Sometimes it seems like it happens overnight: The warmer weather we welcomed in the spring quickly turns into something uncomfortable. Usually, without any warning, we wake up to the scorching hot “Dog Days of Summer.”
Fortunately, when this happens, we have our beloved home cooling equipment for much-needed cool air and comfort from the heat and relief. Residential air conditioning equipment becomes our lifeline in the Wilmington area (and surrounding areas) during the months of June through August. When summer heats up, we count on our cool air tremendously. If we have a problem with our A/C, we need it to be taken care of immediately.
If you’re having A/C problems, we encourage you to reach out to us right away. Don’t delay! We can send out a NATE-certified technician to your home to get your cool air blowing in no time. In the meantime, our home cooling heroes here at Wilmington Heating & Cooling offer the following list of things to check and consider when your A/C isn’t running as it should:
Thermostat & Other Controls
If your A/C isn’t running properly, or if it’s not running at all and it’s broken down, one of the first things you should do is to try to pinpoint the cause of the problem or eliminate other possible causes. This means checking the A/C’s various controls. You’ll want to check your AC’s power source and the thermostat. It’s important to make sure the A/C is turned on and has power running to it. You’ll test your thermostat to make sure it’s working properly also. After you’ve checked all this, you can move on to other possible causes.
Condenser Coils
Home cooling systems utilize a wide range of parts that need to be checked and cleaned regularly, which is one of the reasons why we at Wilmington Heating & Cooling sell A/C maintenance at such a low cost. If you’re having problems with your home cooling unit, A/C condenser coils should be checked right away. The condenser coils are the walls that surround the inside of the A/C unit and hold the A/C refrigerant in its liquid form. These coils should have a slight metallic glint. If they’re dirty, they won’t shine. They can get covered in dust and debris. You’ll want to have them cleaned heading into the summer every year.
A/C Air Filters
When they’re working properly and being changed regularly, air filters remove allergens, particles and pollutants from the air in a home. Our air filters on all our HVAC equipment also helps by preventing dust, dirt and debris from gathering inside the equipment itself. Because they affect airflow, air filters should be checked frequently throughout the season. Once every month is ideal, and if they’re dirty they should be replaced or cleaned right away to promote proper airflow. Otherwise, a bad air filter that’s clogged can cause serious damage, run up your home cooling bills and even result in full A/C system failure.
A/C Capacitor
Residential air conditioning units utilize an A/C capacitor that helps power the cooling system’s motors. This A/C capacitor stores electricity so that it can provide a quick burst of energy to the AC motor, which it’s connected to, when it is necessary. On average, these capacitors should be replaced every 5 to 7 years. These capacitors can become extra sensitive to overheating over time. Tips on how to make your AC capacitor last longer and prevent it from overheating include setting the thermostat a little higher on the hotter days and making sure to schedule regular seasonal maintenance with your local experts at Wilmington Heating & Cooling!
Maintenance Record
We ever-emphasize the importance of regular A/C maintenance. We remind homeowners all the time! Nevertheless, despite this, we still get those calls during the truly hot months from homeowners who lose their cool air because they neglected this vital service during the spring. We encourage you not to be that homeowner. It might cost you a little up front, but the payoffs in the long run are worth it when your A/C runs smoother, lasts longer and saves you on cooling costs.
If your A/C is giving you problems, call us today!
If you’re still experiencing problems with cooling your house, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Call Wilmington Heating & Cooling today at (937) 764-3575!
