Air Conditioning Tips For The Inquisitive Homeowner

The season is changing from cooler to warmer temperatures and you want to be sure your air conditioner is working properly. You are interested in contacting local heating and cooling services to find out more from experienced professionals. Before you do, here are a few answers to common homeowner questions regarding air conditioning systems.

What are the signs my air conditioning is not working? This may seem obvious, but if cool air is not coming out of the vents, then you should:

1. Locate your thermostat. If the thermostat display is dark or not displaying any numbers, you should change the batteries.
2. If the display still does not work, you may remove the unit from the wall to make sure the wires are firmly connected.
3. If still no display, then check your fuse box at the electrical panel. Change the fuse if it is blown. If the fuse is good, switch the reset switch that controls the thermostat.
4. Worse case scenario, the thermostat display still does not work, it is time for a new one.

Note: Change the air filter regularly. A filter that is filled with dirt and debris will not allow air to flow into your home.

What about the air conditioner? If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it is a candidate for replacement by a heating and cooling services professional. As an air conditioner ages, it works harder and is less energy efficient. If your heating and cooling utility bills have skyrocketed, especially in the summer, then this is a sign that your air conditioner is working too much overtime and may need to retire. Another sign that replacement is near is if the air conditioner is leaking refrigerant. This could cause the compressor to stop working. Call your local heating and cooling services providers to get an estimate if you think it is time for a new air conditioner. A high efficiency air conditioner may reduce your home cooling costs anywhere from 20 to 50 percent.

My air conditioner “freezes.” This may be caused by too little refrigerant (it has leaked out) or from lack of a flow of air over the evaporator coils. First things first. Turn off your air conditioner if it is frozen. Here are some troubleshooting tips.

• Check the thermostat setting. If it is set at lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, this could be the cause of the freezing up.
• If the air filter is dirty, replace it with a new one.
• If the evaporator coils are dirty, clean them.
• There may be other causes, however, it is best to call an HVAC technician to diagnose the problem. The technician is trained to diagnose and fix all manner air conditioning problems.

Why is my air conditioner leaking water? It’s called condensation. This is normal, however, if there is too much condensation there could be a problem. There could be several reasons for this and, again, it is best to call an HVAC technician.

Changing your air filter is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your air conditioner working properly. A clean filter will enable the air conditioner to work properly. It will also help prevent service calls and add years of life of the air conditioner.

In order to change your air filter, make sure you get the correct size. You can check by taking the filter out and either read the dimensions printed on the border or you can measure it. It’s always good to refer to your air conditioner owner’s manual, for it will give you the proper air filter size. There are a variety of air filter types. Choose the one that best fits your needs. There are washable, fiberglass and even electronic air filters.

You have a basic understanding of your air conditioner and what to look for before you call heating and cooling services in your area for a professional opinion.