It’s been another hot summer in Odessa and Midland, and you’re counting on your air conditioner to keep you cool! You can tell that the fan is running, but for some reason, the temperature in your home is rising! Something’s obviously wrong! In this post, we’ll explore some of the things that could cause your HVAC to quit cooling as it should, and how you can fix it.
FIND THE PROBLEM
The first thing you need to do is identify the issue. To do that, you must first make sure that all the external conditions are correct so you know your unit really is broken. That way, if there really is a problem, you’ll know it! Make sure all the windows and doors leading to the outside are closed and sealed tightly. If hot air is getting in from the outside, it’ll make your unit work harder to try to keep your home cool. You should also make sure your thermostat is set to COOL!
SOMETHING’S WRONG
An A/C with a working fan but a broken cooling component can sometimes be tricky to identify. That’s because if you put your hand in front of the vent the moving air may “feel” cold even if it isn’t chilled as it should be. Think about a regular box fan – it still helps cool the room by getting the air moving, but it doesn’t do anything to actually condition the air.
When you put your hand by the vent, the air should actually feel chilled! It should be obvious that the cooling component is working. If it’s not, here are some potential reasons why:
- Low refrigerant
- Frozen unit
- Thermostat settings
- Breaker box blown
- Compressor
- Faulty wiring
It’s less tricky to figure out something’s wrong when the unit won’t turn on at all. If that’s the case, here are a few things you can do to try to fix it:
- Clean or change the filter
- Check coils for ice
- Clean the drain hose and pan
- Clean debris from around the outside unit
COMMON CAUSES
An excessively dirty air filter has the potential to be so clogged that it actually causes the unit to overwork and shut down. Changing or cleaning your filter regularly will prevent this.
If the air is on but doesn’t feel cold, the most common problem is a refrigerant leak. Unfortunately, it’s not like adding antifreeze to your car, and means your unit will need to be serviced by a trained professional.
WORTH THE CALL
When it comes to fixing the complicated systems of an HVAC unit, it’s wise (and safe) to leave these repairs to the pros. The Bosworth Company has certified experts who can diagnose and solve your problem to ensure you stay cool all summer long (and during our warm falls). Make an appointment online or call us today at 432-570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.