The air conditioning unit that we are familiar with today was invented in 1922. Since then, this unit has become indispensable to many homes across the United States. The problem with AC units is that they don’t last forever and will eventually break down.
What should you do if your AC is not working in Bellaire, TX? How can you find the root of the problem? How can you know if it’s time to call a professional to fix it?
Keep reading and learn more about what you should do if your air conditioner stops working.
Check if the Air Filter Is Dirty
One of the most common air conditioner problems is a dirty air filter. The air filter is more important to the function of an air conditioning unit than most people realize. The filter needs to be clear to let air flow through it.
The problem is that these air filters won’t stay clean forever. They will soon pick up the dust and debris floating around in the air. Once dust gets stuck in the air filter, it won’t get out on its own.
The air filter will eventually get so dirty that it can no longer let air flow through. This will create a variety of problems, such as poor air quality. Since air can’t flow very well through your home, you may notice that the indoor air is very stagnant and musty.
This is because there is a bunch of dust and debris floating around. You may also notice that once your AC starts running, it won’t run for very long. This is known as short cycling.
Understanding the Problem
The AC only works for short bursts before turning off again. When the AC unit is on, it also has to work very hard to cool your house. You may notice this in the form of high energy bills.
While your AC isn’t working for as long as it should, it is still causing your bills to skyrocket. This is because a clogged air filter makes it much harder for an AC unit to perform its basic tasks. If the air filter gets clogged enough, the AC may stop working completely.
You can fix the problem by replacing the air filter. You can also prevent the problem from happening again by cleaning the air filter every so often.
Check if Blocked Vents Are Limiting Air Flow
Vents are important for distributing cool air throughout the house. Once the air filter gets clogged, there is a good chance that these vents will get clogged, too. This is why you should check the vents in addition to the filter if your AC is having problems.
You may notice that your AC unit is running, but it’s not making the air inside your home cold. This is likely because the vents are blocked. You may also notice that the air inside your home is dustier than usual.
Vents are most commonly blocked by clumps of dust and other debris. But depending on where the vents are located, they may be blocked by other objects. If your furniture is covering some of the vents, this may contribute to the problem.
Consider moving your furniture out of the way and see if that solves the issue. You should also check if anything has fallen into the vents. Small toys and other objects can sometimes fall into the vents and cause clogs.
Investigating the Root of the AC Problem
Open up the vents and see if there is anything inside. If you don’t see any objects but find a whole lot of dust, it’s best to clean that out right away. You don’t want you and your family to breathe in all that dust all the time.
Unclogging the vents this way should also allow the AC unit to run more efficiently. It shouldn’t have any problem running cool air through your house after that. But if you unclog the vent and still have AC issues, you may be dealing with a more serious problem.
It may involve the more technical aspects of the unit, such as the motor or the wiring.
Call a Professional
There will come a point when you have no idea what to do with your air conditioner. Central air conditioners, window units, and other types of AC units all have unique problems. If you can’t get to the root of these issues, you’ll have a hard time keeping cool.
This is especially a problem in the summer. This is when you should call a professional. A professional can fix the problem in no time, no matter what might be the matter with your AC unit.
The issue might be that the fan motor is worn out and no longer working. Or the capacitor might be having problems. Some AC units may be old and need to be replaced.
A professional will know how to diagnose the problem and tell you about it in simple terms. The air conditioner will then be functioning as it should, or you may need to get a new unit.
Hiring a professional will make this process much faster and simpler for you.
What Should You Do if Your AC Is Not Working?
If your AC is not working, you’ll need to find the root of the problem. It may be something as simple as a clogged vent or filter. Or it may be something more serious relating to the motor or wiring.
If you can’t figure out the issue, call a professional. Are you ready to contact an AC company in Bellaire, TX? Check out our services and see how P & M Air Conditioning and Heating can help.