Summer is now in full swing and your air conditioner has become your nifty sidekick. It provides a much-needed escape from the heat, so a breakdown is out of the question. Especially during a summer that will be spent primarily indoors.

As shelter-in-place orders remain in effect, your cooling network is kicked into high gear. Where days by the pool turn into days spent playing board games indoors, and late-night bonfires turn into family movie nights, you are placing a high demand on your home cooling system this year.

That’s why we here at MEP Fusion are providing the tools you need to troubleshoot any impending malfunction. That way, you won’t have to sweat it out. Here are some DIY AC troubleshooting tips that will help you find the source of your cooling problem, provide insight on repairs, and let you know when it’s time to bring in a professional.

General Operation: An Overall Inspection

First, make sure your thermostat is adjusted to your desired temperature. You’ll want to double-check that your fan function is turned “on” and that your pre-programmed settings are not still in effect. If you have scheduled cooling cycles, your current request may be overridden. Reset your thermostat to remove these pre-sets.

Second, make your way outside to your condenser unit. Your appliance should be free of leaves and debris, as a dirty condenser leads to insufficient cooling. Clear your system of any accumulated dirt. Now, listen to your system. If there is no banging or clanking, and warm air is emanating from the top of the condenser, your equipment is operating as it should. However, if you do hear any strange sounds coming from your unit, or the air blowing out of the system is cold, it is time to contact a professional HVAC technician for system analysis and repair. You may need internal parts secured or a new fan motor.

Third, go check your ventilation system. All of your air vents should be open and unobstructed! It should only take about fifteen minutes for your air conditioning network to deliver uniform cooling throughout your home. If your indoor temperature does not drop sufficiently, you will need to dive deeper to locate the source of your cooling debacle.

Diving Deeper—Check Your Control System

Your thermostat is the motherboard for your air conditioning network. If your thermostat is not working, your air conditioner will appear as though it is malfunctioning as well. First, make sure your thermostat has power. Then, once you have established a successful connection, reset your thermostat, input your intended temperature, and revisit your ventilation. If cool air is now blowing from your vents, your thermostat simply needed a hard reset. However, if your home still fails to adjust its climate, try this next:

Inspect Your Ventilation

Air leaks are the leading cause of poor cooling power in residential neighborhoods. Ductwork can become damaged over time, as the pressure within your network can increase and cause cracks. An imbalance of pressure within your system can result from closed vents or vents that are blocked or covered by furniture or art. If you believe you have any tears in your ductwork, contact a professional technician for repairs!

Additionally, improperly sealed windows and doors can lend to insufficient cooling. If you have holes along the sealings of either, you will need to apply weatherstripping or caulking, where applicable, to restore these breaches in insulation.

Take A Closer Look At Your Refrigerant Line

If you are receiving a steady flow of air from your vents; however, this air is coming out lukewarm, your refrigerant line may be the source of your air conditioning malfunction. Check your refrigerant line for leaks, tears, or breaches in insulation. You will hear a hissing or jingling sound emanating from your unit if this is the case.

Contact your local air conditioning specialists to patch your refrigerant line and restore the proper refrigerant levels within your system. This should solve the case of your insufficient cooling!

For complete air conditioning care, contact MEP Fusion Inc. at  818-751-1909 We are here to assist you in resolving your cooling debacle!