Solutions To Common AC Problems You May Face
With the summer heat climbing steadily higher, are you finding that your air conditioner isn't working as expected? Are you getting ready to call a repair technician, but you want to make sure that you've tried everything possible first? While most AC repair should be left to the professionals, there are a few easily fixable things that can cause an air conditioner to stop functioning properly. Unfortunately, these things can also be easily overlooked when you're distracted by the rising indoor temperature. Here are a few things to check while waiting for the repair technician:
Thermostat batteries: Many modern thermostats are both wired into the mains and have a battery backup system. These batteries save your temperature information when the power goes out. When the power comes back on, you won't have to reprogram the thermostat to function how you want it to.
Since the batteries are seldom-used, they may last for years in your thermostat. As a result, even if you've owned your home for years, you may have never needed to change the batteries. But when the batteries start to die, the thermostat may start showing error codes or may cease to send signals to the air conditioner.
Instead of needing an AC repair, you'll simply pry gently on the thermostat itself. Part of it should come away from the wall, exposing the batteries within. If the batteries are the only thing wrong, swapping the old ones for fresh ones should make your air conditioner work once again.
Dirty filter: Filter changes are often a monthly occurrence for people. They simply make a mark on the calendar and swap out the filters on that date.
Unfortunately, not all filters are created equal and not all areas have the same levels of pollutants. If there is construction near your house, elevated dust levels may clog your filter faster than the time recommended by the filter manufacturer. Installing a new filter is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to check if AC repair is actually needed.
Dirty air conditioner exterior: If your AC unit is on the ground, it can easily accumulate all sorts of debris. Leaves, twigs, small lizards, spiders, and other things may wind up on or just inside of the unit. If you don't keep your ground unit clean and free of things like this, your air conditioner may not be able to properly vent its excess heat.
By cleaning off the exterior of your unit before winterizing it and after removing the cover for summer, you'll have the best chance of avoiding costly AC repair.
For more advice or assistance with your AC, contact companies like Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc.