Find out what’s wrong with your air conditioning unit
Let’s face it; things can get hot in the St. Louis Metro-East Area. It’s not just hot, either – it’s incredibly muggy and uncomfortable anywhere you go outside. Recently, with temperatures soaring near 100 degrees, we’ve predictably seen in uptick calls about air conditioning problems. One of the most common things that we hear is, “my air conditioner is running, but there is no cold air coming out.” Unfortunately, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem, and you need a professional to help you figure out what’s going on – here are five common causes for this problem!
Thermostat Problems
One of the first things that we’ll check upon coming to your home is whether or not the thermostat is working and on the correct settings. Here are some of the most common issues that people have with their thermostats:
- The thermostat is on the incorrect settings – it should be set to “cool” and “auto.” Leaving the fan setting on “On,” is a recipe for an overworked system.
- The thermostat has a dead battery. Enough said here – change the battery and fix the problem.
- The thermostat is outdated – some older thermostats may not be completely compatible with new systems. In this instance, a new smart thermostat or digital thermostat is needed.
- The thermostat is not programmed. While this may seem obvious, to reap the rewards of your thermostat, you must program it to be cool only when you need it. Running you’re a/c around the clock can lead to overuse that causes system breakdowns.
Clogged Air Filter
Another common problem we see is the clogging of the air filter. Air filters should be changed every 1 – 3 months, depending on your system. A clogged filter restricts the flow of air, which makes your system work harder than it needs to. When it runs for an extended period of time, a/c systems are prone to freezing, breaking, and other unsatisfactory outcomes.
Dirty Coils
This problem is closely related to the clogged air filter. When systems go without proper maintenance for extended periods of time, dust and debris can build up inside the system, which means the coils that cool their air won’t be able to work properly. This could be the cause of your lack of cold air.
Outside Air Conditioning Unit
Speaking of dirty, when was the last time that you had the outside unit clean and maintained? Sometimes forgotten by the homeowner, the outside air conditioning unit can be clogged with debris from falling trees or plants, causing the system to overwork, malfunction, and break.
Refrigerant Levels
In order for you’re air conditioner to do its job, it needs to be full of refrigerant. However, this must be refilled periodically depending on the age and type of system you have. Many times, a simple a/c refrigerant refill is just what a cranky system needs to get going again!
Find Good Help
While you may be able to diagnose the problem, you certainly shouldn’t be trying to fix anything, and you may even miss something in your DIY diagnosis. It’s best to call the local pros at B & W for an expert diagnosis, fast repairs, and affordable rates when you need the most!
