During the course of the summer, a homeowner may encounter problems with their central air conditioner unit. Although, most air conditioner problems only require a quick A/C repair, if a homeowner lets small problems linger or does not engage in timely central air conditioner maintenance, it could lead to a hefty repair bill. To avoid the element of surprise, our team at Althoff has put together this list of common central air conditioning repair requests.
1. Broken Thermostats
A broken thermostat can prevent a central air conditioner from operating. If the unit fails to turn on or doesn’t reach the desired indoor temperature, homeowners should check to see if the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and that it is set to cooling versus heating. If the thermostat requires batteries, they should be changed. If these A/C repair tips fail to restore the function of the air conditioner, a central air conditioner maintenance call is in short order.
2. Bad Electrical Wiring
The air conditioner may have bad electrical wiring if it turns on for a few minutes then trips the circuit breaker or if the homeowner smells something hot or burning. If this is happening in your home, it is best to turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat and the electrical panel and then call a licensed HVAC contractor in Chicago for central air conditioner maintenance.
3. Unit Fails to Turn On or Cycles Frequently
If the air conditioner cycles frequently, it can leave homeowners with high energy bills and indoor air that is still too humid. This most commonly occurs when the air conditioner is too large for the square footage of the home. However, it can also occur when cool air blows directly onto the thermostat. If the vents are located near the thermostat, try closing them to see if this fixes the problem. If the unit still cycles on and off every few minutes, it is best to call a professional HVAC technician and schedule an appointment for an A/C repair in Chicago.
If the unit fails to turn on, homeowners should check the circuit breaker on the electrical panel to see if it has tripped. If it has, it may indicate an electrical problem. If the breaker is in the on position, an electrical component inside the central air conditioner may have failed.
4. The A/C Unit Blows Warm Air
If the residential air conditioner blows warm air from the vents, it may have low levels of coolant or it could be an indication that the outside condenser and coils need to be cleaned. Air conditioners need adequate levels of coolant in order to remove excess heat from the indoor air. Once that hot coolant reaches the condenser, adequate airflow around the unit is essential for dissipating the heat. Clearing any debris and cutting back plants around the condenser may restore proper function, but if it doesn’t, the homeowner will need a central air conditioner maintenance technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
5. Low Air Flow Through Register Vents
Low air flow through the register vents could indicate that the blower motor is malfunctioning or that there are cracks and gaps in the air ducts. The first step to locating this problem is by listening to the air conditioner while it operates. If there are grinding or squeaking noises, the blower may be malfunctioning, indicating the need for an A/C repair. If the blower is operating and sounds normal, the homeowner should walk through the home and examine the air conditioning vents. If some vents are blowing cold air at a normal volume and other vents have little to no air flow, it could indicate the need for an air duct repair service.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair with Althoff
Here at Althoff, we offer affordable, timely, professional A/C repair for residential homes located throughout the NW Chicago suburbs. Our HVAC technicians are experienced and knowledgeable in repairing all sizes and brands of central air conditioning units.
To schedule a central air conditioner inspection or A/C repair service before the summer heat hits, call us at 815-455-7000
