Has your air conditioning unit been making strange noises? Has its cooling power decreased over time? A broken cooling system during the hot summer months is potentially dangerous. To ease some of your worries, the HVAC contractors at ADE Heating and Cooling in Forked River, NJ, put together this list of things you can do if your unit stops working.

What Should I Do if My Air Conditioning Fails? An HVAC Contractor Explains

1. Replace the Air Filter

The dirt that gets caught on the filter restricts air from flowing through it, causing the system to become less efficient. Check the filter regularly and replace it at least every three months. If your household has a pet, however, you may want to swap it out every month to minimize allergens.

2. Make Sure the Thermostat Is On

A thermostat with dead batteries won’t light up when you press the buttons. Your air conditioner will also not function if there is nothing to power this component. If the system doesn’t bounce back once the batteries have been changed, check to see that the fuse in the circuit breaker hasn’t blown. 

3. Clean the Condenser

The condenser is the outdoor unit of an HVAC system, and it helps transport the hot air back outside. Debris such as leaves and twigs block the flow of air, so clean the area around it and trim nearby weeds, vines, and branches. 

4. Get a Smaller Air Conditioning Unit

When it comes to air conditioners, a bigger unit doesn’t always work better. The proper size is affected by the square footage of your home, how many windows there are, and the climate of your city. A unit that is too big for a home will only work for a short time before turning off. Since there is not enough time to dehumidify the air, the rooms in your home will be left feeling damp. Consult an HVAC contractor about what specific sizes you need.

Are you a resident in southern New Jersey who needs assistance with a broken air conditioner? For over 30 years, the team at ADE Heating and Cooling, Inc. has specialized in a wide variety of HVAC services, including air conditioning maintenance, heating and cooling installation, furnace repair, and boiler repair. To learn more about what their trained team has to offer, visit them online or call (609) 693-6050 to schedule an appointment.

Their licenses are as follows:

NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00136200
NJ Master HVACR Lic # 19HC00400200
NJ Master Plumbing Lic # 36B100668500