When it comes to air conditioning problems in St. Louis, the number one solution is always to call a professional like Galmiche & Sons. Not only can A/C components be dangerous to work with on your own, you could end up causing even more damage than the original repairs would require.
That being said there are a few, “nuisance problems” that you can troubleshoot on your own. Below are some common air conditioning problems and some steps you can take to resolve these problems. If you experience these or any other conditioning problems and need help, contact the professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis to get your air conditioner up and running again in no time.
Problem: Condenser / Compressor Is Not Running at All
Your outside unit should have a minimum hum to it during operation. If there is no sound (and you find temperatures in your home start to rise) it could be the sign of air conditioning problems.
Solution: When your outdoor unit is not running, it often means that it has lost power. To diagnose this air conditioning problem, check to see if the system is plugged in or if the safety trip on the wall has been flipped upside down. Inspect your indoor circuit breakers and look for any frayed wires. If all of these things seem in order, drop the thermostat down a few degrees to see if the system “kicks on.”
Problem: Home Is Not Getting Cool
Another frustrating air conditioning problem is that your outdoor unit may be running, but it is not working properly as evidenced by the house starting to get warmer and warmer.
Solution: The easiest and first thing you should inspect if you experience this problem is the thermostat to see if it is properly set / turned on. If the thermostat is fine, the air conditioning problem could be a dirty evaporator coil. Cleaning the evaporator coil is a low to mid-level troubleshooting job so you may want to call in a pro. More importantly, you should also check your filter to see if it is dirty – which could be causing the evaporator coil to act up.
Problem: A/C Unit Shuts On and Off Frequently
Frequent cycling is an air conditioning problem that is hard on the unit and difficult on the utility bills. Not to mention an air-conditioner that shuts off before its cycle is complete will also leave the air humid and susceptible to mold growth.
Solution: A dirty evaporator coil is a common cause for an A/C turning on and off. Additionally, so is a blocked outdoor condenser unit. If the interior components cannot get enough air to run their combustion processes, they trip by default. To fix this air conditioning problem, clear off any blockages that may be restricting external air flow. It also never hurts to clean the entire outdoor condenser/compressor especially as lawn clippings and other debris builds up over the summer.
Problem: A/C Fans Are Not Turning On
One of the sounds you hear when your A/C “kicks in” is the fan starting. There are actually two fans – one to blow cool air in and one to bring warm air out of the home. Sometimes these fans are slow to start spinning or do not operate at all and your air quality will suffer (not to mention the risk of damage to components).
Solution: Fans operate with a motor to turn them and a bearing to facilitate the spinning. The motor will need to be checked by an HVAC tech, but dirt and grime buildup could be causing the fan to be lodged in the stuck position. You should clean and lubricate the fan bearings and also inspect the belts to make sure they are not loose or rotted, which can prevent future air conditioning problems.
Contact Us for Solutions to Your Air Conditioning Problems in St. Louis
Something to remember is that most of these fixes to common air conditioning problems should only be considered temporary. There is often a root cause underlying these air conditioning problems and if caught early by a St. Louis heating & air conditioning expert, you can avoid more severe issues down the line. To learn more or to schedule a St. Louis air conditioning repair or service appointment, contact us at Galmiche & Sons!
