When it’s hot and your air conditioner isn’t working, the last thing you want to do is worry about replacing your central air conditioning unit. The experts at Ambient Edge can help walk you through some steps to determine if you have a quick-fix of an issue or if the problem may be bigger.
Diagnosing Your Central Air Conditioning Problem
Before you call us, there are a few things you can check on your own to determine if your air conditioning issue has a simple fix.
Check Your Thermostat
Make sure your thermostat is set to “air conditioning” or “cool.” If it is, and the air conditioner fan is still running, check the temperature on the thermostat and compare it to the temperature inside your home. When it’s really hot outdoors—especially if it is between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm—sometimes air conditioners lag behind and have trouble keeping up. But if your home temperature is consistently more than a few degrees warmer than the temperature set on your thermostat, you may have a bigger problem.
If you have a digital or programmable thermostat, be sure it has fresh, working batteries. In addition to feeling cooled air and seeing a temperature change on the thermostat, you should also hear a “click” from your HVAC system to indicate it is turning on. You may need one person working the thermostat and another near the HVAC system if the two are not close to each other.
You may also have an issue if your central air conditioning unit will not turn off. There could be a problem with the thermostat, possibly involving wiring trouble or complications with the air conditioning condenser. If this is happening to you, contact us right away so we can ensure your home doesn’t become a frozen ice palace!
Check the Vents Throughout Your Home
You should feel cold, or at least cool air, coming out of your air vents. If there is warm air or no air at all, your air conditioning unit may have a problem. Be sure to do a visual inspection of your vents as well. You may have holes or tears, or ductwork that has come disconnected. This may mean your air is leaking or not blowing out of the vents as it should. Dirty and leaky air ducts are not only inefficient but can also lead to possible health and breathing issues.
Check Your HVAC Air Filters
Have you changed your air filters recently? If you haven’t changed your air filters in a while or if they are visibly dirty, change the filter. It may clear the way for your system to operate properly. Check your evaporator coils for ice build-up, condensation, or water pooling. The presence of either can indicate a problem with airflow that can affect your air conditioning system.
HVAC Checkups
An annual (or even regular) inspection of your HVAC system can help find minor issues before they become a full-blown heating or cooling crisis. If you’ve had a checkup recently, the odds are good that your air conditioning issue is not a major emergency.
However, if you have not had a recent checkup or have never had one, the time to get an Ambient Edge technician over to your home is now. We even offer preventative maintenance specials and plans so, once your air conditioning is fixed, we can help make sure small HVAC issues don’t turn into bigger ones.
Central Air Conditioning Warning Signs
If you notice leaks or water around your air conditioning unit, odd noises, or if hot air is blowing out of the vents, call and we can help. If you smell a rotten egg smell, you may have a natural gas leak. If you suspect this is possible, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1 for further instructions and assistance.
Contact Us Today and We’ll Help Determine if Your Air Conditioner Is Broken
From strange noises to hot air, there could be any number of problems with your central air conditioning unit. Call or send us a message. Our experts will check your system to find out if your AC is broken and help you determine the next steps.
Ambient Edge installs, repairs, and helps maintain air conditioning systems. If your AC is broken and cannot be repaired, our team will help you find a new system based on your home’s unique needs, as well as your budget. Call Ambient Edge today. Our experienced, knowledgeable technicians pride themselves on superior customer service and will make sure you fully understand any issues, as well as the solutions we recommend.
