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How to Troubleshoot a Malfunctioning A/C
Take These Steps Before Calling the Pros
The thermometer reads 100 degrees F outside. The sun is pounding relentlessly on the sidewalk. Vegetation is wilting. Meanwhile, you are huddled indoors, basking in the A/C … until the unit rattles to a stop. This stomach-dropping scenario happens to hundreds of people every summer. A/C units across America are overstressed right now, and when you run your unit at full blast, the system is more prone to malfunctioning. Fortunately, you do not have to call in the pros for every little issue. Here are a few DIY ways to fix an A/C problem. 1. Replace your air filter. The experts recommend changing the filter in your A/C system every month. An unchanged filter can get clogged and cause your A/C to turn off! Replacing the filter could kick start a nonfunctioning A/C. 2. Double-check your thermostat. While sounding basic, your A/C might have turned off because your spouse reset the temperature, the kids flipped the thermostat from “heat” to “cool,” or the device’s batteries died. Do not rule these silly problems out without checking them! 3. Clean your condenser coils. Dust, dirt, and pet hair can clog your A/C’s condenser coils and limit the unit’s function. If you are careful and handy, you can use compressed air or a shop vacuum to clean the copper tubing and aluminum fins composing the coils, which typically form the side walls of your outdoor A/C unit. 4. Test your circuit breaker. The entire circuit covering your A/C may have tripped, turning the A/C off. To test, turn off your thermostat, head to your breaker box and look for any switch in the neutral position. If you find one, push it to off (right) then on (left). Wait 30 minutes, then turn your thermostat back on and set it to cool. These four steps may be the only ones you need to fix your A/C problem! If you try them with no success, then call in the experts. Of course, you can also make that call from the get-go if you are not comfortable DIYing your household systems. We promise they will not judge you! It is always better to be cautious than accidentally worsen the problem.
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DLJonesHomes.com
Dennis & Lisa Jones
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