Using and Maintaining HVAC Systems in Rental Properties

Has Your Air Conditioning Stopped Working? Troubleshoot The Problem With These Helpful Tips

Waking up to a home that is uncomfortably warm and stuffy because the air conditioning system is not cycling on correctly is not a pleasant way to start the day, especially during the hottest part of the summer cooling season. In addition to the discomfort caused by quickly rising room temperatures, this type of situation can also cause homeowners to experience stress as they worry about the cost of any necessary repairs. In some cases, however, an air conditioning system that has suddenly ceased to operate in this manner may only need some type of minor adjustment or fix that the homeowner can handle without calling their HVAC contractor. If your air conditioning has suddenly stopped working, taking a few minutes to use this handy troubleshooting guide just might save you the price of a repair bill.

Is the thermostat working properly?

If the thermostat has failed or it has been improperly set, the central air unit cannot function correctly so it is important to always verify that the thermostat is on and set correctly before calling for repairs. If you are concerned that the thermostat may not be operating correctly, you can test it by following these steps, but if the thermostat is very old, you may want to consider replacing it with a more energy efficient digital model to avoid future issues.

Is the central air unit receiving power?

If the thermostat proves to be working properly you may need to verify that the air conditioning components are all receiving power correctly. To do this, start by looking at your home's electrical panel to make sure that the breaker for your air conditioning system is switched to the on position.

Is there any sign of obvious damage to any part of the unit?

If the thermostat is set correctly and working properly and all the components seem to be receiving power correctly, check the compressor unit to see if it has been damaged by weather, chewing rodents, vandalism, or some other problem. Even though you will need the assistance of your HVAC contractor to handle compressor problems, taking the time to narrow down the problem will help to facilitate the repair and may also save time for the repair person and result in a lower bill for you.

If there are no obvious signs of non-working parts and components or damage, it will need to be evaluated by your HVAC contractor to determine the problem. To avoid additional repair calls in the future, you can also ask the contractor to evaluate your system and help you determine when it will need to be replaced. Contact a company like Northwest  Heating &  Air Conditioning Inc to learn more.


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