When it’s hot outside, we count on our home cooling systems to bring us comfort and relief inside. Because Ohio’s summers get super hot and humid, there’s nothing worse than an A/C problem. If this is something you’re dealing with during the muggy months when things heat up, we encourage you to reach out to us. We are always standing by, available day and night, ready to send an A/C technician out to your Miami County, Ohio, area home to help. In the meantime, however, our home cooling consultants here at Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning present the following list of things to check and consider when your A/C starts acting up:
Check Thermostat & Controls
If your air conditioning system isn’t running properly, the first step is to rule out all other potential causes. This means checking the A/C system’s controls, the power source, and the thermostat. It’s important to make sure the unit is turned on and has power running to it and test your thermostat to ensure that it’s working properly as well. After you’ve checked these, you can move on.
Check A/C Condenser Coils
Your home cooling unit has a wide range of components that need to be checked regularly and cleaned. This is merely one reason for a/c maintenance. If you’re having issues with your air conditioning system, check your condenser coils next. A/C condenser coils are the walls that surround the inside of the A/C unit and hold the a/c refrigerant in its liquid form. These coils should have a slight metallic shine. If they’re dirty, they will be covered in dust and debris.
Check Your Air Filters
When they’re working properly and being changed on time, air filters remove allergens, pollutants, and particles from the air in the home. HVAC air filters also help prevent dust, dirt, and debris from building up inside of the equipment itself. Because they affect airflow, air filters need to be checked regularly throughout the season, like every month. If they’re dirty, they should be replaced or cleaned immediately to ensure proper airflow. Otherwise, a bad air filter that’s clogged can cause serious damage, run up your energy bills and even lead to full system failure.
Check the A/C Capacitor
Air conditioning systems use a capacitor that helps power the motors. The A/C capacitor stores electricity to supply a small burst of energy to the a/c motor it’s connected to when needed. Capacitors, on average, need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. They are very sensitive to overheating. Tips on making your a/c capacitor last longer and preventing it from overheating include setting the thermostat a little higher on the hotter days and making sure to schedule regular seasonal maintenance.
Check Your A/C Maintenance Record
We emphasize the importance of A/C maintenance all the time. Despite this, we still get those calls during the scorching months from homeowners who lose their cool air because they neglected this vital service during the spring. We encourage you not to be that homeowner. It might cost you a little upfront, but the payoffs, in the long run, are worth it when your A/C runs smoother, lasts longer, and saves you on cooling costs.
If your A/C is still giving you problems, call us right away! If you’re still experiencing problems with cooling your house, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Call Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (937) 230-5221.
