Quick tips and troubleshooting for yet another scorcher in Sacramento:
On Extreme Heat Days:
Don’t leave a/c completely off!
-Set temp to 80 degrees when you leave in the morning so it can reach the temperature you want when you get home.
-Don’t set temperature really low, the a/c won’t cool any faster and it can actually do damage to the system.
-If it is 105 outside and it is 78 inside, the system is working just fine. It is physics. They hotter the outside air temp, the system just can’t keep up. Especially if your HVAC system is older.
-Design temperature is 78 degrees, so don’t try setting your a/c to the 60’s and expect it to cool, it won’t. It can’t! It can actually freeze up the coil then you’ll have zero air conditioning (I know it sounds opposite, but trust us!)
-Make sure your filter is clean! Air conditioners can’t work efficiently if it is trying to pull air through a dirty/clogged filter.
If your air conditioner goes down this weekend, here are a couple things you can try yourselves:
-Is the fan inside the house running? If not, check the main breaker box and reset the one labeled Fan/Air Handler/Furnace.
-Is the fan outside running? If not, check the main breaker box and reset the one labeled A/C.
-If the outdoor unit still isn’t working, there is a “disconnect box” next to the unit attached to the house. Pull the fuses out and get tested or replace (hardware stores can help). Make sure replacement fuses are time-delay fuses. Here is how to replace fuses: How to replace fuses video.
Other tips:
-I keep a set of fuses in my junk drawer at all times just in case, and twice this has fixed my own unit!
-Replace the thermostat batteries and gently wipe the connection pieces to make sure there isn’t any corrosion.
Call us at 916-481-0658 or send us a message if you are still having issues and need help!