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At Ray’s HVAC, we’ve accumulated plenty of heating and air conditioning information over the years, and we’re happy to share what we know.

Common Air Conditioning Problems

• Failure to Start: This may be indicative of an electrical issue, so inspect the wires going into your air conditioner for corrosion, rust or damage.
• Freezing Up: Most commonly, this issue is caused by a dirty air filter. Change or clean yours and see if that resolves the problem. Sometimes, air conditioners freeze up when running overnight because of dipping outdoor temperatures. If neither of those is the cause, you most likely have a refrigerant leak, which requires professional repair.
• Frequent Cycling: Several underlying issues can cause your air conditioner to cycle on and off, including electrical problems and improperly calibrated thermostats. Frequent cycling may also be a sign that your air conditioner is over-sized.
• Insufficient Cooling: As with many other issues, a dirty air filter is often the cause of insufficient cooling power, as the dirt restricts the flow of air out of the unit. Poor cooling may also indicate that your air conditioner is too small.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t set your thermostat below your target temperature in an attempt to cool your home down faster. Your air conditioner will overshoot the target, wasting power and leading to uncomfortable temperature changes.
• For maximum efficiency, try to put your outdoor unit in a shaded area that’s free of shrubs, debris and anything else that might block the flow of air.
• Try to set your thermostat as high as you can comfortably stand during the cooling season. For most people, that’s between 76 and 79 degrees. Every degree changes your utility costs by about 9 percent, so it’s in your interest to go as warm as possible.
• Window air conditioners need to be tilted back slightly to allow water to drain out of the unit. Make sure yours are positioned properly.
• Ceiling fans complement your air conditioner by circulating the hot air that tends to collect at the top of the room. Get an Energy Star rated fan for maximum efficiency, and don’t forget to use the reverse setting during the heating season.
• Air filters need to be changed or cleaned every month. If your unit uses disposable filters, get replacements that are made to fit your system from a local factory authorized dealer instead of generic filters from a hardware store. If you have a reusable filter, allow it to air dry completely before putting it back in the unit. Never let the unit run without an air filter.
• Use a form-fitting cover to protect your condenser unit during the winter.
• Investing in double-paned windows can save you quite a bit in the long run by keeping air conditioned air inside the house.

Feel free to give us a call for more helpful tips and advice on making the most of your home heating and cooling systems. We’ve been the HVAC company Schaumburg has counted on since 1956.

If you’d like to learn more about Ray’s HVAC, be sure to visit our About Us page.