How Homeowners Can Fix Common AC Problems

The typical AC unit is pretty resilient and can last 10-15 years. Unfortunately, your AC requires a bit of help along the way which we call maintenance! It may not sound like the most fun, but it is absolutely necessary to keep it around for the long haul. Maintenance doesn’t only increase the lifespan of your system, but will save you money in the long run as well!

As summer starts to fade to fall, now is the perfect time to check on your AC and fix any wear and tear that has accumulated over a few months of heavier use. These are some of the problems associated with general wear and tear and how you can fix them!

The Airflow from My Vent is Weak

You need airflow for your AC system to actually cool your home. If air can’t get through and is instead trapped in your ducts, then you are wasting money every time you run your system.

There are a variety of causes of poor airflow in your system. Some require a professional to service your system. Others can be solved by the typical homeowner. Airflow starts with your air conditioner’s fan. You’ll have problems if it damaged, or if it’s not running. Believe it or not, but we’ve helped homeowners whose AC fan wasn’t running because of electrical problems. Sometimes, it can be as simple as the AC not getting the electricity it needs to run the fan.

We recommend you check on your circuit breaker or fuse box and make sure electricity is getting to the unit, so the electric motor that runs the fan can work. Solutions like this show that you shouldn’t just focus on the AC unit if you’re having a problem. There may be a problem in a different part of your home’s infrastructure.

Of course, there may be a mechanical problem within your AC unit, but looking into your unit should only be necessary as a last resort when everything else has been ruled out. However, you’ll need a professional’s eye to be able to judge which parts are failing and need repair.

The last thing you should look into is an issue within the ductwork. Your air filter is one of the most important things in your HVAC unit to maintain. We recommend you switch out or clean your air filter once a month and that you never allow your air filter to go unreplaced for three months.

The Airflow is Fine, But It’s Not Cold!

Sometimes AC issues have extremely simple solutions. This problem is one of those that you could be kicking yourself over because the solution is so simple. Your thermostat turns your AC on and off, but it also has the ability to control the fan in your unit. Typically, your air conditioner and your fan will turn on at the same time. This happens when your thermostat’s fan is set to “auto”.

However, you may not have realized that you can turn on the fan without turning on your air conditioner. This happens when your thermostat’s fan setting is set to “on”. When this is the case, your fan will always run. If the air coming from your vents is not cold, then this is most likely your problem.

Of course, if it’s not your fan setting, there may be a serious problem with your AC unit itself! Once you’ve ruled out the fan, it may be time to get an HVAC tech’s help!

If you need a AC repair or replacement, fill out an online contact form or call us at (216) 202-3778. We take the health of our technicians and customers seriously. We’ve taken steps to keep you safe while we work on your home.