The sweltering Des Moines summer heat is no joke. And when your home air conditioner isn’t working correctly, it’s both uncomfortable and stressful. But before you call for air conditioning repair, many common AC problems have simple fixes you can tackle yourself. As a trusted HVAC company in Des Moines, Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling created this guide to walk you through some easy troubleshooting steps that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of sweat. Rest assured, if these tips don’t get your AC working properly, we’re available for expert air conditioner repair service in Des Moines, IA.
1. Change the Air Filter
When was the last time you replaced the air filter in your home’s AC system? A dirty air filter can cause all kinds of air conditioner problems. It restricts air flow, making your HVAC system work harder, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially causing your evaporator coil to freeze up.
Depending on the number of people, pets and other environmental factors in your home, the filter can clog up fairly easily. Just because you can’t see the dirt and particles, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Aim to replace your filter every 1-3 months, especially during heavy use in the hot, humid Des Moines summer.
Pro Tip: Buy a few filters in bulk and set reminders on your phone so you never have to worry about missing a filter change.
2. Thaw A Frozen Evaporator Coil
Your air conditioning unit can literally freeze up in the summer, similar to the way your freezer can build up ice inside. If you see ice on your AC lines or notice water pooling around your air handler or furnace, your evaporator coil might be frozen. This is the air conditioner coil that’s located inside the furnace, and it can freeze when the system is overworked.
Here’s what to do if your evaporator coil freezes:
- Turn off your air conditioning unit, but leave the fan running for at least 2 hours to melt the ice.
- In the meantime, check your filter (see Tip #1). If it’s dirty, replace it.
- Once the ice is gone, try turning the AC back on. If it freezes again, it’s time to call an HVAC service company for AC repair.
3. Change the Thermostat Batteries
If you have a digital thermostat there’s a good chance it runs on batteries. If the batteries are running low on juice, the thermostat may not function correctly, which can cause your AC to stop cooling the air altogether. Before you assume the worst, try changing out the batteries in the thermostat. You might be surprised how often this simple fix of fresh batteries does the trick!
4. Reset the Air Conditioning System
Sometimes, a simple reset can work wonders for electronics, including your AC system. Just as in the tech world, “turn it off and then turn it back on again” may clear the issue and get your air conditioner working normally again.
Two ways to try resetting your HVAC system:
- Turn your system off at the thermostat, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
- If that doesn’t work, locate your electrical panel and reset the breaker connected to your AC.
When to Call a Pro
Some issues, like a refrigerant leak, require professional HVAC repair to avoid further damage. If these troubleshooting tips don’t get your AC working again, or you notice a clogged condensate drain line or a burning smell, strange noises or hot air coming from the air vents, contact an air conditioning repair company. Of course, any AC issue you don’t feel comfortable handling yourself can be addressed by an AC repair company for your peace of mind.
How to Prevent AC Problems
When it comes to most air conditioner issues, prevention is the best cure. Regular maintenance like annual AC tune-ups will ensure your condensing unit is clean and the refrigerant levels are correct in your AC unit. When your central air conditioner is working properly, improve its energy efficiency and catch many problems before they cause a breakdown in the middle of the summer.
How you use your air conditioner makes a difference, too. Summers in Des Moines can be brutal, especially if we’re dealing with high humidity. But if you’re running your AC below 70 degrees, you’re adding extra strain on the system and raising your energy bills. Even brand new AC systems can have issues with keeping a home at 65 degrees when the heat index is over 100. We recommend setting your thermostat as high as is comfortable (72 degrees or higher) and using ceiling fans to help you feel cooler.
Still Need Help?
If you’ve tried these fixes for common AC issues and your air conditioner still isn’t working, contact Aspen Aire today for 24/7 AC repair by licensed and experienced HVAC technicians.