No one likes to be disappointed, whether it's by a person or an air conditioner. And if your AC lets you down on a cold summer's day in Severna Park, you have more than disappointment to deal with. You also have high temperatures, humidity, and discomfort going against you. The longer you wait to call a residential HVAC service, the worse your troubles will be. To make sure you're ready for the worst, read more and learn what to do when your cooling fails.
What Causes Cooling Systems to Stop Working
If your cooling system doesn't work the way it once did, you could have one of several issues. While you shouldn't try to fix the problem on your own, it's useful to be able to troubleshoot your AC. The following could be reasons why your air conditioner isn't performing its job.
Thermostat Settings
If your AC sometimes blows warm air and is always on, the thermostat could be set to fan mode. Even when the AC isn't producing cold air, the system will circulate air throughout your home.
To fix this issue, switch the thermostat back to auto. Your air conditioner will turn off when it's not cooling and your system won't blow warm air. As a side note, the problem could also be the thermostat batteries. If the thermostat has dead or dying batteries, your system won't cool.
An issue with your thermostat wiring is more serious. If you don't have trouble with your settings or your batteries, you might need to call an HVAC technician. They can diagnose your system and repair it.
Broken Fan Motor
The outdoor condenser unit has the role of dispersing heat to the environment. Without a fan motor, the heat has nowhere to go. No matter how much your AC runs, it won't cool your home.
As you might expect, this isn't an easy fix. It's certainly not something an individual with no HVAC experience should take on.
Dirty Air Filter
Your air filter can't blow air through the ducts or into your home if it's dirty. Therefore, one of the most common causes of an AC that won't cool is a dirty filter.
If you have your thermostat set to a certain temperature but the room never drops to that temperature, you could have a dirty filter. Another sign that this is your issue is a frozen evaporator coil. There's a simple fix to this, and all it costs you is a new air filter. Once you replace the filter, the air flow should improve and your home should cool.
Not Enough Refrigerant
You could say that refrigerant powers your AC. Without going into an in-depth explanation about refrigerant, you could say that refrigerant pulls heat from the air in your home. No refrigerant means no home cooling.
If you don't perform regular maintenance, you might have a low refrigerant charge. Likewise, a leak in your system could result in low or no refrigerant. On a warm day, you might notice that your HVAC is unable to cool your home.
In the event of a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner could freeze over. You might experience damage to the compressor, which is one of the most expensive AC repairs. If you fail to fix your refrigerant leak, you could be forced to replace your entire HVAC system.
The only fix for a refrigerant issue is to call your AC service for help. You need special licenses to deal with refrigerants, and handling it improperly comes with health consequences.
Poor Airflow
If the area around your condenser unit has debris, air can't flow out of the system at a rapid rate. Therefore, your poor airflow could cause your system to fail at cooling your home. Checking for this issue is easy, as all you need to do is look around the condenser unit and check for debris.
Throughout the year, check your condenser for threats to the airflow. Long grass, bushes, and trees all could affect the performance of your system.
Your indoor airflow also matters. If you have furniture blocking your vents, cold air can't make its way around your rooms. Move furniture away from the vents to clear the vents and allow for more airflow.
Poor Maintenance
Without proper maintenance, your AC doesn't stand a chance. The parts wear out over time and your system can't keep working. Simple things like an unlubricated bearing eventually lead to major issues. Poor maintenance is one of the most common reasons an AC won't cool.
As you may expect, you can prevent this issue by scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC. At least once a year, have an experienced professional examine your air conditioner. They can successfully identify any problems in the system and repair them before your AC stops cooling.
Most HVAC companies offer annual service contracts. If you don't already have one, it's a good time to start. It's never too late to take care of your air conditioner.
You Need a Replacement
Your AC could be at the end if it's life. If you have frequent issues with your heating and cooling, it may be time to say goodbye to your AC. Systems don't last forever, and a 15 year old air conditioner might require a replacement. Once an HVAC reaches the end of its life, there's not much you can do but replace it.
What Should You Do When Your System Stops Working
As soon as you notice a problem with your air conditioner, call an expert for AC service. There's no reason to wait, and waiting just comes with more issues. Pay attention to your HVAC system and be on the lookout for signs of trouble.
If your AC begins to make strange noises, blows warm air, or takes longer to cool your home, it's time to pick up the phone. By waiting to address your AC issues, you increase the likelihood of damage.
Call Us for Residential HVAC Service
Is your AC in Severna Park working? If not, you need help from a residential HVAC service. Here at Bayshore Heating and Cooling, you can count on us to help.
