Follow these tips when your AC is giving you trouble

We all know that it gets hot here in North Jersey. Many of us count on our central air conditioning systems to keep us cool and comfortable once the summer hits. But, like most appliances and equipment, sometimes these AC systems give us trouble, which is why it is important to know how you, as a homeowner, can troubleshoot the central air conditioning problems and issues you may find yourself having.

Central air conditioning troubleshooting tips

If you find that your central air conditioning system is suddenly giving you trouble, follow the below steps before calling in a professional HVAC technician to see if you can fix the problem yourself:

• Look at the condensate drain: You want your condensate drain line to be clear and unclogged so that you can avoid a water leak and your system shutting down entirely.
• Check the settings on your thermostat: This may sound very simple and obvious, but make sure your thermostat is set to ‘cool’ and that the temperature is lower than whatever the current room temperature is.
• Perform a test on the fan: Make sure the fan on your AC’s outdoor unit is running (it should be running when your system is set to ‘cool’). An improperly working fan is a sign that you may have an issue with either your system’s motor or capacitor.
• Investigate your power supply: Make sure your AC’s circuit breaker or fuse isn’t tripped or blown. You should reset it if it is.
• Check for refrigerant leaks: Inspect both the indoor and outdoor units of your AC unit for any signs of a refrigerant leak or a possible ice buildup.
• Clean or replace your air filter: You won’t get sufficient air flow with a dirty or clogged AC filter so check to see if yours needs to be cleaned. You should also swap out your old filter for a new one every 1 to 3 months.
• Clear your home’s vents: Make sure the vents throughout your house aren’t being blocked by anything like furniture, curtains or debris.
• Clear debris off the outdoor unit: Since a dirty outdoor condenser can make your AC less efficient, clean off any leaves, dirt or grass that may have accumulated around the area.
• Keep an ear out for abnormal sounds: If you hear anything unusual coming from your central air conditioning unit like grinding, banging or squealing, this may be a sign that something is not working properly and needs some attention.

When to call in the professionals

If you have gone through the above checklist and still find yourself facing AC issues, call in a professional HVAC technician who can assist further. The technicians at Fredericks Fuel can investigate, find the issue with your AC and fix it efficiently and safely.

Fredericks Fuel is here to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Contact us today and let us know how we can help with your central air conditioning system.