If you’ve noticed that your central air conditioner isn’t producing the cold air you’ve come to expect, it’s possible that your system needs to be recharged. Like most things in life, air conditioning units need maintenance, and part of that may include having the freon charged. You’ll especially notice if the air isn’t cold, and the thermostat isn’t reflecting what should be a cooler home. If you think that may be the case for your air conditioner, calling a professional to take a look should be the first step.
Does your AC need recharging?
There are a few things that can go wrong with an air conditioning system, so it’s important to check if it may need a recharge. There are a few ways to do this. When an air conditioning system needs to be charged, it’ll blow out warm or room temperature air. Place your hand in front of a vent, and feel the temperature for several minutes. If it’s warm or room temperature, it may need a recharge.
Checking the thermostat is also a good way to check if there are issues with the freon needing to be recharged. It’ll show if the air in the house isn’t cooling off, and confirm your suspicions. Of course, if the thermostat is malfunctioning, that could be another issue altogether. Again, calling a professional to take a look at it is probably your best bet.
Checking From Home
There are things you can do to diagnose your ac unit from home, saving time and money. Here’s a list of some easy tasks you can do to keep your unit running well, and narrow down what the issue is.
Broken Fan
Aside from checking the temperature and the air coming out of the vents, you can also take a look at the fan that blows the air into your home. When your AC starts, the fan should automatically start running. If that doesn’t happen, there’s a good chance there’s an issue with the fan.
Dirty Filters
The filter on your air conditioning unit can get full, and dirty. Replacing it with a new, clean one is one way to increase air flow, and possibly get your unit running at full capacity.
Frosty Tubes
If you notice frost building up on the tubes in your air conditioner, you may have a freon leak. If you think you have a leak, contact a professional as soon as possible. The coolants in an air conditioner can be harmful if handled improperly.
If you’ve taken a look at these items, and can’t find an issue, needing to have the system recharged could be the culprit.
Don’t DIY It
It may be tempting to take on recharging the system on your own. This, however, can be a dangerous task, and homeowners generally lack the knowledge and licensing to do it. A professional can charge the system properly and safely, while also making sure everything else in the unit is running smoothly. Avoid costly mistakes, and have your air conditioner serviced professionally.
Have an HVAC professional address your system
Having a fully-charged air conditioning system is a great way to keep your home comfortable. If you’re experiencing any issues with your central air conditioning unit, call the Fredericksburg area experts at Robert B. Payne Schedule an appointment today at 540-373-5876.
