How do i know if my central air is working properly

How to Tell If Your Central Air Conditioner Is Working Properly: A Homeowner’s Guide

When the summer heat hits Roanoke, VA, there’s nothing more frustrating than constantly lowering your thermostat only to find your home still isn’t cooling down. If this sounds familiar, it may be time to call your local central air conditioning experts for an inspection. But before you schedule a service call, you can try a few self-diagnosis tips to check whether your AC is running efficiently or if it’s time for professional help. These simple steps can save you money and keep your home cool all summer long.

1. Examine Your Central Air Conditioner’s Air Filters

One of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain your AC’s performance is by checking the air filter. The air filter traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that could clog your system and reduce airflow. Locate your air filter it’s usually found inside the unit or near a vent close to your thermostat.

Each AC unit is different, but generally, you can remove the grill or vent cover by gently prying it open. Pull out the old filter and check if it’s dirty or clogged. A dirty filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and less efficiently, and can also impact indoor air quality.

Replacing your air filter regularly, usually every 1 to 3 months, ensures that your system runs smoothly and helps save money on cooling bills. When inserting the new filter, make sure it fits snugly and doesn’t move around.

2. Review Your Thermostat Settings and Batteries

Sometimes, the problem might be as simple as a dead thermostat battery. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, your AC won’t respond properly to your temperature settings.

Start by replacing the batteries in your thermostat. Also, look for any warning indicators like a flashing battery icon or error messages on the display. If your thermostat frequently malfunctions or can’t hold the settings, it might be time to replace it with a newer, more reliable model.

Modern thermostats also come with smart features, allowing you to control your system remotely and optimize energy use upgrading could boost your comfort and savings.

3. Inspect Your Air Conditioner Blower

Next, check if the blower fan inside your AC unit is working correctly. The blower’s job is to push cooled air through your home’s ductwork and vents.

Go outside to your condenser unit and listen closely. If you can hear the fan running or feel air blowing at the top of the unit, the blower is functioning normally. However, if you don’t hear the fan or feel any airflow, the blower might be malfunctioning.

If you notice the blower isn’t working, make a note of it and inform your HVAC technician when they arrive, as this issue needs professional attention.

4. Check the Fan and Compressor

The fan and compressor are key components of your AC’s outdoor unit. While inspecting the unit, examine the fan motor for visible damage. It’s also important to check the capacitor, a small conical component that helps start the fan motor.

Before doing this, turn off the power to the unit at your circuit breaker to avoid any electrical accidents. Remove the side panel of the condenser to access the capacitor.

If the capacitor looks swollen or bulged, it’s likely defective and needs to be replaced. A faulty capacitor can cause the fan to stop running, which in turn can cause the compressor to overheat and eventually fail.

The compressor controls refrigerant flow and is one of the most expensive parts to repair or replace. Catching capacitor or fan problems early can save you costly repairs down the road.

When to Call a Professional

If your AC still isn’t cooling properly after completing these checks, it’s time to call the experts. Trying to repair electrical components like the capacitor or compressor yourself can be dangerous and may void your warranty.

At Woods Family Heating and Air, our skilled technicians provide thorough inspections, maintenance, and repairs for all central air conditioning units in Roanoke, VA. We have over 50 years of experience and multiple generations of expertise in keeping homes comfortable.

Our team can diagnose complex issues quickly, recommend energy-efficient solutions, and help extend the life of your HVAC system.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your central air conditioner with regular filter changes and simple inspections can keep it running efficiently and save you money on utility bills. Always pay attention to unusual sounds, reduced airflow, or inconsistent cooling, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you suspect bigger issues.

Don’t wait for the heat to become unbearable. Schedule a maintenance check with Woods Family Heating and Air today to keep your AC in peak condition all summer long.

Contact Woods Family Heating and Air for expert AC service in Roanoke, VA. Call us today to schedule your inspection and keep your home cool and comfortable.