HVAC Troubleshooting and the Importance of Preventive Maintenance
An air conditioner that blows weak air or doesn’t work at all is a common HVAC problem. If this happens, make sure that you have turned the unit on and opened the vents in your home. You can then turn the power off and pull out the small box next to the condensing unit. You should look inside of it to make sure that no obstructions prevent your air conditioner from powering on or working properly.
The next thing to do is walk to your outdoor air conditioning unit and clean its coils. It’s possible they have become corroded due to weather conditions or just normal wear. Lastly, change your thermostat setting to off and the fan switch to on. If the air conditioner runs for 12 consecutive hours without issue, you have solved the problem.
Drainage problems are common with air conditioners, especially those that see a lot of use. Be sure to check the condensate drain frequently for possible clogs. You should also empty the drainage pan often to prevent overflow. If the system continues to drain a lot of fluid despite your best efforts, it could indicate a serious problem. It is best to let the professionals at Wayne Price Heating & Air Conditioning handle it at this point.
You can find the sensor on your air conditioner behind the control panel. It detects the temperature of air entering the evaporator coil. Your air conditioner may perform poorly if it has a broken or out-of-place sensor. To fix the problem, open the control panel and look to see the position of the sensor. It needs to be near the coils but it should not be touching them. If you discover it out of place, you can put it back by carefully bending the wires that hold it in position.
Many Air Conditioning Problems Are Preventable with Regular Maintenance
For optimal performance, schedule a tune-up every spring and fall. Our technicians check the following and provide you with a report so you can correct minor problems as soon as possible:
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Changing filters if necessary
- Tightening loose wiring
- Ensuring the system is not leaking
- Running a test cycle of your thermostat
Between preventive maintenance and prompt attention to any problems you notice, your air conditioner should keep you cool for years to come. Please contact us to request an appointment.