Here in the Midwest, the temperatures have been rising a lot higher than they have in previous years. Although we appreciate the warm weather in the summers, it is refreshing to know that we have a temperature-controlled area to relax. However, A/C’s are a piece of equipment and are expected to have breakdowns. This is especially true during the hot summers. Luckily Lebanon Heating & Cooling knows that a breakdown or repair is inevitable, so we have provided some regularly asked questions and answers that customers have on maintaining and repairing their home cooling system.
How Do I Know If My AC Needs to be Repaired?
If cool air within your home has stopped, checking your thermostat should be your first priority. To check your thermostat, follow the next steps:
- Change the batteries if there is nothing on the screen of your thermostat.
- After replacing the batteries, if the screen is still blank, you should remove the thermostat from the wall and see if all the wires are connected. A tool called a multimeter can help check the charge.
- In the case that your thermostat is not receiving any power, check your fusebox to see if any fuses have been blown or turned off. If the fuse box hasn’t been blown, find the switch connected to the A/C and rest its connection by turning it off and on.
- If there is power going to your thermostat, but the screen is still blank, find your condenser unit (usually located outside the house) and examine it to ensure no fuse had been tripped or blown.
- If you are still having trouble with your thermostat, it may be time to call a professional at Lebanon Heating & Cooling to help you pick out and replace a thermostat that fits your needs.
What is my thermostat is working correctly, but your AC unit won’t kick on, follow the next steps:
- Turn on the fans to make sure the blower is running correctly.
- Replace the air filters located in your AC unit. When air filters are dirty, they can decrease the airflow within your home. Keep in mind: AC cannot properly do its job if full of dust, dirt, or debris.
- Make sure there are no obstructions in the condensation drain line.
When Must I Replace My AC?
Replacing or even repairing an AC system is a significant investment in your home as well as your well-being. Therefore, before purchasing a new A/C system, consider the following:
- How old is your current AC? The typical lifespan of an AC can run from anywhere between 10 to 15 years, maybe 20 years if you take proper care of it. However, if the AC in your home is showing signs of stopping or it is using more energy than it needs to, you should think about replacing your system.
- Have My Energy Costs Increased? Like any other piece of technology, as it gets older, it begins to diminish its energy. As your AC grows older, they start to try to overcompensate and lack energy efficiency. If you suspect your AC is costing you more than it should be, take a look into your utility bills from the summer’s before and compare. If you are using it the same amount as the summers before and your bills are increasing, you may want to consider purchasing a new AC system.
- I think my refrigerant may be leaking? Not only is the refrigerant AC necessary for it to properly function, but it is also expensive. Additionally, it can also be a danger to the many parts inside and outside of your unit. If you see a liquid leaking out of your AC, you should contact an expert at Lebanon Heating & Cooling to come out and fix the leak as soon as possible.
Why Does My AC Keep Freezing Up?
Some of the most common reasons for an Air Conditioner to freeze up can be shortness of airflow connected to the evaporator coils and the loss of refrigerant. If you suspect your AC is freezing up, the most vital thing to do first is turn off the entire system. If your AC is still running, but you think that it may be on the brink of freezing out, you can check your AC equipment by:
- Checking the temperature settings on your thermostat. If the thermostat in your home is at 70 degrees or lower, this could cause your AC to freeze up.
- Make sure your AC has adequate levels of refrigerant. If it is low, there could be a bigger problem inside you. If the levels are low, we suggest contacting a professional at Lebanon Heating & Cooling to set an appointment for an inspection.
- Check to see if the air filters are dirty. When an air filter is full of dirt and debris, it cannot do its intended job. Our experts recommend changing your filter at least once every 3 months. However, if you have multiple pets or burn candles, we suggest replacing the filter every 30 days.
- Locate all of your vents and verify that they are not blocked or dirty. In order to have sufficient airflow coming to your coils, all vents must be open.
- Examine the evaporator coils. Issues will inevitably happen if the coils are dirty or full of debris.
- Check the fans. The fans have a vital job when it comes to your AC system. It is responsible for circulating the cool air throughout your home.
Do you have more questions that need answers?
If so, call Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
