There’s so much to enjoy about summer in central Delmarva and eastern Pennsylvania. In homes from Chester County, PA, to Sussex County, DE — and plenty of nearby communities — families are barbecuing, swimming and exploring the outdoors.
But if you don’t have a central air conditioning system that’s operating effectively, this time of year can get pretty unpleasant. If your air conditioner won’t come on or blows weak or warm air, you might be able to fix the problem yourself. Here’s a breakdown of common A/C problems that you can address — plus some others where you should call a professional.
Before calling a professional for an A/C repair, check out these common DIY solutions.
Make sure that your thermostat is set to “air conditioning,” “cool” or “fan” mode, and the temperature is set at least 5 degrees cooler than the current room temperature. If you don’t see any read-out on a battery-powered thermostat, you may be due to change the batteries.
If your A/C still doesn’t come on, there could be a blown fuse or a tripped breaker. This can sometimes happen when the A/C has been running for an extended period. Also, check any power switches in your home and ensure they’re all turned on.
During the summer, it’s a good idea to check your HVAC system’s air filter every month. If you neglect your filters, they can become clogged. This restricts airflow, and your A/C will have trouble keeping up. The same is true of your outdoor compressor. We recommend you take a moment to clear away any plant growth or debris that might be blocking it, allowing at least two feet of space around your outdoor A/C equipment.
A liquid dripping from your A/C might have you worried that there’s a serious malfunction. The issue may be reasonably early to fix, though. All A/C equipment generates moisture which typically drains through a condensate pipe. If the drain pan is broken, you can replace it easily. If the pipe is clogged, you can clear it with a shop vac.
While homeowners can resolve some cooling system problems themselves, others require a trained and licensed HVAC professional.
Many leaks are water, but others are refrigerant. If your A/C has been struggling to keep your home comfortable in the summer, it might need a refrigerant refresh. Handling refrigerants requires professional certifications, so you should call us for service.
If you try all the troubleshooting tips listed above and your cooling system is still struggling or not working at all, it could have a broken or worn-down component. It could also be the result of neglected maintenance. (We recommend you get an A/C tune-up once a year to ensure peak efficiency.)
The expert technicians at Poore’s Propane and Oil have the training and experience to identify and resolve the problem quickly. And if your system has reached the end of its service life, we’ll help you find a central air conditioning replacement and install it right away.
Do you have an A/C problem you can’t solve yourself? Contact the Poore’s team today to request service.
