 When you're experiencing problems with your AC there are a few common sense solutions you'll want to check before you call. If these don't get you back up and running, however, or if your air conditioner's symptoms point to bigger problems, please call Ragsdale to take necessary measures.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Of course, the best way to avoid costly repairs is to schedule an annual maintenance visit with Ragsdale Heating and Air.
A qualified technician will come out to your home, inspect your unit and your ductwork, perform all necessary upkeep, and address any maintenance issues before they become major problems.
Be sure to schedule these visits in the spring if you can. The onset of hot weather in the summer means our techs will book up quickly. By having him out in April or May, you'll be beating the rush, and you'll be addressing any repair issues on cool spring days, instead of having to shut down your system in the middle of summer when you need your AC the most.
Before You Call in a Hired Gun
Most homeowners' reaction to air conditioning problems is to call in a professional right off the bat. It's not a bad practice, since the longer you put off potential problems, the bigger the repair usually ends up being. There are a few quick things to check first, however, to make sure you don't end up paying for an unnecessary service call.
- Check Your Thermostat.
Make sure it's set to the proper temperature and that your thermostat has been switched from heat to cool. Sounds simple, but it happens.
- Check Your Breakers.
Make sure that your furnace/ac breaker is in the "on" position. A tripped electrical breaker may mean that there is an issue that needs to be diagnosed by a trained service technician.
- Clean Your Air Conditioner.
Dirt and debris around and inside your air conditioner can cut down on the efficiency of your unit and reduce its cooling power. Be sure to shut of the power, however, before you perform any cleaning of the unit itself.
- Check Drainage Tubes For Obstructions.
One of the most common reasons homeowners call Ragsdale is also often one of the easiest fixes. Pooling water around or below your air conditioner is commonly the result of a blocked drainage tube. Look for obstructions like dirt, algae, or ice, and either clean out or replace the tube if you find a problem.
- Replace The Filter.
Just as with your furnace, It's recommended that you replace or clean your filter once a month when your system is running regularly. Failure to do so can cut down on your sytem's ability to properly cool or heat your home.
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