Troubleshooting Problems When Your AC System Fail In Summer Heat
Air conditioning failures are very common during the summer heat. There are a host of reasons air conditioning units can fail to cool, from shutting down unexpectedly to failing completely. With high heat and humidity during the summer months, the following tips will help you troubleshoot a non-functioning AC unit and repair or replace it if necessary.
Check for Electrical Issues with a Multimeter
Electrical problems can cause your air conditioning system to fail. Electrical issues are often the result of improper installation or other damage that has occurred over time. If you suspect the electrical problem is to blame, you'll need to test different components with a multimeter. A multimeter is a helpful device for checking voltage levels, current flow, and resistance in AC systems and household appliances.
You should always use caution when working with electricity, but there are some basic tests that homeowners can do themselves without too much risk of injury. This can be useful to find out where the system isn't getting current due to a faulty connection or failed part.
Look for Signs of Problems with AC Water Leaks
A leaking air conditioning system is one of the most common problems you're likely to encounter. Unfortunately, just because there's water leaking from somewhere doesn't mean that the problem is easy to spot. If your air conditioner is leaking water, you can look for these signs:
- You see puddles of water on the ground outside the AC unit.
- A steady stream of water issues from an air return vent.
- Water drips down from an upper floor ceiling after you've turned off the AC.
If you discover what looks like significant water damage or mold growing near your air conditioner, it's time to take action before the problem worsens.
Detect Issues with Refrigerant Leaks Using Thermal Images
Thermal cameras are relatively new tools that allow technicians to "see" heat signatures, which can help them find leaks and solve other AC repair-related issues. Here's how these high-tech tools work:
First, technicians take video or images of an AC unit with a thermal camera. They then use software that interprets the information gathered by the camera and points out areas of concern. Typically, these points appear as red, yellow, or blue dots over hot spots in the image. Thermal cameras also indicate whether the area is safe or unsafe for human contact by using different colored zones.
When your AC fails during this summer's heat, contact an air conditioning repair service to help check for these issues with the unit.
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