Before homeowners had what we consider to be modern air conditioning, people used blocks of ice to cool their homes. In fact, output ratings on some of the first A/C’s were calculated based on how much ice would’ve been necessary to achieve the same cooling abilities.
Flash forward to our postmodern world, most homeowners are more likely to own an A/C unit over a dishwasher. With as hot as Ohio summers can get, having a good working A/C isn’t a luxury for almost all homeowners. Today, most homeowners use their A/C units around the clock and without proper maintenance, this can become a problem and it can lead to discomfort.
If you’re having problems with your air conditioner, our experts here at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air offer the following suggestions for things to check and consider.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filters are designed to remove allergens and particles from the air within the house and to help prevent the build up of dust and debris on the inside of the furnace and evaporator coils. The air filter is typically located on the left or right of the outside of the furnace. You will know when your air filter is no longer usable when you hold the filter into the light and you cannot see
the light through it, especially if the filter is colored grey. Having said that, if both of these problems check out, your problem might be more complex.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Picture one of the hottest days of summer. Imagine yourself reaching for the thermostat to lower the temperature and realizing that it is already adjusted to your set temperature but your house isn’t cooling down. With the house feeling so hot, what could be wrong with your A/C unit? Air conditioning systems are constructed with multiple different types of components, which surprisingly need cleaned regularly. First, check out your condenser coils, which are the walls that surround the inside of the A/C unit and hold the refrigerant in its liquid form. These coils should have a slight metallic shine, but if dirty they will be covered in dust and debris. If the coils are clean, move forward and take a look at your air filters.
Worn Out Supporting Components
Did you know, inside most residential A/C units there is a capacitor that helps power the motors? The job of a capacitor is to store electricity so that it can supply a small burst of energy to the motor it’s connected to, when needed. Capacitors on average need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years and are very sensitive to overheating. Tips on how to keep your capacitor lasting longer and keep from overheating are to start setting the thermostat a little higher on the hotter days and making sure to schedule regular seasonal maintenance.
Still Having Problems, Call For Help!
If you’re still experiencing difficulties with cooling your house, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at 937-502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
