Getting Too Hot or Cold at Home? What to Do When Your AC Starts Malfunctioning

During the hot summer months, the one reprieve that many people have is access to an air-conditioned setting at home. If you suddenly notice that your air conditioner is not working as well, it is important to figure out what is wrong. Here are four things that you should do if you suddenly noticed that your air conditioner is not working as well as it was in the past.

Replace the Filter

If you notice that your air conditioner is not working properly, the first thing that you need to do is replace the filter. If you have not replaced a filter over a long period of time, it could be preventing cold air from pushing through the duct system. You should always replace your filters at least every three months. If it has been longer than that, you should try replacing the filter to see if that has a positive impact.

Turn off the Unit

If you notice that your air conditioner is not producing cold air anymore, you should also try to turn off the unit. One of the reasons why it may not be working is because some coils are frozen. By turning the unit off for a few hours, it will give the coils a chance to thaw. If you notice that the unit is suddenly working after being turned off, you should continue to keep your eye on whether or not the coils continue to freeze, which could be an indication of a bigger problem.

Diagnose the Problem

Another thing that you should do if you notice that your air conditioner is not working properly is to try and diagnose the problem. There are several things that you should check to see to try to figure out what the issue is. One thing you should try to do is play around with your thermostat to see if the system turns on and off based on the temperature you set. You should also check outside to see if the fans are working. It may also be an external issue with your electricity flow, and so you may also want to check your breaker as well. If these appear to be the issues, it could be an electrical issue and you should contact a contractor.

Contact an AC Professional

Ultimately, if you notice that your air conditioner is not working as well as it used to, you should contact a professional, such as those with Comfort Zone Airconditioning & Solar Power. An air conditioner repair person should be able to better assess the problem with the unit and can provide you with guidance as to what you need to do to have it repaired. They will also provide you with tips on how to ensure that the unit continues to work while going forward, which could extend its useful life. If necessary, they may even recommend whether or not your unit should be replaced completely to avoid future issues.

Due to the importance of an air conditioner in any home, it is important that you do everything you can to make sure that it is working during the hot summer months. If you suddenly notice that the air conditioner is not working as well as it was in the past, it is important to diagnose the problem and have it fixed as soon as possible.

Hannah Whittenly

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She graduated from the University of California-Sacramento with a degree in Journalism.

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