Call the HVAC Contractor and Cool Down!

A properly working air conditioner (AC) will help keep your home at a comfortable temperature, even on those sweltering summer days. There is nothing worse than coming home after a long day in the heat only to find that the air conditioner isn't working. The good news is, you may be able to avoid contacting an AC repair company if you learn how to identify potential problems and how to fix them.

The Air Conditioner Doesn't Turn on

If your central air conditioning unit doesn't turn on, check the thermostat to make sure it is set on cool. If this isn't the problem, check the circuit to see if a breaker is tripped or a fuse has blown. If neither of these are the problem, inspect the wiring to make sure there isn't any damage. Unfortunately rodents often chew on wires, which can damage the air conditioning unit. If you have tried all of these solutions and the air conditioning still won't turn on, contact an emergency AC repair company to inspect the unit.

Fan Isn't Working

One of the most common causes of a broken air conditioning fan is ice buildup. If you turn the air conditioner on and the fan doesn't turn on, check the outside unit for ice. Ice will cause the coils to freeze and prevent the fan from working like it should. If you do notice a buildup of ice, it is important to turn the air conditioning unit off and contact a local AC repair service as soon as possible.

Leaking Refrigerant

If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant, the most common causes are either a leak or the fact that it was undercharged during installation. If it does leak, simply adding more refrigerant is not going to solve the problem. A trained AC repair technician can fix the leak, test the repair, and charge the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant. In order for the air conditioner to perform at peak efficiency, the refrigerant charge must match the manufacturer's specification exactly. Also, keep in mind that refrigerant leaks can be harmful to the environment, so always leave leaks to the professionals.

Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of an air conditioner breaking down when you least expect it. A professional AC repair company will be able to inspect the air conditioning unit and identify any potential problems, which will allow repairs to be made before the system fails.