Air conditioning is crucial in keeping your home cool during sweltering Canadian summers. Any homeowner’s worst nightmare is coming inside after a long, hot day in the sun only to discover the AC is broken. You may be quick to panic, thinking you’re going to go days without cold air, but there’s no need to worry. When something breaks, there’s a fix. Read on to learn more about three common central air conditioner problems and their solutions so you can get back to feeling cool.
Problem: No Power
One of the most common central air conditioner problems is not being able to turn it on. If you cannot turn on your AC unit at all then this could be caused by a couple of different things. You may have a tripped circuit breaker, your thermostat could be faulty or set incorrectly, or an internal switch on the unit could be turned off. With so many options, it’s best to get an expert’s opinion.
Solution
In this case, a pro will diagnose the root of the problem by investigating all possible causes. The possible solutions are: (1) ensuring the thermostat is set to cool and set at a temperature below the current room temperature, (2) ensuring that all necessary circuit breakers are in the ON position and if needed, resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse to prevent blowing it again, and (3) double-checking that all switches on the AC unit are in the ON position.
Problem: Poor Airflow
When your AC unit isn’t producing constant strong airflow, it is most likely caused by one of two things. Either the unit’s filters are full of dirt or there’s a block in your ductwork.
Solution
The first thing you should do is check your filters. You should be changing your filters regularly, as having clean filters will keep your air clean and system running properly and efficiently. If that does not solve your problem, then you should hire a pro to take a look at your ductwork.
Ducts can be in hard to reach places and without the knowledge and expertise of a pro, you may pass over the problem. A pro will locate, diagnose, and fix the broken ductwork to get your system up and running again. Tip: Be sure to have your ducts professionally cleaned to help prevent blockages in the system that could lead to decreased airflow and dirty air.
Problem: Not Cooling
If your AC unit is running but not adequately cooling your home, your compressor cycle could be worn out or you could need a top-up of coolant. Either way, you will need the help of a pro to get your central air conditioner back in working order.
Solution
Hire a pro to come and take a look at your unit. They will be able to tell if you are just low on coolant and simply refill it for you. Or they will be able to tell if your compressor is malfunctioning, and replace the part for you to get your unit up and running properly. While these may sound like simple solutions, it’s always best to get a trained professional to handle them for you. Should there be a bigger issue with your central air conditioner, a pro will be able to accurately diagnose and fix the problem.
Don’t settle for a poorly running central air conditioner and a warm feeling home. Making an investment in getting a pro’s assistance will only help you in the long run and ensure your home stays cool. If you notice or are experiencing any of these common problems, connect with a pro today to correct them and get your cool home back.
