Common Problems That Can Affect Your Air Conditioning System

The air conditioning system in your home can struggle to keep the house cool if it is not maintained correctly. There are some common problems that people experience with the system, some of which can be avoided with a little planning and others that are related to wear. In both cases, an AC repair tech can help you correct the issues and show you how to avoid them in the future.

Dirty Filters

Probably the most common issue people have with the air conditioning system in their home can be traced back to the filters in the system. If the filters are neglected, and air can't pass through them, the system will either not cool the air or shut down to protect the fan and other parts of the system. 

Your air conditioning repair tech can show you where the filters are, how to change them, and tell you how often you should change them. In homes with pets, the filters get dirty much faster, so you may find the need to change them monthly. 

Most systems use a paper filter that is inexpensive and disposable, so all you need to do is pull out the old one, insert a new one, and restart the system. If the system does not restart, you need to have an HVAC repair tech come and check the system to determine what is wrong with it and fix it. 

Burning Smells

If you notice a burning smell coming from your air conditioning system, shut it down and call your AC repair tech right away. The smell could often be a failing belt, but it could also be wires or the fan motor, and the best way to ensure that it does start a fire or do further damage to the air conditioning system is to shut off the power to it. 

You may be able to shut the system off at the thermostat, but it is essential that you also go to the breaker panel and shut off the breaker to de-energize the entire air condition system. The repair tech may turn it back on when they get there, but shutting it off until they arrive is the safest option.

Once the tech arrives, they will open the system outside and check the portion in the house as well. If all you need is a new belt, the tech can fix it quickly, but if you have a wiring issue or a motor that has failed, it can be a little more complicated. In any case, the air conditioning repair company will inspect the system and let you know what needs doing to get it up and running again.

For more information on AC repair, contact a local HVAC company such as Edelman Inc.