When the summer months come and the temperatures outside begin to soar, you’re sure happy when you can retreat indoors and enjoy the cool air from your reliable air conditioning system. But there’s nothing worse when your unit has problems and your comfortable home becomes a sweltering sauna. Here are some things that might cause your air conditioner to go haywire.
Your Outside Unit Needs Attention
Many homeowners might first think of their inside unit when the air conditioning goes out, but don’t forget about the unit outside. A common culprit for malfunctioning systems is simply a dirty or blocked air condenser outside. Go to the outdoor unit and make sure it is free of debris, including branches, leaves, garbage, animal hair or other items. Try spraying the unit with water to get it looking like new.
Check the Filter
It may sound too simple, but a dirty filter is often the cause for air conditioning problems. In most units, you should change your filter every one to three months. Failure to do so will restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
The Unit Isn’t the Right Size
If everything with your air conditioner seems to be in good order, including the filter, compressor and evaporator coil, you might simply have a unit that’s too small for the size of your home. An insufficiently sized unit will work hard all day but won’t have the capacity to cool down your home.
The Thermostat Isn’t Set Properly
The reason for your air conditioning may not have anything to do with the unit inside or outside at all. The problem may be that you haven’t set the thermostat correctly. You may have set the device too high for the air conditioner to start up.
You can stay cool this summer and keep your AC running like a charm. Keep these simple things in mind to ensure your unit works as it should.