How to Troubleshoot Air Conditioners

January 3, 2019
an air conditioner

When it comes to appliance repairs, air conditioners are no exception. Poor maintenance can result in units that do not perform well. This is the reason why experts encourage homeowners to have their devices checked by technicians regularly. With that in mind, here is a closer look at how you can troubleshoot an air conditioner:

Lubricate the Moving Parts

Whether it is for a furnace tune-up in Lehi or a fan repair in Salt Lake, lubrication is essential for any appliance that has moving parts. This is especially true for air conditioners, which have fans, coils, and vents. Keeping the moving parts lubricated will ensure that the air conditioner can blow sufficient cold air into the household without consuming more power than necessary.

If you own a forced-air heating and cooling system, you should periodically vacuum the registers to eliminate any dust buildup. Also, ensure that your furniture and other things are not obstructing the airflow through your registers.

Monitor the Refrigerant Pressure

The refrigerant, or the liquid that makes the cold air inside the unit, should always be enough for the appliance to keep functioning. Once the coolant is depleted, the air conditioner will not be able to work efficiently. Technicians can use their tools to refill the unit with refrigerant liquid.

If your air conditioning unit is next to a sunny window, it will need to work harder to cool the area. Moreover, if your central system’s thermostat is in a place with much sunlight, it might register an incorrect temperature. With that in mind, keep your curtains drawn throughout the day. Doing so will protect your air conditioner from the heat of the summer.

Tighten Electrical Connections

Another part of the troubleshooting process is to tighten the wires or similar electrical connections of the appliance. Loose wiring or a faulty one can result in fire accidents or electric shocks, putting the residents and the property at risk.

turning on an air conditioner

You should not install your air conditioner near lamps or television sets. The thermostat, which controls your central air, can sense the heat from these devices and cause the air conditioner to run longer than required.

If your thermostat is programmable, you can set it to a lower temperature when you are there and higher one when you are not. Bear in mind that for every increase in temperature, you can save three percent on your energy expenses.

Examine Parts for Corrosion

Lastly, technicians examine the air conditioner for parts that have been corroded, worn out, or damaged from daily use or accidents. Once these defective parts are found, they are replaced using special tools.

Overall, troubleshooting an air conditioning system requires professional skills, just like any other appliance. People who keep air conditioners in their houses should ask professionals to come over and check their machines.

An assessment by an HVAC expert can solve any major problem before it worsens. No one wants to feel hot during the peak of summer. The professional will evaluate all of the moving parts and restore the system if needed.

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