Is your AC running all day and not cooling your home?
Are your energy bills increasing steadily?
If your answer was YES to either of the above questions, there is a possibility that the refrigerant in your AC system is running low and needs to be topped up.
The refrigerant works to absorb the heat from the air indoors, before dumping it outside, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. As refrigerant generally does not run low, the cause may be a leak somewhere in the system which has caused this to happen. This should be assessed by a certified HVAC technician, who will measure the amount of refrigerant in the system and augment it to optimal levels.
Low refrigerant can also have damaging effects as the AC can freeze and the ice that has formed inside blocks the airflow to the vents.
As a result of this blockage, the system must work harder to push the air through. This, in turn, will cause your energy bills to spike dramatically.
To troubleshoot, first, check that your air vents are all fully open and that the airflow is not restricted in any way. Also, check that your air filter is clean and not clogged preventing the flow of air through it.
The second step would be to check that your thermostat is set on Cool and not Heat and that your circuit breakers are all set in the on position.
Lastly, check your outdoor unit is clean and free from debris (soil, leaves, branches) that could prevent the flow of air. It is best to ensure that the area around the condenser is kept clear of debris as this can be very damaging.
Prevention is always better than a cure!
Annual preventative maintenance is a great way to ensure that your system is running smoothly.
After all, summer is just around the corner!