Summer is coming, which means the high temperatures are soon to follow. Is your air conditioner up to the challenge of keeping your home comfortably cool? If not, you might want to start thinking about ways to make it more efficient. Americool Inc. is your Johns Creek HVAC source for full-service HVAC repair and maintenance. If your home is not staying as cool as it could be, it’s time to find out why.
First, Try These Standard Troubleshooting Tips
A short checklist of troubleshooting can help pinpoint the potential issue and may even be all you need to get the problem fixed.
1. Check your filter. The whole point of an air filter is to trap tiny particles of dirt and debris which float around in the air. This helps protect the air quality inside your home. An air filter should be clean and able to let air flow through it easily. Over time, a filter becomes covered with dust, hair and other particles which then make it hard or impossible for air to pass through. This makes your air conditioner work harder, and uses more energy, without providing the same cooling to your home.
2. Remove debris from around the outdoor compressor. Keeping leaves, grass, plants and other items away from the outdoor HVAC unit can make a world of difference in the energy usage to cool your home. The easier it is for your unit to bring in outside air, the easier it will cool down your home. Raking away debris can create an instant change in how well your home is cooled.
3. Check the condensation drain. As a compressor works to cool your home, condensation will build up around it. This needs to be drained away so every unit has a small drain area where the water can run off. If this is blocked, the unit won’t be able to cool properly and can even be at risk for more serious issues. Always check to make sure there is a normal drip coming from your working unit.
If All Else Fails, Call an HVAC Technician
When was the last time you had scheduled maintenance? As with all working machines, regular maintenance is vital to keep it working to the best of its abilities. A trained technician can check everything mentioned above in the troubleshooting list, as well as other areas which may need attention, and take care of it before it becomes a major problem. Summertime is a great time to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, but when it gets too hot you want to know your home can provide a cool escape.
