Air conditioners have become a vital part of our daily lives, regardless of where we live. If you live in an area where the seasons change, you know how important a good, functional air conditioner is during the dog days of summer. But what happens when the air conditioning breaks? In many cases, the solution is as simple as making a few inexpensive adjustments. The key is to not delay in taking action.
Here are a few things to consider if your air conditioner is blowing hot air:
An Ounce of Prevention
The first and best defense against faulty air conditioning is buying the correct unit in the first place. Your air conditioner or central AC unit should be energy-efficient and capable of handling the area it is meant to cool. Always make sure you are buying units manufactured by a company with a good reputation and which offers reasonable guarantees about the functionality of the equipment.
Check the AC’s Settings
It couldn’t possibly be that simple, could it? As a general rule, it is good practice to eliminate the simplest problems first. Very often, this issue arises from a careless flip of a switch. Ensure that the unit is set to cool and not heat.
Check the Compressor and Condenser
If the settings are correct, it is time to shift attention over to the compressor and condenser. Both of these parts are on the outside unit. Check to see if the power supply to the outside unit is switched on. If it isn’t, the inside handler will blow air but the unit will not cool it. See if there is anything restricting air flow. Check for dirt or debris around the condenser coils. Gently cleaning the condenser coils should be part of the regular maintenance of the unit anyway, so now would be a good time to take care of that. It will also need to be done often throughout the cooling season.
Check the Air Filter
If the air filter gets clogged, that will also restrict the flow of cool air. It isn’t generally a primary cause for blowing hot air but it will compromise your unit’s ability to effectively cool your space. Air filters are inexpensive to buy and simple to replace. If doing that solves your problem, it is another thing to add to your AC unit’s maintenance checklist. Keeping the air filter clean will keep the vast majority of allergens and airborne pathogens out of the air you breathe, creating a healthier environment in your home.
Check The Refrigerant
Compressor issues and leaks can reduce refrigerant charge. Take care of these problems in order. Determine if there is a leak and deal with that problem first. Recharge the unit when the leak is repaired. This is one case where you would be best served by having a trained professional do the repair.
Give us a call 239-597-7873 and we will swing by and help fix this issue for you. Don’t forget we have a cool in One Hour Guarantee.