Categories: Air Conditioning

Deciding Whether Your Central Air Conditioner Needs Charged

When your air conditioning system is on the fritz, it can affect your quality of living, making enjoying your home difficult. There are many reasons an air conditioning system may not be operating as it should, and figuring out the cause of the problem is the first step in enjoying a comfortable home.

Check for Damaged Parts

In many cases, a non-working central air conditioning system is the result of a blown motor. In order to determine if this is the case, you will have to inspect the exterior unit. Turn the thermostat down to 65 degrees or lower, then go outside and check to see if the fan blades are turning in the exterior unit. If the fan blades are not turning, the motor in the system may need to be replaced.

If, in fact, the fan blades are turning in your exterior unit, the next step is checking thermostat to see if it is working properly. If the home is cool but the thermostat indicates that the temperature in the house is 80 degrees, for example, this may mean that the thermostat is broken. This is a simple repair and is often a part of regular maintenance on your unit.

If the problem is not with the thermostat, the problem could be that the central air conditioner needs charged. To determine if this is the case, place your hand in front of the air vent. Warm air blowing from the vent indicates that you need the Freon charged in your unit. This is a simple fix that a certified heating and cooling technician can perform on your unit.

Charging Your Central Air Conditioner

It is important to understand that only a certified technician can charge the Freon in your central air conditioning unit. There are several steps that your technician will take, including changing all of the necessary filters, coils and blower. After this point, the technician will add new Freon to the unit, restoring it to its peak efficiency and delivering a blast of cold air to your home.

Maintaining Your Unit

The key to enjoying a temperate climate in your home year round is to undergo regular maintenance on your air conditioning system. Many people are not aware there is a problem with their unit until the temperatures are in the 90s and the house is a sauna. This represents the busiest time of year for air conditioning technicians and it means that you may be unable to get immediate help.

The best time to schedule a maintenance on your unit is before you discover you need service. Winter weather can do a number on exterior units, slamming them with ice, dirt and debris. This can damage the motor, making your air conditioning system less effective. By scheduling maintenance before you need it, you can enjoy uninterrupted performance on your air conditioner.

Whether your central air conditioner needs charged or just a simple maintenance, you can find qualified technicians that can help you maintain your home’s air quality.

 

 

//energy.gov/energysaver/articles/central-air-conditioning

Jodi Hugoe

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