Troubleshooting common central air conditioning problems

Know what to do when a problem arises

Many homeowners throughout Eastern Pennsylvania count on their central air conditioning systems to keep them cool and comfortable all summer long. We know how hot it can get here in the area so air conditioning is important and hopefully your system is up for the task at hand when you need it.

However, no matter how good a job your A/C does at keeping your home cool, the chances are that you will probably run into an issue with your central air conditioning at one point or another. When that time comes it is best to be prepared.

Common central air conditioning issues and how to fix them

There are some universal central air conditioning issues that homeowners can find themselves facing. Some of them require a professional to be fixed and there are others that you may want to take a stab at yourself before picking up the phone and calling a HVAC repair company. Let’s take a look at what these hiccups are and how you can go about troubleshooting them:

• Refrigerant leaks: If your refrigerant levels are too low, your central air conditioning system won’t be able to effectively cool your home. If you think your system is experiencing a leak, you should have a professional HVAC technician check it out.
• Thermostat issues: If your thermostat is acting wonky check the batteries (they may need to be changed). You also want your thermostat set to the “cool” setting and for the temperature to be set lower than the current room temperature.
• Air leaks: Damaged and disconnected sections in a home’s ductwork can cause air leaks so it’s best to inspect your ductwork every now and then.
• An A/C that won’t turn on: This can happen when your air conditioner isn’t receiving the power that it needs. Check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if you are dealing with a blown fuse or a tripped circuit.
• Water leakage: Water leaks can happen as a result of a clogged condensate drain line. Clean your drain lines when necessary.
• Restricted airflow: The airflow that your central air conditioning produces is going to be restricted if your air filters are dirty or obstructed. This also puts your whole A/C system at risk of shutting down. Check your filters regularly and clean or replace them when necessary. Central air conditioning systems with outdoor units can also experience airflow issues if there is a lot of debris and dirt around and on this unit. It should be cleared and cleaned regularly.
• A buildup of ice: This can contribute to airflow problems and refrigerant problems so if you notice ice building up on either your indoor or outdoor A/C unit, turn your system off and keep it off until the ice thaws.
• Strange noises: Any unusual noises such as grinding, banging or squealing can be a sign of a mechanical issue and should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

Air conditioning repairs from Oehlert Bros.

When your Eastern Pennsylvania home’s central air conditioning system is in need a professional repair contact the professionals at Oehlert Bros. We will get your system back up and running in no time.

Contact Oehlert Bros. today to find out more about the air conditioning services we offer throughout the area.