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How To Troubleshoot Your Air Conditioner

Posted On: May 8, 2016

air conditioning pressure checksWhen they suspect that they may have a problem or issue with their air conditioner, most property owners experience a few moments of fear. The funny thing is that that fear continues and often gets worse thinking about what that problem or issue really might be! The fact of the matter is that HVAC systems are never going to last forever; and invariably they will break down at just that time they are most needed. As we homeowners understand, it is just so important to maintain our heating and cooling systems in good working order. That is why regular maintenance is so important, and will keep everything running efficiently and smoothly. However, it is always best to know when you actually need air conditioner repair  in the Highland Lakes, NJ area or if it is actually something simple that you can do without the help of a professional. Any of the following can be caused by a disruption of a properly working HVAC system:

  • An increase in the Costs of Utilities
  • Discomfort in the home
  • Equipment failure in commercial settings
  • Loss of clients in a business

All of these problems and issues should be avoided by homeowners. As soon as they suspect something might be wrong with the air conditioner like loss of cooling capacity, various strange noises, or power bills that are unusually high, it is so important that the problem be dealt with immediately. So many homeowners though will put off that call to the HVAC technician for any number of reasons like the fear of causing inconvenience and the dread of high expenses.

The good news is that before you spend any money, there are some things that you can do yourself. A few of the things you can address yourself, prior to calling the professionals in are:

Electrical Power to the House

It may seem strange but on many occasions, the technician at the HVAC company will receive a call from the homeowner in regard to air conditioner problems and issues and when they arrive, they quickly realize that there is either no power coming to this specific house, or even to the entire neighborhood where it is located. Needless to say, this is an embarrassment to the homeowner, and very often an onset of conflict in regard to the costs involved for the service call to be made.

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The Thermostat

It is vital to check and make certain that all settings on the thermostat are properly set before making that call for the HVAC technician to come and diagnose and repair any problems. For example, if the cooling mode is set on the thermostat, the setting should be below the temperature in the room, and vice versa. It is a fact shared by many AC contractors that incorrect thermostat settings are very often the issue, particularly at the beginning of the cooling season. Another issue to be addressed very often is that the batteries in the thermostat require changing.

Check Your Air Conditioner’s Air Flow And Filters

dirty hvac air filterThe system will not operate properly when a blockage occurs which can happen when the air filters get dirty. To make certain that the system operates at maximum efficiency, every 4 to 6 months, the system’s filters should be replaced by the homeowner. It is also very important to make certain that the airflow is not obstructed by any objects.

Check The Circuit Breakers

If the heating and cooling circuit breakers have been tripped, they must be reset. But you must always keep in mind that breakers trip for reasons of safety, so if this continues to occur, there is a problem and an electrician should be called to check it out.

Check for Blockages

If it appears as if the air is not properly coming out of the vent, it is important to check the air registers and grills as well as the vents for any blockages. Anything obstructing the air flow should be removed at once.

Check The Switches

For safety reasons, near the indoor and outdoor units, many units have an on-off switch. For different reasons, one may accidentally get turned off, and before summoning a technician, this should be checked and adjusted if necessary.

If the air conditioner’s problems are not solved doing these things, call an experienced and qualified HVAC contractor immediately to get the problem diagnosed and fixed.

When your cooling system seems like it is not running properly, be sure to contact a professional right away. It is best to avoid small issues from developing into larger ones. This can happen when a minor issue is left unattended. Also, minor problems are less expensive and easier to fix. When you have any questions on your air conditioning unit or need air conditioning repaircontact SOS XTREME Comfort® or, give us a call at 845-351-4700. We specialize in the installation and maintenance of all air conditioning units in Highland Lakes, NJ and surrounding areas.

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