Summer is in full swing and that means the temperatures are on the rise. If you’re like most people, you’re using your air conditioner to keep cool. But what if your air conditioner isn’t working properly? How do you know if it’s broken or just needs a little TLC? Keep reading for tips on how to tell if your air conditioner is broken and what to do about it.
If you’re in the middle of summer with an air conditioner that won’t turn on, then you need to do some quick troubleshooting. Without an air conditioner working, it can be difficult to sleep and stay cool.
You want to figure out what is wrong with the unit quickly so you know what needs to be repaired or replaced so you don’t have to deal with unbearable heat in your house or apartment. There are several easy steps you can go through yourself to fix the air conditioner problem rather than pricey repairs for your air conditioner.
Here are some steps to diagnose common problems without hiring a professional:
Step 1: Check that the circuit breaker has not tripped (or blown). This may seem like an obvious step, but it is easy to overlook. This can happen if you try to start the air conditioner at the same time as another powerful appliance, like a refrigerator or freezer. Not only will this make your air conditioner malfunction, but it could cause damage to both appliances. Simply flip the circuit breaker to turn it back on and see whether your AC unit works now.
Step 2: Check that there are no obvious tripping hazards in front of or around your AC unit. If anything is too close to the unit’s vent or body, then it may not let warm or cool air through properly. Make sure nothing is blocking either part of the ac system so it has room to operate correctly.
Step 3: Turn the thermostat up. If it’s too low, then the AC unit will not be able to kick on when needed to cool your home or apartment down.
Step 4: Different window units require different coolants (refrigerants). Call a professional if you’re new at using an air conditioner so you don’t accidentally use the wrong one and damage your unit.
Common appliances that use this gas are large freezers and refrigerators, instead of regular room air conditioners like what most people have in their homes or apartments nowadays.
Step 5: Make sure nothing is blocking the vents in the front of your air conditioning unit. This can be anything from furniture to plants or even toys that kids left out.
Step 6: Check the power cord for any potential damage that could stop it fr, om conducting electricity correctly. This includes frayed wires, a loose plug end or a broken chord.
If you find any of these problems, hire an ac repair professional to come out and make the necessary repairs before you try turning on your unit again.
Step 7: Look for Leaks
The first thing you’ll want to do is look for any leaks that might indicate problems with your unit’s refrigerant piping or connections. You will want to check both the indoor and outdoor units of your AC unit because they could have different problems. After checking both units, if there are no immediate signs of leakage then on to step two!
Step 8: Listen for Strange Noises
If there are no leaks, the next thing you should check for is any strange sounds. You may have heard that if your air conditioner makes a loud rattling sound it’s probably because the fan belt is broken. This isn’t always true! Check out this video to learn how to tell if the rattling noise coming from your AC unit is something that can be fixed or not.
Step 9: Check For Strange Smells
Another thing you’ll want to do is look for any strange odors coming from your AC system, especially if they seem or are particularly strong. As refrigerant leaks begin to occur, your AC system will start to emit an odor. If you notice a really strong smell coming from your unit, especially near the area where it might be leaking, then something is definitely up and you should get that checked out ASAP!
Conclusion:
The last thing you want to do is try and troubleshoot your broken air conditioner. But, if it’s not even blowing cool air anymore (or warm), there are some easy signs that will tell you what might be wrong with the unit. If one or more of these scenarios apply to your AC situation, contact All star plumbing & restoration for help ASAP! We know how frustrating a busted system can be in this heat. Our expert technicians have all the tools necessary to diagnose any problem quickly so we can get back up and running as soon as possible!
Author Bio:- Laura Harnes
Laura is a marketing manager at All Star Plumbing & Restoration. With years of experience in the plumbing industry, she loves to create awareness about the causes, problems, and repair solutions of water damage and slab leak. She shares expert tips to lower utility bills and keep your AC, heater, and other appliances in optimum condition leading to longer lifespan.
Check all the recent articles and know everything about water damage repair, slab leak repair, tools to remove clogging, and HVAC appliances installation, maintenance, and repair.
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