Things always heat up in the summertime. And quickly that warm weather we welcomed in the spring becomes too hot and too humid to bear during the summertime. Thankfully, we have our air conditioning systems . . . until a problem comes along and we don’t.
If you’re dealing with A/C issues during the hot months of summer here in Central Ohio, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can send out an A/C technician to your Franklin County Ohio area home right away to help. In the meantime, our home cooling experts here at Blacklick Heating & Cooling offer the following list of things to check and consider when your A/C starts acting up:
Test Controls & Thermostat
If your central air system isn’t running properly, or if it’s not running at all, the first step is to try to pinpoint the cause or eliminate other possible causes. This means checking the unit’s controls, power source and thermostat. It’s important to make sure the system is turned on and has power running to it. You should also test your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly as well. After you’ve checked these, you can move on to other possible causes.
Check A/C Condenser Coils
Your home cooling unit has a wide range of parts that should be checked and cleaned periodically, which is one of the reasons for a/c maintenance. If you’re having issues with your air conditioning system, A/C condenser coils should be checked next. The 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 likely be covered in dust and debris.
Check Unit’s Air Filters
When they’re functioning properly and being changed regularly, air filters remove allergens, particles and pollutants from the air in a residence. The air filters on our HVAC equipment also help prevent dirt, dust and debris from building up inside the equipment itself. Because they affect airflow, air filters need to be checked regularly throughout the season, like every month, and 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 home cooling costs and even lead to full system failure.
Check Your A/C Capacitor
Centralized A/C units utilize a capacitor that helps power the motors. This A/C capacitor stores electricity so that it can give a small burst of energy to the a/c motor, which it’s connected to, when it is necessary. On average, these capacitors should be replaced every 5 to 7 years. They can grow very sensitive to overheating over time. Tips on how to make your AC capacitor last longer and prevent 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 truly hot 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 up front, 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 Blacklick Heating & Cooling today at (614) 245-2572.