When your air conditioning unit breaks down, it can often lead to the owner making a panic call to a professional to fix the issue. But sometimes, the solution is much easier than you might think and can have your air con unit up and running in next to no time. Here are three checks you should make before you call in professional help to get your air conditioner working again.
The Air Conditioner Won’t Switch On
If the unit isn’t even switching on initially, you should first check the outside unit to see if the condenser is running. Make sure that your unit it plugged in and that the thermostat has been correctly set – try lowering it by five or ten degrees to see if that fixes the problem and make sure it’s set to cool. Many thermostats can be problematic, but homeowners can often save themselves from a hefty bill just be taking a glance at the manual and troubleshooting for themselves. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check to see if there is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker that is causing the issue. If there is a problem with the unit after these checks or if the coil is frozen, you may have a problem with the compressor which will require professional help.
The Air Isn’t Being Cooled
If the unit is switched on and the thermostat is set correctly but the system isn’t cooling down, you might have a problem with the air condenser being blocked or in need of a clean. Check the outside unit and clean around it to remove any weeds or debris that might be blocking the circulation of air. Next, check the filters and clean those or replace them – if you have pets or you run the air conditioner on a regular basis, you may find that you need to change the filters more regularly. If you can see through the filter, it’s a good test to know if it’s clean enough.
The Air Conditioner Smells Odd
Sometimes, AC units can give off a weird odour and this can be caused by a number of problems. Firstly, when water collects in the HVAC box, it can lead to a build up of bacteria that causes a sour odour like vinegar. This can leave your whole home smelling less than pleasant. Another issue is that it could be leaking antifreeze, an air filter might need replacing with or cleaning, or an animal may have made its way into the unit. Check if there is any damage to the outside of your unit and check that there are no rodents or animals which have made their way in. Also, check the filter to see if it needs cleaning or replacing and check for any potential leaks.
Weak AC Unit
Have you noticed that the AC isn’t running as strongly as it normally does? The unit is comprised of two main components – an outside unit and an inside unit, which work together to remove heat from your home. However, to do that efficiently, there needs to be unrestricted airflow. Take a look at the outside unit to see if it’s clogged with leaves or dirt, and make sure that bushes or grasses are cut back to keep the air flowing freely.