The last thing you want in this summer heat is for your AC to stop cooling. We’ve all been there, dying for a cool breeze and sweating buckets – wondering aloud, “Why me?” There are plenty of things to check on your own before calling a professional for an AC repair. Here are a few.
Check the Thermostat
Start by checking your thermostat. Make sure it is set correctly. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how just setting it to “cool” can solve all your problems. Also check to see if someone simply changed it to a warmer temperature without you knowing, and all your worries will melt away.
Another potentially easy fix is to make sure your thermostat is not just set to “ON”. With that setting activated, your AC will run 24/7 with lukewarm air. The solution is to switch it to “AUTO”. This way, your fan will automatically turn on when your AC is heating or cooling, keeping you at a comfortable temperature without having to change any settings.
Cleaning Your Filter
Your next likely culprit could be your air filter. Dirty, dusty and clogged-up filters make it so much harder for your AC to function. This forces the unit to work harder to cool and restricts air flow. It’s good practice to change your filters about every 2-3 months to reduce both allergens and any potential air conditioning repair calls in the long run. Not only can a dirty air filter affect your health and ability to breathe, but it can also cause your AC to shut down completely in some situations.
When to Call a Pro
If your AC starts to make loud, screeching noises, the fan stops working or it begins to leak, then it’s time to pick up the phone and get your HVAC repaired. A screeching air conditioner means that your belt within the AC that connects the motor to the blower is damaged or out of place. This is not something you can fix on your own, so you will need to call a technician to come and replace your belt.
If your fan stops working all together, this may require a complete AC replacement. Without a working fan, your AC is not cooling – and your circuit breaker may be tripped. A number of things could be wrong with your fan, and the solution is to call a pro to get things fixed smoothly.
If you’re suffering from the heat this summer and having problems you cannot fix on your own, call Mission AC and Plumbing for the best air conditioning repair in Houston.
