Check These Areas Before Calling for HVAC Service

In the hotter months here in Texas, the last thing you want to deal with as a homeowner is annoying breakdowns with an air conditioning unit while you want to relax and stay cool. What if you could use a simple fix to get your A/C back up and running? Try these troubleshooting tips before calling a technician and you could save money and hassle. If the problem persists, we’re here to help.

Warm Air

If your A/C is set to cool but all you’re getting is warm or room-temperature air coming out, your unit might have a refrigerant leak. Though only a licensed technician can charge the system to fix it, try these options first:

• Make sure the area around your outdoor compressor is clear of yard debris or anything getting in the way of airflow.
• Check your filter and change it if it’s dirty.
• Check that the outdoor fan is working, if not call for repair.

No Airflow

First, double-check your thermostat is set below room temperature, then:

• Make sure the thermostat is on the “cool” setting
• Check your air filter is clean, if it’s dirty it will hinder airflow
• Check that the power is working by flipping your circuit breaker and looking to make sure both your indoor air handler and outdoor compressor have the on-switch flipped.

The A/C is Freezing Up

Most causes here need professional service but check your filter first, as a lack of airflow will cause a freeze up. Next, check for blockages around your air compressor outside.

Usually, if it’s not caused by a dirty filter, a freeze-up comes from low coolant levels, a dirty coil, a broken air handler, or a blockage to the air compressor inside its mechanical parts.

The Condensate Line Is Clogged or Blocked

If there’s an insect, pest, or mold blocking your line, try these tips before calling:

• For an insect nest, try using an air compressor if you have one to push out the blockage. If you don’t have one, get a can of compressed air used for dusting computers and spray it inside.
• For mold blockage, mix a ration of one-cup bleach, one cup water through the line.

A/C Running Constantly

If your A/C is running without periodically reaching the thermostat temperature, your A/C unit may not be properly sized to meet your needs. See if these tips help first though:

• Check for any furniture or items covering or blocking your vents around the home and move them, at least for the summer months so air can circulate more efficiently.
• Change your air filter if needed.
• Make sure you don’t have an air vent blowing directly onto the thermostat

If the problem continues, have your refrigerant levels checked and ask about your A/C unit size.

Keep your home cool with Northwind Air Conditioning, our site offers more tips and we are ready to help with repairs to AC system replacement in Spring Branch, TX. If these tips don’t get your system back and running, give us a call today at (713) 683-9474.