When your central air conditioner is running, but your house just doesn’t seem to be as cool as it should be, there are a few simple things to try to see if the issue can be resolved without calling a repairman.
- Check your thermostat to make sure it is set properly.
- Check the circuit breaker to see it if has been tripped.
- Turn off the unit at the thermostat for one to three hours to see if it resets.
You should also maintain your unit by changing the filters regularly. Dirty filters cause problems with the airflow.
Cleaning the air conditioner unit may also do the trick. Here are some basic steps to do this yourself, but be sure to read you owner’s manual for more specific instructions.
- Turn off the power at both the disconnect panel by the compressor outside and the main electrical panel.
- Clean up the surrounding area, raking leaves and trimming any vegetation that might interrupt airflow.
- Remove protective grilles, taking care not to loosen any wires.
- Clean the fins using a soft brush to dislodge debris. Vacuum them using the brush attachment to avoid damaging them.
- Protect the wiring and motor by covering with a sturdy plastic trash bag, and spray out the unit with the hose and power spray.
- Lubricate the motor if the owner’s manual indicates that you should.
- Remove the plastic barrier and replace all protective grilles.
- Turn the air conditioner off at the thermostat and reconnect the power at the compressor and main panel.
- Let the air conditioner run for five to 10 minutes and check the temperature of the pipes connecting the condenser to the air handler. One should be warm and one should be cool. If this is not the case, you should call a repairman. It is possible that the air conditioner needs more refrigerant.
If your efforts have not resolved the issue, contact us at Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating. Our service technicians have been serving the greater Los Angeles area for more than 45 years, and we provide emergency service any time, day or night, at no extra charge.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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