Central Air Issues 101: What You Should Know

Central air conditioning is a great investment for most homes, especially in areas where the climate can get particularly warm. Unfortunately, central air conditioning is not without possible problems. As a homeowner with central air conditioning, it's important for you to understand some of the things that you might encounter with your home's air conditioning system and what you can do about them.

Power Problems

When your central air system won't run at all, there's a good chance that the problem is directly connected to the power source. Whether the unit was unplugged or there's been a tripped breaker, you should check all of the stages of the power supply to be sure that there's power getting to the condenser unit. If you have checked the breakers and you're sure that it's getting power, make sure your thermostat is set so that it will engage the system. If all of these things are as they should be, reach out to an air conditioning contractor for more information and to identify the source of the problem.

Condenser Issues

If your air conditioning system doesn't seem to be producing enough cool air, or the airflow is minimal, you should start by checking the condenser. Your condenser's air intake filter should be clean and free of obstruction. Otherwise, a clogged filter can inhibit airflow into the condenser, which reduces airflow through your vents.

Additionally, make sure that the area around the condenser is clear. You shouldn't have any brush, leaves, shrubs, or other obstructions within a couple of feet of the condenser. This is important for adequate airflow and cooling, and to prevent the condenser from becoming clogged by this debris.

Drainage Difficulties

Air conditioners that are blowing sufficient volume but poorly cooled air may have problems with adequate drainage. If the drain lines are clogged by insects or debris, it can keep the air conditioner from properly draining out the condensation that's drawn out of the air in the cooling process. Over time, this can lead to significant backups, mold, and potentially frozen evaporator coils. 

Make sure your drain lines are kept clear at all times and talk with an air conditioning repair technician about cleaning the system out periodically to ensure proper drainage and sufficient coil function.

These are some of the most important things to consider when it comes to air conditioning system problems. Don't let your central air conditioner be overlooked until it completely fails. Address these potential issues right away to keep it running at its best.

If you have additional questions, reach out to a local air conditioning service.


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