Keep an Eye on Your AC

One of the most important things to do is keep an eye on your AC unit. This way, you can fix problems before they become more serious and costly.

For example, if you notice that your air conditioner is not cooling, try changing the thermostat settings or trying to seal any leaks in your ductwork. You can use foil tape or duct mastic to do this. However, if you need help from experts, you can contact them at AC Repair Encino.

If your AC isn’t cooling, it’s important to check the thermostat to see if it has been set to the wrong temperature. This can cause the system to work harder than it should, leading to high energy bills and an inefficient unit. If your breaker keeps tripping or the air conditioner is producing strange sounds, it could also indicate a problem with the thermostat.

A common sign that your thermostat is having issues is when its screen goes dark. This can be caused by a variety of things, from dead batteries to a more serious problem with the wiring. Another sign is if the thermostat doesn’t turn on or off at your command. This can be a sign that the thermostat isn’t communicating with the air conditioner or furnace correctly, or it could have a problem with its wiring.

Oftentimes, the thermostat can be fixed by simply replacing the batteries or resetting it to the correct setting. However, if you continue to have problems with your AC or if it’s running inefficiently, you may need to consider calling in a professional for assistance.

It’s also a good idea to regularly clean your thermostat to prevent dust from building up and blocking its ability to read the correct temperatures. Additionally, if the system is making strange noises or smelling bad, it’s important to call in an HVAC technician right away so they can investigate further.

You can test your thermostat by turning off the breaker that controls it. Then, you can open the cover and examine the wires to ensure they are connected properly. You should have several colored wires, including red and white wires, to control your AC and furnace. If you turn the breaker back on, you should hear a click or whirring sound to confirm that your thermostat and system are working correctly. If this doesn’t happen, it might be time to consult with a professional. A professional will be able to determine the exact reason for your AC problems and perform a thorough inspection of the unit. This can help you save money and avoid further damage to your home.

Check your filters.

The most common cause of AC problems is a dirty filter. This is a simple maintenance task that can save you big money on your utility bills and keep your family healthy by making sure the air you breathe is clean. A clogged filter can also make the AC work overtime, which will put extra wear and tear on the equipment.

Check the filter by removing it and holding it up to the light. If the filter is clear and bright, it is good to go; if it is difficult to see through and visibly dirty or dusty, it’s time for a new one. Be sure to get a filter with the proper minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) for your system. Generally, the higher the MERV number, the more efficient and better filtration it provides.

Typically, the filter is located where the return ducts enter the blower compartment of your furnace or indoor AC unit. This is usually behind a hinged cover that can be accessed by removing a louvered return air grill. The filter should slide right out; if it doesn’t, there may be multiple filters in a series of return vents.

Before replacing the filter, turn off the air conditioning system by shutting off the thermostat or using a breaker switch located on or near the indoor unit. It is best to have a large garbage bag on hand to put the old filter in as soon as you remove it, as the dirt trapped inside could reenter your home if it’s not properly contained.

Once the filter is replaced, be sure to close any access panels and turn the system back on. Before you do, have a rag handy to wipe any residual dust from the filter housing and the area around it. Then, carefully slide the new filter into place and make sure the arrows on the side of the filter are pointing in the direction of air flow. Make sure the filter is snug in its place and that no gaps or loose connections exist. If any gaps or connections are found, seal them with foil tape or duct mastic. For window units, stuff foam in the gap between the unit and the window frame.

Check your condenser.

The condenser is a large piece of equipment that sits outside and releases the hot air absorbed by your home. It contains compressor coils, a fan, and the refrigerant that carries heat throughout your house. A malfunction with any of these components can prevent your AC from running at all.

Before you call a technician, there are some easy troubleshooting steps you can try on your own. Start by finding the condenser unit’s drain line. This is usually a 1-inch PVC pipe that runs from the top of the evaporator coils to a drain pan or, in attic units, into an outdoor drain. Make sure that it is free from obstructions like leaves, twigs, and branches. The condensation drain line can also become clogged with dirt and grime, which can cause the unit to overheat and break down.

If the condenser fan won’t start up when the system is turned on but will turn manually when power is off, a bad fan motor shaft bearing may be to blame. You can test this by trying to spin the fan blades manually (be careful not to get cut!). A replacement hard start or run capacitor can often fix this problem as well.

A tripped circuit breaker or faulty wiring can also cause problems with your AC, so you should always call a professional when these issues occur. The good news is that resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse can often fix this issue, but in some cases, you might need to replace the unit altogether.

Another potential problem with your AC is a refrigerant leak. Leaks can be tricky to spot, and they can damage your compressor over time. However, if you repair them early, they can save you money and ensure your unit has the longest possible life.

Finally, if your AC is running but your house isn’t cooling, it could mean that your vents are blocked. Walk through your rooms and check for anything that might be in the way of the vents, like furniture or boxes. Also, be sure that the vents themselves are open and not obstructed by clothing or toys.

Check your ductwork.

Air duct leaks are one of the leading causes of AC system inefficiency. Leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape before reaching living spaces, wasting energy and money. In fact, it’s estimated that homeowners lose 20–30% of conditioned air to leaky ductwork. A professional duct inspection and repair is the best way to prevent this waste, but it’s also possible to test for leaks on your own.

To start, you should visually inspect any ducts that are easily accessible. This may include examining any space, like an attic or crawlspace, but it’s important to wear safety gear when doing so. Look for areas that appear to have a gap or leak or where duct tape is affixed. Duct tape is a temporary solution to many problems, but it’s not durable and shouldn’t be used for long-term repairs. Look for a stronger solution, such as mastic or foil-backed duct tape.

If you find obvious gaps or leaks in your ductwork, it’s recommended that you use a grease pencil to mark these spots. This will help you track air leaks over time as you perform a more thorough inspection. Then, when it’s time for an HVAC technician to perform a more in-depth inspection, you can point out these problem areas so they can be repaired.

In addition to checking for gaps or leaks in your ductwork, you should also examine the areas where two duct sections meet. These areas are under a lot of strain and pressure on a daily basis, so they’re often the first to develop a leak. To test for these areas, turn on your HVAC system and then feel around the duct joints. If you feel a breeze, it’s likely that there is a leak in the area.

A well-sealed duct system will not only improve your home’s comfort, but it will also lower your energy costs. In addition, a clean duct system will help reduce dust and other contaminants that can contribute to irritated allergies or health problems. It’s important to keep your ducts clean and properly sealed in order to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your heating and cooling systems.