Before the advent of the modern residential air conditioner, people used blocks of ice to keep cool. As a matter of fact, output ratings on some of the first air conditioning systems were calculated based on how much ice would’ve been necessary to achieve the same cooling abilities.
Flash forward to 2021, today most people in America are more likely to own an A/C unit over a dishwasher. As hot as our summers can get, having a centralized A/C isn’t a luxury or an option for most homeowners. Most homeowners use their A/C units around the clock. Without proper maintenance every year, this can become a problem and it can lead to discomfort.
If you’re having problems with your air conditioner, our experts here at Delaware Heating & Air offer the following pointers on why it might be having technical difficulties:
Dirty Condenser Coils
Imagine, one of the hottest days of summer, you reached for the thermostat to lower the temperature just to realize that it is already adjusted to your set temperature but your house isn’t cooling down. With the house feeling so hot, what could be wrong with your A/C unit? Air conditioning systems are constructed with multiple different types of components, which surprisingly need cleaned regularly. First, check out your condenser coils, which are the walls that surround the inside of the A/C unit and hold the refrigerant in its liquid form. These coils should have a slight metallic shine, but if dirty they will be covered in dust and debris. If the coils are clean, move forward and take a look at your air filters.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters are designed to remove allergens and particles from the air within the house and to help prevent the build up of dust and debris on the inside of the furnace and evaporator coils. The air filter is typically located on the left or right of the outside of the furnace. You will know when your air filter is no longer usable when you hold the filter into the light and you cannot see
the light through it, especially if the filter is colored grey. Having said that, if both of these problems check out, your problem might be more complex.
Worn Out Supporting Components
Did you know, inside most A/C units there is a capacitor that helps power the motors? The job of a capacitor is to store electricity so that it can supply a small burst of energy to the motor it’s connected to, when needed. Capacitors on average need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years and are very sensitive to overheating. Tips on how to keep your capacitor lasting longer and keep from overheating are to start setting the thermostat a little higher on the hotter days and making sure to schedule regular seasonal maintenance.
Still Having Problems, Call For Help!
If you’re still experiencing difficulties with cooling your house, call Delaware Heating & Air at 740-227-8302, or click here to schedule a visit with one of our NATE-certified pros. We always look forward to answering any questions you may have or to schedule a maintenance visit.
