As the weather starts to warm up, you may be using your air conditioning more. If you think your system is not cooling properly, consider these top four trouble spots.
DeKalb, Il. (May 11, 2015) – Each year as temperatures start to rise, technicians at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® hear common concerns from customers. They’re worried their air conditioner is not cooling properly. To help beat the heat, we offer these top four tips:
1. Dirty Air Filter – Check the air filter in your home every 30 days and replace it every three months, regardless of how it looks. Dirty or clogged air filters can reduce the amount of air flow your HVAC system receives and can cause cooling challenges. During warmer months it’s like your system is running a marathon. You don’t want it trying to run that marathon with reduced air flow.
2. Thermostat problems –Make sure your thermostat is set properly to the cooling mode and not in the heating mode only. Some thermostats have a COOL AUTO HEAT feature so you can set cooling and heating temperatures, but check to make sure your thermostat is properly set. Your control also has a FAN AUTO ON selection switch, be sure this in the AUTO mode to avoid adding moisture to your air. Now is also a good time to replace the batteries in your thermostat or consider upgrading to a smart, Wi-Fi enabled thermostat.
3. Refrigerant – Some customers request that we add refrigerant to their system because they think it should get “filled up” every year. Your heating and air conditioning unit is a closed system and should not need refrigerant. If your HVAC system is leaking refrigerant, the leak needs to be found, repaired, and the system recharged with the proper amount of refrigerant. If the system is low, it will not cool properly. Call a trusted and qualified contractor to repair the problem.
4. Drainage problems –Your HVAC system, regardless of location, needs proper drainage to work. Air conditioning involves the removal of moisture and humidity from your home. As this happens, water (condensation) is the by product, and needs a place to go. Unchecked water leaks can cause property damage and indoor air quality issues. During a routine maintenance check, the drainage system should be evaluated and checked, so the water is removed properly from your home.
For more on cooling tips and what homeowners need to do to prepare their homes, contact your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
(815) 981-8834
*Information from energy.gov was used in this report.
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