Don’t leave your air conditioner’s maintenance to chance. Several things can go wrong besides a dirty filter or a bad electrical connection. We have an AC pressure troubleshooting chart that we follow to make sure all the parts and components are running smoothly. You can do the basics such as cleaning the filter and making sure the electrical outlet is working, but the rest should be left to the professionals who have the tools and expertise to keep your system running smoothly for years. Here are some of the things that may need addressing:
Overflow Tray
Your system may shut down if your overflow tray is up to the brim. It requires a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove the excess water, which most people don’t have.
Also, look for dampness or moisture on the ground around the outdoor system. This may indicate a leak which can cause water damage to your house’s infrastructure. Moisture can be a very serious problem and should be stopped as soon as you see it.
Obstructive Air Flow
Your system may turn on but not cool your house. This could be because the blower door on the air handler has opened. This means something is obstructing the airflow in the compressors, filters or registers.
Faulty Thermostat
It may be a malfunctioning thermostat that causes your air conditioner to turn off and on irregularly or run nonstop. Both of these conditions can reduce energy efficiency. If it stops working, check the light is on. No light means no signal for the motor to turn on.
This could be caused by a tripped breaker, dead battery, or dirt in the inner components of the thermostat. Cleaning may be enough to fix the problem or you may need a new thermostat. We also recommend having the anticipator’s arm checked for proper calibration.
If your thermostat is positioned in direct sunlight from a window or where it may be hit by hot air every time the front door is opened, it may need to be relocated inside your home to work properly.
A Dirty Condenser
Condensers may get dirty or blocked by dirt, dust, and debris. High weeds, insects, and loose turf from a lawnmower can also be the culprit. We need to clean the condenser and remove any large twigs or other obstruction.
If the compressor is malfunctioning, it needs an expert to repair it. If the compressor and fan are working, the system will hum quietly like a refrigerator. If they are not working, they either need to be repaired or replaced.
Damaged Ductwork
The ducts carry the cool air to the different rooms in your home. If they have a leak or have become detached, blocked or crimped, they won’t allow the air to move smoothly. Inspecting ductwork is not something you want to do yourself.
Each duct needs to be followed by the motor to the room outlet. This could require crawling in your attic or crawl areas. Once we find the problem, we fix it on the spot. We will also see if fixing isn’t possible, and you need new ductwork. The main ductwork problems are:
- An improperly designed duct system
- Leaks that could lose 20 – 40 percent of the cold air
- Loose joints
- Torn or crushed insulated plastic ducts
- Un-insulated ducts
- Dirty ducts full of dust and debris
Open Register Dampers
The register dampers in each room where the AC ducts go need to be set to an open position. The register dampers control how much cold air goes into a room. They can have different settings in each room to improve the energy efficiency of the AC system.
Benefits of Regular AC Pressure Troubleshooting Chart Maintenance
- The AC will function better and have a longer lifetime
- Avoid costly repairs and component replacement
- Avoid the inconvenience of having your AC system break down on the hottest day
- A lower energy bill because the system is running efficiently
- Better indoor air quality with an efficiently running system
In Florida, air conditioning is essential for a comfortable life. Regular attention to an AC pressure troubleshooting chart will help you avoid breakdowns and save energy. If you think you have a problem, you can check some of the possibilities above, but to maintain your warranty and get the job done right the first time, we recommend you have any problems fixed by a professional.
Contact us today to book your inspection and make sure you’re ready for summer!
