Air conditioning provides comfort in the most uncomfortable weather, but like everything with moving parts and electrical components, it can wear out. Here are some tips to help you avoid that headache.
Check the Cables
We’ve all had times when fixing a problem was as simple as checking to see if the system is plugged in. Air conditioners don’t have traditional plugs, but they can sometimes trip a breaker. If your system goes down, check its breaker and flip it back on. If it goes off again, call a technician and leave it off.
Take a Good Look at Your Air Filters
It’s easy to forget your system’s air filter. It’s basically out-of-sight, so it’s also out-of-mind. Set up a reminder on your calendar to check it monthly. Replace it or clean it depending on the type of filter you’re using. As a side note, some filters have longer life spans and don’t have to be replaced as often, but know what its time frame is and put that on your calendar as well. Dirty filters can cause a number of problems for an air conditioning system, and they should not require professional assistance in changing.
Check the Fan Blower Belt
The fan that moves air through your system has a belt that can sometimes wear out or get loose. It’s best to replace it if it shows signs of age because a damaged belt can cause ice to develop, and that can lead to greater problems including the need to replace the system completely.
Make Sure the Thermostat Has Power
Another thing that’s easy to forget is your thermostat has a battery, and we all know batteries eventually need to be replaced. Check your batteries regularly, and replace them with new, high quality batteries. Cheap batteries can die too soon and inconvenience you more often.
Maybe It’s Simply Too Hot
Whether we like it or not, there are times when the outside heat is just too high for an older or incorrectly sized system. If your air conditioning system can’t keep your home cool, it’s quite likely it’s because it’s incapable of doing so. An air conditioning system designed for a smaller house will work itself to death trying to cool your home, but it’ll never accomplish the task. It may be time to set your discomfort aside and seek a better solution be calling a professional to assess your system’s capabilities and make a recommendation.
