Air Conditioning Problems? What To Do

By Author: Carolyn Ethington
Total Articles: 49
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The summer of 2010 has been a hot one! High temperature records have been falling in record numbers all over the country, putting Americans at risk for heat-related illnesses and even death. More than ever, it is essential to keep your air conditioning system in peak operating order and not let small problems become big ones. If you suspect your unit is struggling to keep up with the high demands being placed on it, here are some things to look for and what to do about them.


Leaky unit: One of the most common problems with air conditioners is water leakage. Whether you have a window unit or a whole-house system that uses an outdoor condenser, such a problem can quickly lead to not only system failure but also water-related damage to your home's exterior or interior structure. To prevent mold, mildew and the loss of your cooling altogether, it's wise to nip this problem in the bud as soon as possible. Check your unit's condensation pan first to make sure it is not rusted out and allowing water to seep through; if the pan is sound, then the issue might stem from a blocked drain.


Noisy ...
... unit: Although that near-constant wailing sound is probably not preventing your system from operating correctly, it is an annoyance that keeps you from enjoying a peaceful indoor environment! When your unit is operating more than usual, as it probably has this summer, it is common for the fan belt to become slightly dislodged: creating that "lovely" grinding sound. If this is the problem, simply put the belt back in place and/or lubricate the bearings in the motor.


Unit not cooling properly: Unlike the above problems, this one creates an emergency situation that must be remedied immediately. Most homeowners, even avid do-it- yourself, simply do not have the knowledge base to diagnose the cause of the system failure and therefore it is wisest to contact a professional HVAC technician to handle it. In most cases the grills have become blocked, but improper cooling can also be caused by a number of other factors. If you choose to diagnose the problem yourself, be sure to turn off all power to the unit before conducting an investigation.


If your system fails to cool adequately, be sure to safeguard the well-being of family members first before attempting to fix the problem or until a technician arrives: in this heat it simply doesn't take long for people to begin feeling its effects. If you simply cannot resolve the problem yourself in a timely manner, don't take chances: contact your Utah heating contractor or professional in the state where you live immediately. For more information about Utah heating contractor , visit our website now!