How To Spot Signs of AC Trouble

We’ve all experienced an air conditioner that’s struggling to keep up, like the temperature gauge swinging wildly on the thermostat, but do you know the “signs” that could point to a potential air conditioning unit failure just around the corner?

As air conditioners have become standard fare with most new homes, we’ve come to rely on them for daily comfort.

So when things go wrong, we are forced to choose between a DIY fix (which we do NOT recommend), or calling a heating and cooling professional for an emergency visit. But with a little knowledge, you can spot potential trouble early, and save yourself a lot of headaches and expense down the road.

If your house isn’t cooling properly, follow these steps to identify if the A/C system – or something else – is to blame.

Check your Air Filters!

The easiest, and least expensive, step in air conditioner maintenance is to check and replace your filters often. If your air filter is clogged with dust, hair, and other debris, it can decrease air flow and cause your system to shut down into ‘safe-mode’, which will continue to circulate air, but do nothing to alter the temperature of the air in your home.

Check your Fuses!

Blown fuses are common during the hot summer months (a.k.a. peak usage months). Getting your A/C back on the right track can be as simple as resetting the fuse, but if the issue continues, your system is working too hard to cool your home. This not only leads to poor performance from your air conditioning unit, but it can also drive up your utility bills as well!

Check your Drainage Tube!

This is one of the most common reasons homeowners call an AC repairman! Why? It’s easy to spot! Pooling water around or below your A/C unit can indicate a blocked drainage tube. Look for obstructions like dirt, algae, or ice. If blocked, call us to clean or replace the drainage tube.

Check your Thermostat!

Technology isn’t always perfect. To test the accuracy of your thermostat, you can purchase a cheap indoor thermostat and compare the readings, or calibrate your thermostat based on the manufacturer’s guide instructions.

• If your thermostat appears to be working, try adjusting the temperature setting. Lower the thermostat by 10 degrees and see if it actually cools off your home.
• If the indoor air temperature in your home doesn’t match the setting on your thermostat, you may have an efficiency issue related to your ductwork, home insulation or other cause.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Of course, the best way to avoid a costly emergency visit is to schedule an annual maintenance visit with a trusted company. An HVAC technician will come out to your home, inspect your unit and ductwork, perform all necessary upkeep, and address any minor issues before they become major problems.

At BNG we offer amazing maintenance plans to ensure your systems keep running year round to cut costs and save you that emergency visit you’re already dreading! Contact us today to find out more about an annual maintenance plan or schedule your system for a checkup!