Air Conditioning

AC Repair in New Castle, PA: How to Handle 3 Frequent Problems

Troubleshooting and doing your own AC repair in New Castle, Pennsylvania, can appear like a lot of hassle.

There’s a better way. There are several quick remedies you can attempt by yourself that might help you get out of an AC service call.

When you’re having air conditioning issues, try this checklist before calling a heating and cooling repair professional like Central Heating & Plumbing.

Our experts are standing by at 724-401-1843 when you need expert service. We have emergency AC repair and work on most brands of central AC equipment.

If you want to get an up to date air conditioner, we also provide AC installation.

When you’re in contact with us, contemplate a yearly AC maintenance plan that may help you keep clear of future malfunctions. We can advise how often you need air conditioner service.

Ready to get started troubleshooting your system? Try our fast tips below. Many of these procedures don’t require any HVAC knowledge.

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Air Conditioner Repair Checklist

1. AC Won’t Turn On

There can be several reasons why your air conditioning won’t run: a triggered circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or an overfull condensate drain pan.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker

Your cooling won’t turn on when you have an overloaded breaker.

To find out if one has blown, find your house’s main electrical panel. You can find this silver fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.

  • Confirm your hands and feet aren’t wet before you touch the panel or breakers.
  • Look for the breaker labeled “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” position. If it’s tripped the lever will be in the middle of the panel or “off” spot.
  • Steadily move the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantly trips again, leave it alone and call us at 724-401-1843. A breaker that keeps turning off could signal your house has electrical trouble.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat isn’t telling your AC to run, it won’t turn on.

The first step is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC will probably not turn on. Or you may get. heated air moving from vents because the furnace is on instead.

If you have a regular thermostat:

  • Replace the batteries if the screen is clear. If the readout is displaying jumbled characters, get a new thermostat.
  • Ensure the correct program is displaying. If you can’t change it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is incorrect.
  • Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the space’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat matches the house’s temperature.

Once your thermostat is set correctly, you should begin getting refreshing air fast.

If you’re using a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, contact us at 724-401-1843 for support.

Shut-Off Switch

Your system typically has a shut-down switch around its condenser. This switch is generally in a metal box mounted on your house. If your air conditioner has recently been repaired, the device may have unintentionally been put in the “off” location.

Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan

Condensate drain pans catch the extra water your equipment takes out of the air. This pan can be situated either below or within your furnace or air handler.

When there’s a blockage or backed up drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety setting to turn off your unit.

If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the surplus condensation with a custom pan-cleaning tablet. You can buy these tabs at a home improvement or hardware store.

If your pan involves a pump, locate the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you may need to install a new pump. Contact us at 724-401-1843 for help.

2. AC Blows Warm Air

If your equipment is working but not cooling, its airflow may be obstructed. Or it could not have enough refrigerant.

Clogged Airflow

Your system’s airflow can be limited by a blocked air filter or dirty condenser.

How to Change Your Air Filter

A dusty filter can lead to a lot of problems, such as:

  • Lower cooling
  • Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
  • Uneven cooling
  • Bigger cooling expenses
  • Causing your system to stop working more quickly

We recommend changing flat filters every four weeks, and creased filters every three months.

If you aren’t sure when you last replaced yours, turn off your equipment fully and remove the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It might also be located in an adjoining filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.

Tilt the filter up to the light. If you see a lot of dust you need to replace it.

4 Steps to Cleaning Your AC Equipment

Brush, grass and sticks can get in the way of your condensing unit. This can restrict its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and change your comfort. Here’s a way you can get your system operating well again.

  1. Switch off the electrical current totally at the breaker or outdoor device.
  2. Remove plant waste around the equipment. Once you’ve gotten rid of larger refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to gingerly clean the condenser fins. Warped fins can also hurt efficiency, so you can attempt to adjust them with a blunt knife.
  3. Use a hose nozzle to carefully remove gunk off the fins from inside the system. Make sure to avoid getting moisture on the fan motor.
  4. Install the top again and turn the power back on.

Insufficient Refrigerant

When air conditioning systems don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have to work much harder to remove heat and humidity from the air.

Here are several signs that your unit is leaking refrigerant:

  1. It takes too long to lower the temperature in your residence and you’re constantly turning down the thermostat.
  2. Air blowing through the ducts isn’t as chilly as it should be.
  3. You’re noticing whistling or bubbling sounds when cooling works.
  4. Your evaporator coil is icy due to having trouble absorbing humidity.

Worried your equipment is seeping refrigerant? You need a certified heating and cooling service expert to repair the leak and restore the correct amount of refrigerant in your unit. Contact us at 724-401-1843 for help.

3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air

When it appears like you’re not receiving adequate amounts of cool air, there’s usually a clog or detachment inside your AC equipment.

  • The initial step is checking your air filter. Replace it if it’s filthy.
  • Then ensure the vents are clear throughout your rooms.
  • If you’re still not getting ample cold air, you should have your ducts checked by a specialist like Central Heating & Plumbing. Your duct system could need to be serviced or relinked in difficult spots like your attic, basement or crawl space.

Professional Furnace Maintenance in New Castle, PA

When you desire your AC system to operate trouble-free no matter the weather, rely on the experts at Central Heating & Plumbing for air conditioner maintenance in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Your cooling system needs regular service to keep it working smoothly throughout the heat—and help you avoid emergency service calls.

Our heating and cooling professionals will take a close look at your unit during a tune-up. This often enables us to locate issues before they occur. Routine checkups can also help your air conditioner cool more effectively, helping you pay less for on utility costs.

Contact us at 724-401-1843 now to request your AC tune-up appointment.

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3 Pluses of Air Conditioner Service

Air conditioning service is critical for system durability and your household’s comfort. Here are three extra great perks:

1. Dependable Cooling

Our tune-up is accomplished with lengthy cooling in mind. With routine service, you can feel certain your AC will keep cooling throughout the summer.

2. Limits Emergency Service

Regular HVAC service often permits our experts to see issues before they develop, reducing your probability of a malfunction.

3. Helps You Save Money

A well-looked-after unit delivers air conditioning more efficiently and may even run longer.

What Does Air Conditioner Maintenance Involve?

Man Checking Up Air Condition - New Castle, PA - Central Heating & Plumbing

While you might not be excited about selecting a replacement, a new heat pump does have some advantages for your home.

Keeping your equipment running smoothly might appear like a lot to handle. We make it uncomplicated with our annual tune-ups.

Our technicians will complete a list of duties during AC service, such as:

Checking and Cleaning Inner Components

We’ll take a look at essential components, like the fan, evaporator coil and refrigerant amounts, to ensure your equipment is working correctly.

Greasing Moving Parts

Keeping moving components oiled helps save energy and decreases friction. Parts that aren’t routinely lubricated may need to be mended or installed more often.

Clearing Condensate Drain Line

This line helps your unit in draining extra liquid that happens when air conditioning runs. Mold can result in blockages and holes if the piping isn’t regularly serviced by a specialist.

Examining Overall Air Conditioner Mechanics

We’ll check electrical contacts to make sure your unit is delivering safe, effective air conditioning. We’ll also check your thermostat is set correctly and change your air filter for top indoor air quality.

Hassle-Free AC Installation in New Castle, Pennsylvania

Finding the ideal solution for your home is an important decision when you require AC installation in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

From a range of systems to professional air conditioning installation, we make the procedure easy at Central Heating & Plumbing. Our specialists will begin by helping you choose the best cooling system for your needs and resources.

After that, we’ll ensure that you not only are aware of all the perks of your modern air conditioner, but that it’s set up correctly. Our aim is for you and your loved ones to have relaxing, efficient air conditioning, especially for the muggiest month of the summer.

Call us at 724-401-1843 now to book an appointment for air conditioning replacement. We’ll help you select and install your new AC system.

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Should I Fix or Get a New Air Conditioner?

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While it’s tricky to determine when your central air conditioner will quit running, it will give you a few clues that you need to get a new one.

Equipment Age

Air conditioning systems generally work for about 10–15 years. If yours is past 15 years old, it has a higher probability of breaking down. You should start to think about replacing it and learn about new air conditioners right away.

Frequent Breakdowns

You should consider air conditioner replacement if yours requires regular repairs.

More Expensive Utility Bills

Out-of-date AC equipment aren’t as efficient. If you don’t schedule yearly air conditioner maintenance, there’s a chance you’ll have a less efficient system and a more expensive energy bill.

Uneven Cooling

An out-of-date AC unit may run more regularly and have trouble cooling your house. New models are designed to start less frequently to help you save more on electricity costs.

3 Advantages of a Modern Air Conditioner

Today’s central air conditioning systems have benefits out-of-date systems can’t match. And you can also feel sure you’ll have a unit that will work for a long time.

A modern air conditioner can give:

1. Enhanced Energy Reduction

Up-to-date AC units have better efficiency ratings than systems from 10–15 years prior. A new air conditioner could help you save as much as 50% on your utility costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

You can possibly save all the more with an ENERGY STAR® style with a good SEER rating. This categorization measures an AC unit’s cooling efficiency.

2. More Quiet Cooling

An updated air conditioner contains state-of-the-art features to aid it in cooling your home more quietly.

3. Hassle-Free Cooling

The newest cooling technology ensures your air conditioner will last longer and give air more efficiently. When you bundle your modern unit with a service agreement, you’ll never skip your yearly AC tune-up appointment again.

Request Pro Air Conditioner Repair Now

When you require air conditioning service quickly, contact the HVAC repair experts at Central Heating & Plumbing at 724-401-1843. We’ll quickly identify the problem when your equipment won’t work or provide enough chilled air.

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