Constellation Home has been serving the central Maryland for decades and when it comes to air conditioning, we’ve seen it all and repaired it all.
Of course, there may be some issues that you can repair by yourself. If your central air conditioning isn’t performing well, there are a few troubleshooting tips that you can try at home. However, if the tips below don’t remedy the issue, contact your local Constellation Home air conditioning specialists. We’ve worked with every type of central AC system, and we can help.
Problem: The AC Compressor Doesn’t Turn On
AC Compressor Troubleshooting Tips
If your home isn’t getting enough cool air to make it comfortable, it may be the air compressor. The compressor’s task is to compress the cool, low-pressure refrigerant necessary for heat exchange. Maryland summers can get pretty sticky, and your compressor can be under a lot of stress. It’s normal for it to wear down as the unit ages.
Check the power of your AC compressor
It may seem like an obvious troubleshooting tip, but the first thing you should do is to check that your AC compressor is turned on. If your AC compressor isn’t receiving the power it needs to function properly, check the power connections, and make sure a fuse hasn’t been blown or a circuit hasn’t been tripped.
Examine the coils of your AC system
Over time, your HVAC system can collect dust and grime. If your AC compressor isn’t turning on, it could be because of contaminants on the condenser coil, which can cause your compressor to overheat. Examine your compressor’s coils. If you see dirt, dust, and grime, contact a local Constellation Home AC technician to inspect your air conditioner.
Problem: The AC System Isn’t Pushing Out Cool Air
Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Tips
If your central AC system isn’t releasing cool air, there are a few things you’ll want to check before calling your local AC professional.
Examine your air filters
When an air filter gets clogged with dirt and dust, it simply can’t operate efficiently. Contaminants like pet dander, dirt and allergens can quickly accumulate on your filters, restricting airflow through your home. How often you change your air filters depends on several factors, such as your home’s size. If you don’t know how frequently you should change your home’s air filters, contact Constellation Home.
Inspect your AC unit for leaks
Sometimes when your AC unit isn’t efficiently pushing out cool air, it could have a refrigerant leak (or low refrigerant in general). Here are several signs that you have a refrigerant leak:
- An odd hissing sound coming from the system
- Ice buildup on the outside AC unit
- Ice buildup on the refrigerant line
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, contact an AC expert at Constellation Home. Our technicians are trained to repair refrigerant leaks, so you can get back to enjoying a cool, comfortable home.
Problem: The Air Conditioner Runs Continuously
AC Troubleshooting Tips
If your AC unit simply won’t shut off, first inspect the area around your thermostat before you contact a technician. If there are any heat-generating devices near your thermostat, move them away as they could cause your system to cool unnecessarily.
If you have any questions about these AC troubleshooting tips, or you’d like to schedule an AC repair or tune-up, contact the AC professionals at Constellation Home today.
