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When your AC system starts to act up, many people automatically assume there is a problem with the unit. Truth be told, more often than not, the issue may actually be with your thermostat. A damaged thermostat is sometimes difficult to diagnose but by following these few steps, you should be able to tell if your ac problems are with your unit or your thermostat.
One of the most common issues with your thermostat is losing connection to the AC unit. In these situations, the thermostat won’t cause any damage to your system, and can be diagnosed by either not having your AC unit switch on, or not being able to feel a change in temperature when the AC unit is on.
If your thermostat has a damaged thermometer, and cannot accurately read the temperature of a room, it may cause your AC unit to start a process called short cycling. Short cycling occurs when the thermostat believes the room is at the temperature you’ve set it to, and shuts off the unit, only to restart it when it realizes the temperature is wrong. This issue can be diagnosed by listening to your AC unit, if the compressor starts to work but soon turns off, and repeats this pattern, this is the tell-tale sign of your unit maybe experiencing short cycling.
If your thermostat is displaying the correct temperature, but your home still feels warm then your AC system probably needs servicing. The first way to troubleshoot if the problem is with your AC unit is to do a visual inspection. Check to see if your unit is receiving power, this can be done by looking to see if your AC units power indicator light is on, or if you can hear the compressor working.
The next step is to make sure your outside unit is clear of plants and other debris. While checking for debris, look at the surrounding area and see if there is any excessive water on the ground. The presence of excess fluid can be an indicator that the AC unit has a blockage and not performing at peak efficiency.
If the power indicator light is on and you can hear your AC unit making a clicking noise, but the compressor does not make a noise, you will need to have a technician come out to test the electrical motors of your AC unit. If your system has experienced short cycling, this process often puts excess strain on your AC motors causing them to fail.
The most overlooked issue with AC units is filters. With the humid South Florida weather, filters tend to have shorter life spans, it is recommended that they are changed every month. A clogged air filter restricts the flow of air causing the unit to over-work and may possibly lead to a failure in the electrical motors.
AC units are designed to work for long hours and have long lifespans, however, even the best designed equipment needs a break. Your AC is meant to run in short bursts, keeping the room within the temperature range you have set. If you notice your AC running constantly, please do not delay in troubleshooting the issues or calling a licensed technician to diagnose the problem.
Leaving your AC running nonstop could lead to repairs or even the replacement of your AC unit. Unfortunately, many homeowners make typical AC mistakes, but by practicing proper AC maintenance, your AC unit should last it’s entire lifespan.
Should you have any questions, or if your AC needs repairs, please feel free to contact us at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric, our qualified staff will be more than happy to assist you. For all your AC problems, remember, Art Can Fix It!
