July is primetime for fun filled barbeques, pool parties—and keeping cool inside. It’s also an ideal time to check on your HVAC system. No one wants to have their air conditioning unexpectedly shut down. No cooling when it’s hot and humid outside in the Valley of the Sun can be a life-disrupting problem.
Let’s look at some HVAC DIY troubleshooting suggestions that can help save you the hassles of a hot house this summer.
AC On, House is Hot
Are the ice cream cones you’re scooping inside for your family and friends instantly melting? You hear the air conditioning system running, yet every room in your house feels too warm. Time to check on key HVAC unit components as your first line of defense before calling your trusted local AC professionals.
Check Power
Take a look at your system’s thermostat. The batteries in your thermostat may be dead and require replacement to communicate with your air conditioner. If it’s a smart “Internet of Things” thermostat, check the Bluetooth connection to make sure it’s paired with your AC unit. If there’s still no power, check your electrical panel inside or outside your home. See if any breakers are tripped or fuses blown.
Then, check any electrical circuits powering hardwired devices such as a thermostat, any indoor and outdoor air handling equipment, and the outdoor AC condenser. A final step, if there still is no power, would be to look at all indoor and outdoor power switches to make sure they haven’t accidently been switched off.
Check Air Filters
Open the grate and pull out your air filter. Is the filter mostly covered in dust, looking grey and dirty? Clogged air filters choke air moving throughout your home keeping AC condenser coils from getting the proper amount of air flow to effectively run.
Check All Vents
Walk throughout your house and ensure all vents are open. If vent have louvers, allow them to open and close, jiggle the louver switch to make sure each vent is open. Any furniture, hardware devices, decorative items, or rugs blocking your vents should also be moved away from vent openings.
Check Indoor AC Equipment
Check air handler doors that may not be tightly shut. Safety controls on certain brands automatically turn off if the access panels are breached or not properly closed.
After DIY checking your AC system, and you still can’t find the source of your AC not working, then it’s time to call your HVAC cooling professionals at Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Schedule a service call at 480-968-5652.
