Get the most out of your nice, refreshing air conditioning this summer! Learn about how it works and what can sometimes go wrong.
Here are the most common air conditioner questions we get from homeowners, with our AC repair expert answers.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?
So frustrating! You hear the motor and feel the fan, but your AC’s not blowing cold air.
Ensure the thermostat’s not switched to “AUTO” instead of “ON” or set too high to signal your cooling to kick in.
Next, change the filter and clean your condenser if necessary.
If your problem continues, you may have an issue that needs professional AC repair: mechanical trouble, leaky ductwork, or a refrigerant leak.
Am I Using My Air Conditioner Too Much?
Worried about overusing energy and hiking up your electric bill? A programmable thermostat helps reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort.
On the other hand, your concern might be that the air conditioner’s running too long.
On an extra-hot Vaughan summer day, longer AC cycling is normal. If your thermostat is set extremely low, though, consider raising the temperature a few degrees to reduce demand on your cooling system.
Poorly maintained, ageing or undersized air conditioners also tend to run longer. In this case, consult an expert for an AC tune-up or replacement.
How Do I Landscape Around My Air Conditioner?
Backyard multitasking: landscaping around your AC outside the unit helps it work more efficiently and hides it from view.
For starters, keep plants 2-3 feet away so you’ll allow proper airflow (and plenty of room for air conditioning techs to do their job). Potted shrubs or latticework are easy ways to conceal your AC condenser.
Longer-term landscaping means planting trees and bushes that will eventually hide the condenser, shade your yard, and shelter your home from hot summer sun (cold winter winds, too!).
How Does My Air Conditioner Work?
Your AC cools indoor air through a continual cycle of evaporating and liquefying refrigerant. This process involves 4 main components, which you’ll want to keep in good shape.
- The evaporator transforms liquid refrigerant into gas. Then the fan blows hot air from your home’s interior over the evaporator coil to cool; from there, the cooled air is blown back into your rooms.
- The expansion valve controls the rate of refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil.
- The condenser is the box-like outdoor unit containing your AC compressor, fan, and condenser coil.
- The compressor converts refrigerant from a gas back to liquid form, releasing heat outdoors in the process.
What Size Central Air Conditioner Do I Need?
To serve you best, your air conditioner should be properly sized.
Obviously, a system too small for your home’s square footage won’t produce enough cooling power. However, an oversized AC is also problematic. It will tend to cool your home quickly and unevenly, without sufficient time to dehumidify moist clammy summer air.
When you buy a new air conditioner in Toronto, ask a reliable HVAC professional to calculate the size you need, taking into account home size, ceiling height, and sun exposure.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?
The hum of your air conditioning motor can be pleasant, even comforting. But if your air conditioner starts buzzing, banging, squealing, or rattling, something could be very wrong.
Don’t just ignore those loud AC noises. Request an expert diagnosis before they get worse.
What Should I Do Before Turning On My Air Conditioner?
The first time you turn on your air conditioner in the summer is an enjoyable moment. But take some simple steps beforehand to make sure all systems are “go.” Change the filter, clean the condenser and the surrounding yard, and inspect your indoor unit. Then get a professional AC tune-up to prepare for a trouble-free cooling season.
Where Should I Go If I Need An Air Conditioner Install Or Repair?
When you live in Vaughan or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, rely on Husky for the best air conditioner repair or installation, plus answers to all your HVAC questions.
Learn More About Our Tune Up Services