Save Time and Money By Checking For Common Issues First
No one wants to be stuck in the hot Missouri summer without a functional air conditioner – in fact, that can be downright dangerous! If your home air conditioner isn’t keeping your family cool, there are a few things you try before you start searching for “air conditioner repair near me.”
Let’s explore five of the most common air conditioner issues our experts encounter and how you can attend to them yourself before calling for help from a professional.
First Off: How to Tell If You Need AC Repair
In Kansas City and the surrounding area, many families turn on their air conditioners in early spring. If you are just starting your system up, here are some things to look for that indicate your system needs maintenance or repair:
- You can hear your system is running, but there is no air blowing through your vents or the airflow is weak, insufficient, or warm.
- Your system is making unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing, grinding, thumping, or screeching.
- Your home feels humid and warm, even with the air running.
- You notice strange odors coming from your vents.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual without a change in usage.
- Your system is turning on and off more than normal.
If you notice these types of issues happening in your home as the weather begins to warm, contact Blue Heating and Cooling for air conditioner repair.
Feeling confident that you’ve already checked everything out and need air conditioner repair? Contact Blue Heating and Cooling today to request a quote and we’ll take care of it!
Step One: Check Your Thermostat
Although this may seem obvious, it never hurts to go over the basics! If your home feels warmer than it should, take a look at your thermostat before calling for air conditioner repair service near you.
Make sure the thermostat is on. If it’s not, change the batteries or check the circuit breaker, depending on how your thermostat gets power.
If your thermostat does have power, confirm it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the temperature of the room it’s in. You’ll also want to make sure the fan is set to either “on” or “auto.”
Step Two: Check For Flipped Breakers
If your thermostat seems to be working properly but your air conditioner won’t turn on, you’ll want to check the breaker. Remember, your AC unit can be on a separate breaker than the thermostat, so even if the thermostat and other things in your home have power, the AC breaker may still be flipped.
If resetting the breaker doesn’t help, you’re one step closer to needing air conditioner repair.
Step Three: Check Your Air Filters
Air filters are one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, and they tend to be one of the most overlooked parts as well. Every system uses different kinds of filters, but they all need to be replaced regularly. Clogged, dirty filters restrict airflow and can lead to serious issues with your AC unit, so it’s important to change them every 30 to 90 days.
Filters are typically located at the return duct (where air is drawn into your system) and the air handler (the large metal box that houses the system fan). It’s vital to know how many filters your system uses and where they are located. Filters should be changed or cleaned out every 30 to 90 days, depending on their location, the quality of the filter, and whether or not your household has pets or people with allergies. As a rule of thumb, if your filter looks dirty, change it and see if that helps before calling for AC repair in Kansas City.
Step Four: Check Your Vents
Now that you’ve checked your filters and changed them if necessary, if your home still isn’t comfortable it’s time to do a check of your vents. HVAC systems are designed to condition the air within your whole home. That means airflow should have been measured for your system to run most efficiently with all vents fully open and unobstructed.
Yes, vent grates often come with built-in dampers that allow you to direct or stop the airflow, but that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea to use those. Vents need to be left open because closing or blocking them restricts airflow, which can lead to a buildup of pressure in your ductwork. That pressure can cause leaks and damage to your HVAC system as a whole, so confirm your vents are open and not blocked by furniture or other items.
Step Five: Check Your Outdoor Unit
Outdoor AC units are vulnerable to the elements, especially if it’s been left uncovered and unattended over the cooler weather months. Clear away any leaves, grass clippings, sticks, and other debris that’s obstructing the outdoor unit.
Look inside the unit’s grates to see if there is anything blocking the fan. If you suspect there’s an issue inside the unit, don’t try to fix it yourself. Get professional service by scheduling air conditioner repair near you.
Call Blue For Trusted Air Conditioner Repair
Blue Heating and Cooling is the Kansas City area’s go-to HVAC resource when searching for “air conditioner repair service near me.” We answer service requests by phone, text, or email at all hours of the day and will send someone out to diagnose and solve any AC issues fast, helping your family stay cool all summer long. Call (816) 719-1099 for a quote or to schedule service.