Having your home AC turned on makes your home a lot more comfortable, but it is important to make sure that it is working properly. There are a lot of things that go into making an air conditioner work, from electric components and refrigerants to metal coils. Minor to major issues with any of these components can impact the performance of your AC. If you turn the AC on and find that your home is not cool enough, here is how to check if your AC is working as it should.
If you suspect problems with your air conditioner or would like to schedule AC repair or service in St. Louis, the heating and cooling experts at Galmiche & Sons can help. Call us today at 314-993-1110 or schedule an appointment online.
Steps to Check If Your AC Is Working
The following five steps can help you find out if your AC is functioning properly:
- Replace or clean the filter: If your AC is not keeping you as cool as it should be, the first step is to check the filter. A dirty filter can prevent the AC from working properly, so make sure to clean or replace it if it is clogged.
- Check the thermostat: There are a few simple ways to check your AC thermostat to make sure it is working properly. One way is to check the temperature reading on the thermostat. If the temperature is not where you have set it, then you have a problem. You should also check the fuse box to make sure that there is power going to the thermostat. If there is, try changing the batteries in the thermostat. Another way to check the thermostat is to see if the fan is blowing air. If the fan is not blowing, then you may need to replace the thermostat.
- Inspect the condenser: The condenser, or heat exchanger, is the mechanism that helps keep your air conditioner cool. This piece of equipment is the main component that makes it possible for your AC to work efficiently and effectively. The condenser drain is a tube that runs from the base of the unit to the outside of your home or a drain. You can check the condenser drain with a flashlight and see if it is clogged with dirt or leaves. You can also check if there is any liquid or ice on the condenser coil, which can indicate that the refrigerant is leaking. This is a serious issue that warrants a call to the HVAC service professional.
- Look at the circuit breaker: A circuit breaker is a safety device that protects the wiring in a home from overload. When the current exceeds what the circuit breaker can handle, it quickly cuts off power to protect the circuits. If this is the case, flip it back on and test your AC again. If the breaker keeps flipping, this is a sign of a more serious problem, and you should call the professionals.
- Consider upgrading: Lastly, if you have complete these steps to check if your AC is working, and your air conditioner still isn’t keeping you cool enough, it may be time for a new one. The older your AC gets, the less efficient it becomes, so it is important to consider upgrading eventually.
Learn More About How to Check if Your AC is Working
The above steps are great to help you troubleshoot and determine if your AC is working, but if you determine there is a problem, it may be time to call the professionals. While some minor issues can be handled at home, other issues such as refrigerant leaks or damaged coils are best handled by an experienced HVAC servicing company. Contact your St. Louis HVAC technicians at Galmiche & Sons today to get your AC working again.
