It seems hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk outside — just a typical New Jersey summer, right? So how’s your air conditioner faring in the heat? If your central AC is not cooling, a variety of problems could be to blame, some of which you can fix at home without needing a technician.
So, what’s the problem?
Whether your AC is blowing warm air or it just takes too long to cool the house down, our HVAC technicians have the inside scoop on air conditioning problems. Find out why your central AC is not cooling your NJ home and what to do about it.
Reasons Your Central AC Is Not Cooling
Most problems with your AC require a diagnosis and repair from a licensed contractor. However, some simple fixes can be identified and resolved at home if you know what signs to look for.
1. Start At the Thermostat
Your first line of defense is your thermostat. Check your settings. Is it set to: AUTO? The most common mistake we find is that people set the thermostat to: ON instead of AUTO. The ON setting will make your air conditioner run nonstop: sometimes blowing cold air, sometimes not cooling at all.
If that doesn’t work, then…
2. Check the Filter
One of the easiest DIY AC maintenance tasks is changing or cleaning an air filter. But, how do you know when it’s time to change it? An air filter’s life expectancy can last between one to three months, depending on factors such as the cleanliness of your house. A dirty filter blocks the return airflow to your AC making it harder to circulate the cooled air throughout your home.
If changing or cleaning your air filter doesn’t work, then…
3. Clean the Outdoor AC Unit
When was the last time you cleaned your outdoor AC unit? If your answer is never, you may have just found the solution to your problem. The outdoor unit should be clear of obstructions (including long grass, overgrown bushes, low-hanging tree branches, etc.) so that it can cool the refrigerant, which is used to cool your home.
And, if that doesn’t work…
4. Call in the AC Pros
You can clear obstructions yourself, but cleaning your outdoor unit properly requires a professional touch. During a central AC maintenance visit, the technician will conduct a thorough cleaning and also check for things like malfunctioning parts and low refrigerant levels, which could also be part of the reason your central AC is not cooling your home very well.
Central AC Not Cooling Your NJ Home? Call Brown’s
Who can you turn to when you need heating and cooling repair services for your rental home in Monmouth County or Ocean County, NJ? Brown’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is the area’s HVAC leader.
Brown’s has been keeping Monmouth and Ocean County homes safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient since 1972. Need your air conditioner fixed? Schedule a repairman to come out or call us directly at 732-741-0694.