So Your System Stopped Working, Now What?
Only the luckiest few will not experience a problem with their HVAC unit. There are many different causes for a system to stop working and we review them below. Many new systems will come with an air conditioner troubleshooting guide, but older systems may not. It is also a good idea to check the company's website for troubleshooting pointers.
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6 Common Problems
#1: My Air Conditioning Won't Turn On
Possible cause:
Have you checked your thermostat? Make sure it is on and set to a temperature lower than the current room temperature.
The fix: Check that the thermostat is set to cool, and that the heat isn't on. If this doesn't work, check your circuit breaker and make sure you don't have a tripped breaker.
#2: I'm Not as Comfortable as I was Last Year
Possible cause: Most likely an airflow issue. If you have poor airflow, your house is going to feel stuffier and not as comfortable as it used to.
The fix: Check your filter, and change it. Filters need to be changed every month or two if you buy standard filters. There are some filters that can last as long as six months. This will only cost you around $5-$20, and will take only five minutes of your time to change.
#3: My Utility Bills Are Abnormally High
If your energy bills are increasing, there are a few different possible causes. If you have changed your air filter, and the bills aren't changing, it could be an issue with your condensing coil. The condensing coil is apart of the big outdoor machine and the "fins" on it, which look like the grill on your car. These usually clog from the outdoor weather and need to be cleaned.
The fix: Call your HVAC technician for a cleaning of your machine.
#4: Weird Noises During Startup and Operation
If you hear a sound something like rattling around when you turn your air conditioning on, it could just be a loose screw. Calling your HVAC technician to come fix the screw. The worst possible scenario could be a bent fan blade or a bad blower motor. These are serious fixes and will cost you a large sum of money.
Hopefully, your fix is as simple as screwing a loose screw in. In the case of the bad blower or bent fan blade, you will need new parts. This can cost you anywhere between $200-$800.
#5: The AC Shuts Off Before or Long After I'm Comfortable
This could be because of an improper placement of your thermostat. If you placed your thermostat in direct sunlight or next to a source of heat like the oven, this can give your thermostat false readings.
The fix: Move your thermostat away from the sun.
#6: There's a Puddle of Water Next to my Furnace
Your furnace when it's running, the system generates moisture that forms in a pan underneath the furnace. The moisture turns into condensation in the pan and gets drain in a floor drain or sump basin. An over accumulation of water means you have either a clog or the tube that drains the condensation is disconnected.
The fix: Call your HVAC technician to assess whether or not its a clog or a tube disconnection.
Possible cause:
Have you checked your thermostat? Make sure it is on and set to a temperature lower than the current room temperature.
The fix: Check that the thermostat is set to cool, and that the heat isn't on. If this doesn't work, check your circuit breaker and make sure you don't have a tripped breaker.
#2: I'm Not as Comfortable as I was Last Year
Possible cause: Most likely an airflow issue. If you have poor airflow, your house is going to feel stuffier and not as comfortable as it used to.
The fix: Check your filter, and change it. Filters need to be changed every month or two if you buy standard filters. There are some filters that can last as long as six months. This will only cost you around $5-$20, and will take only five minutes of your time to change.
#3: My Utility Bills Are Abnormally High
If your energy bills are increasing, there are a few different possible causes. If you have changed your air filter, and the bills aren't changing, it could be an issue with your condensing coil. The condensing coil is apart of the big outdoor machine and the "fins" on it, which look like the grill on your car. These usually clog from the outdoor weather and need to be cleaned.
The fix: Call your HVAC technician for a cleaning of your machine.
#4: Weird Noises During Startup and Operation
If you hear a sound something like rattling around when you turn your air conditioning on, it could just be a loose screw. Calling your HVAC technician to come fix the screw. The worst possible scenario could be a bent fan blade or a bad blower motor. These are serious fixes and will cost you a large sum of money.
Hopefully, your fix is as simple as screwing a loose screw in. In the case of the bad blower or bent fan blade, you will need new parts. This can cost you anywhere between $200-$800.
#5: The AC Shuts Off Before or Long After I'm Comfortable
This could be because of an improper placement of your thermostat. If you placed your thermostat in direct sunlight or next to a source of heat like the oven, this can give your thermostat false readings.
The fix: Move your thermostat away from the sun.
#6: There's a Puddle of Water Next to my Furnace
Your furnace when it's running, the system generates moisture that forms in a pan underneath the furnace. The moisture turns into condensation in the pan and gets drain in a floor drain or sump basin. An over accumulation of water means you have either a clog or the tube that drains the condensation is disconnected.
The fix: Call your HVAC technician to assess whether or not its a clog or a tube disconnection.