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Like any home appliance, air conditioners need a little TLC to deliver optimal performance. It's the Air conditionings that haven't been kept in top-notch condition that tend to struggle most in hot weather.
To make sure you don't lose your cool once the weather warms up, we asked the experts at Consumer Reports and air conditioning unit pros to identify the most common problems that crop up with window and central air conditioners. They highlighted eight issues to repair now. Plus, you'll discover our list of leading air conditioning system for little, medium, and big spaces, listed below.
The No. 1 issue affects both window units and central Air Conditioning systems, and-- we enjoy to report-- it's the easiest to fix. Here are eight concerns to ask that will assist you keep your Air Conditioner at peak efficiency all summer season long.
1. Is the Filter Dirty?
No matter which kind of a/c unit you have, a stopped up filter restricts airflow, decreasing efficiency and reducing the ability to successfully cool the air. If you have not cleaned up the filter in your window or portable a/c just recently, ensure you do and then check it periodically. For central Air Conditioner systems, examine the filter maker's suggestion for when to swap in a new one. In CR's tests, filters last anywhere from three to 12 months.
Just remember that if your system is running continuously or if you have animals, you will need to change your filters more frequently. "When we get calls about central air conditioning systems that aren't working well, 9 times out of 10 it's due to the fact that of a filthy filter," says Stewart Unsdorfer, owner of Central Heating & Air Conditioning in Cleveland.
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2. Is It Too Sunny Within?
If your window AC remains in a window that gets direct sunshine in the heat of the day, it'll have to work harder to cool your space. If you have an option, move it to a shadier area. If not, keep your tones and curtains drawn throughout the day to block the sun and avoid it from warming up your home.
3. Is Warm Air Leaking In? Inspect the seals around your window AC to make sure hot air isn't getting in (or cold air isn't permeating out). Reseal around your system with weather stripping if necessary.
" The majority of brand-new window systems come with insulation panels to place over the plastic adjustable side panels," states Chris Regan, CR's senior a/c tester. "However to make the most of efficiency, you'll still need to utilize weather condition stripping around the perimeter of the system. And constantly use the manufacturer's installation and security hardware."
4. Is Your Window A/C Vibrating? Ac system make plenty of sound, consisting of from the whir of the fan and the sound of the compressor cycling on and off. These sounds are regular. But if you hear a vibrating noise, it might indicate that your unit was installed improperly. Make certain it's sitting safely in the window and review the setup guidelines in your owner's manual to confirm that no actions were missed out on.
Central Air Conditioning Checklist
5. Is the Thermostat on the Right Setting?
With a clever or programmable thermostat, you can more quickly control the temperature level in your house so that it's comfortable when you're there and a bit warmer when you're not. If the temperature level appears off, ensure the thermostat isn't exposed to direct sunlight, which might cause it to register the incorrect temperature level.
6. Are the Registers Dirty or Blocked?
If you have a forced-air cooling and heating system, regularly vacuum the signs up to eliminate any dust buildup. Make certain that furnishings and other objects aren't obstructing the air flow through your registers.
7. Are Plants Crowding the Compressor?
The outdoor compressor for main air needs adequate air flow to work correctly, so make sure there's at least 2 to 3 feet of area between the compressor and any plants or structures. There should likewise be 5 feet of clearance in between the top of the unit and any trees above.
8. Did You Keep In Mind the Yearly Checkup? An examination by a HEATING AND COOLING (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician can capture any major issues prior to they worsen and leave you hot and troubled. The service technician will check all the moving parts, along with the refrigerant, and charge the system if required.
Required a New A/C?
If your room air conditioning system is beyond repair work, you can find one that succeeded in our tests for as low as around $200 for a small system and upwards of $800 for a large Browse this site one. Make certain you match the size of the a/c to the room it's indicated to cool. Listed below, we note designs in each size that carried out well in CR's tests. You can discover more in our full air conditioning unit rankings.