Air conditioning is an essential part of modern life. You may not realize it, but an air conditioner is likely running in your home or office right now, even though the weather outside might be beautiful and mild. But what about when things go wrong? What should you do if your AC system isn’t installed correctly? How can you tell whether or not there’s a problem with your HVAC installation? This article will answer those questions and more!
1. Make sure the installation is done correctly.
If you’ve recently had your HVAC system installed, it’s important to make sure that installation was done correctly. Even the smallest mistake can lead to major problems down the line. Things like improper venting or improper drainage of condensation could start causing problems right away, and issues like improper wiring could create a fire hazard or lead to short-circuiting. Before you install an air conditioner yourself, you need to make sure the installation is done correctly!
2. Make sure your ducts are sized correctly.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is installing a thermostat that isn’t wired up to their HVAC system properly and/or doesn’t have the proper airflow capacity. For air conditioning systems, you need to make sure your ductwork can handle the amount of air flow that the system needs to run efficiently. This is especially important if you’ve installed an air conditioner on your own. Proper airflow is vital to a well-functioning AC system.
3. Make sure your filters are clean.
Next, you should make sure that all of the filters in your air conditioning system are clean. Dirty and clogged filters can affect how well your AC unit runs, potentially leading to higher energy bills and more problems down the line. Some systems even include sensors that’ll shut down the system after a certain amount of time if the filters aren’t clean. So make sure you’re always keeping your filters clean.
4. Check for air leaks in windows and doorways.
If you have older windows that are cracked or warped, those cracks can lead to air leaks in your home. If there’s a lack of seal around your doors and windows, you can bet that the difference between inside and outside is causing some problems for your HVAC system. Fix any air leaks as soon as possible, whether by replacing old windows or weather-stripping the doors. Air leaks can increase your energy costs and might hurt the efficiency of your AC unit.
5. Make sure your ducts are properly insulated and sealed.
If your air conditioning ductwork isn’t insulated and/or doesn’t have the proper seals, you’re going to start spending more money on energy. Improper insulation can also lead to problems like mold or mildew growth, so make sure your ducts are properly sealed and insulated. Properly insulating and sealing your HVAC ductwork will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
6. Check your thermostat for accuracy.
Next, you should check your thermostat to make sure it’s working correctly and reporting the temperature of your home accurately. Things like worn-out batteries can lead to a faulty reading or even an inaccurate cooling/heating cycle. Before you have any repairs done on your AC system, make sure that the thermostat is reporting an accurate temperature so that you can pinpoint any problems as soon as possible.
7. Test your system to make sure it’s working properly.
Turn your thermostat up (or turn on the air conditioning) and wait several minutes. Check all rooms to make sure that you have good airflow and cooling temperatures at least three feet from the floor in every room.
First, make sure that any ducts in the house are closed. Then go outside and listen for a run capacitor or fan motor running on a condenser unit. If you hear one of these parts running , your air conditioner is functioning properly and is not likely to cause any major problems.
This is only step one to troubleshooting an inefficient system. Even if the compressor is not running, you still need to investigate further before replacing the part.
Note: The compressor usually won’t run during a heating season. Make sure that you’re in the cooling mode of your thermostat and confirm that it’s hot outside before performing these steps .
Turn on the air conditioning at full blast and wait several minutes. Check all rooms to make sure that you have good airflow.
Look at the thermostat settings (or let someone else look at it) to confirm that the thermostat is calling for cool air no matter whether or not the fan is running . If the desired temperature isn’t being reached, then check for symptoms of high or low charge on the system, dirty coils and blower problems .
Look at the filter to confirm that it’s clean. Replace it if necessary .
Turn off the thermostat and wait several minutes. Then check all rooms to make sure that you have good airflow and cooling temperatures at least 3 feet from the floor in every room.
Look at the thermostat settings again to confirm that it’s calling for heat . If not, check for symptoms of high or low charge on the system, dirty coils and blower problems
8. Call a professional if you have any questions or concerns about your AC installation.
Over the years, you might have noticed a few changes in your unit. It may be making unusual noises or leaking is to blame for water damage on your ceiling. If you suspect an issue with the system, call a professional right away . They will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know which repairs are needed. You may even want to consider replacing your system if the unit is beyond repair. HVAC technicians can determine whether a replacement is in your best interest.
All Air Conditioner repairs must be done by licensed and insured professionals. After all, the safety of your home is at stake. The following are some signs that indicate you need AC repairs .
1. Is there a strange odor? Don’t ignore this smell because it can be dangerous if not taken care of right away. A burnt or musty odor means mildew is growing in your unit. You should have your system inspected as soon as possible.
Dirty filters are a common problem that can lead to more serious issues. Dirty filters restrict air flow . The system will work harder, which leads to a higher energy bill and the potential of equipment failure . Regular filter checks are essential for your home comfort. Your AC should always have clean filters in place. If you notice the system is still having problems after replacing filters, you may want to consider AC repairs.
2. Are you noticing mold growing inside your vents? If so, you should get a professional to take a look at it right away. Some mold growth can be removed but if left unattended for too long, more harmful molds will grow.
3. Is your unit making strange noises? A professional will be able to diagnose the issue and get it fixed right away. This is especially important if you notice dripping or leaking coming from inside of the vents or outside where your AC unit sits . Water damage is never a good sign, which is why it’s recommended that repairs be completed quickly.
The above issues are all signs that it’s time to call an air conditioning repairman . Of course, there may be other problems with your unit , but these three issues need to be addressed immediately. Again, having a professional inspect your system is vital.
In conclusion, the best thing to do is contact a professional HVAC service company that has experience with different types of air conditioners. They should be able to get your system up and running in no time!
