prevent the unit from turning on. Raise your thermostat setting by five degrees and wait a minute for the A/C to start up. If your condenser still doesn’t kick on, you may have a motor or compressor issue that requires professional service.
- The system cycles frequently – If your A/C turns on and off frequently, the problem is likely to be impaired airflow caused by debris buildup. Make sure the air filter is clean, and clean both your outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coils. If your system is already clean, the issue may be a faulty thermostat, low refrigerant or something related to other more serious air conditioning problems.
- Cooling is inadequate – Just lowering the thermostat five degrees may be enough to solve this problem. If not, consider cleaning the evaporator coil. Dust buildup on this coil acts as insulation and prevents the coil from effectively cooling and dehumidifying.
- No cool air is produced – Because impaired airflow can cause this problem, start by clearing the outdoor condenser of any leaves or other debris. Then use a gentle stream of water from a garden hose to rinse the unit. If your condenser is clean, you may be dealing with a malfunctioning compressor or low refrigerant.
To minimize the need for repairs, remember to schedule an A/C tuneup at the start of every cooling season.
For air conditioning problems that require professional service or for tips on lowering your cooling bills, contact Bradbury Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team of highly-qualified HVAC experts are proud to serve Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Shenandoah, Spring, Tomball and surrounding areas.
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