Most people take their home’s air conditioning for granted. They assume that when the weather gets hot, their AC unit will just turn on and keep them cool.
But what happens when your AC unit suddenly stops working? You can quickly become uncomfortable and even ill if you don’t take steps to cool down your home.
This article will provide 4 tips to help you get your AC unit up and running again.
Identifying the issue
There could be several reasons why your AC unit is not working properly. It could be something as simple as a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker. Or, it could be something more serious like a Freon leak or a problem with the compressor. If you’re not sure what the problem is, it’s best to call a professional. They will be able to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.
However, when contacting a professional, it’s important to be as specific as possible about the problem. This will help them troubleshoot the issue over the phone and determine if they need to come out to your home. Some of the common air conditioning services that professionals offer are repair, replacement, and maintenance. If you live in North Dakota, you might be eligible for a tax credit for upgrading to an energy-efficient AC unit. Thankfully, there are plenty of reputable AC installation services in North Dakota that can help you with your upgrade. Make sure that the service does AC repair in your area before scheduling an appointment. Local companies are familiar with the climate and will have the necessary parts on hand.
Checking the air filter
One of the most common reasons why AC units stop working is because the air filter is dirty. The air filter helps to remove contaminants from the air, but it can get clogged over time. When this happens, it reduces the airflow and puts strain on the AC unit. As a result, the AC unit has to work harder to cool the air, which can lead to a breakdown.
To clean or replace the air filter, first, you need to locate it. The air filter is usually located in the return duct or near the blower motor. Once you’ve found it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning or replacing it. It’s important to note that some air filters are not meant to be cleaned and must be replaced every few months. This has to be clearly stated on the packaging.
Additionally, you should check the air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed. This will help to prolong the life of your AC unit and prevent breakdowns.
Clearing the area around the AC unit
The AC unit needs to have a clear space around it to work properly. If there are any obstructions, it can reduce the airflow and cause the AC system to overwork itself. Therefore, it’s important to clear away any debris, such as leaves or branches, that may be blocking the AC. You should also make sure that there’s nothing stored on top of the AC unit.
On the other hand, if the AC unit is located in a window, you need to make sure that the area around the unit is clear. This includes removing any curtains or blinds that may be blocking the airflow. Additionally, you should keep the windows closed when the AC unit is running.
Some AC units need to be vented to the outside. If this is the case, make sure that the venting is not blocked.
Checking the thermostat
If your AC unit is not working properly, it could be an issue with the thermostat. First, check to see if the batteries need to be replaced. If the batteries are fine, then you may need to adjust the thermostat settings.
If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure that it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. If you have a manual thermostat, turn it to the “cool” setting and adjust the temperature accordingly.
It’s also important to note that thermostats can become calibrated over time. If this happens, it can cause the AC unit to cycle on and off more frequently than usual. As a result, the AC unit will have to work harder to cool the air, which can lead to a breakdown.
To calibrate the thermostat, you need to first find the “calibration” setting. This is usually located in the menu or settings of the thermostat. Once you’ve found it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating the thermostat.
If your AC unit is not working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. The first thing you should do is call a professional to come and assess the problem. Additionally, you should check the air filter monthly and clean or replace it as needed. This will help to prolong the life of your AC unit and prevent breakdowns.
You should also clear away any debris that may be blocking the AC unit and make sure that there’s nothing stored on top of it.
Finally, if the thermostat is not working properly, you may need to adjust its settings.