An air conditioner is usually your best line of defense against the summer heat. In some instances, you may feel like your AC unit isn’t cooling enough, particularly on days when the outdoor temperatures are scorching hot. No matter how much you adjust the thermostat, you just can’t find relief from the sweltering heat. Even with the air conditioner turned to the optimal settings, you still feel sweaty and stuffy inside your own home.

You may be completely perplexed by an AC unit that is not cooling enough. When your air conditioner doesn’t work at all, the most obvious solution is to contact an air conditioner repair service for help. However, it might be more difficult to troubleshoot an underperforming air conditioner. The AC unit is technically still working, even though it suffers from a notable lack of cooling power.

What should you do when the air conditioner doesn’t seem to cool sufficiently? A great troubleshooting method is to figure out the root cause of the inefficiency. Here are the six common reasons why your AC unit is not cooling enough:

1. The AC unit is affected by poorly optimized thermostat settings

A poorly optimized thermostat may be the primary culprit of an AC unit not cooling enough. The thermostat is an electronic device that controls your air conditioner’s functioning efficiency. Adjusting to the right thermostat temperature isn’t always clear-cut and straightforward. Sometimes, it may require a few precise tweaks before you achieve a comfortable cooling temperature.

When the AC doesn’t feel cool enough, the simplest fix is to lower the thermostat temperature by a notch and see if that makes a difference. You should notice the effects quickly when a refreshing wave of cold air is introduced to your house. Among the newer types of thermostats, there are numerous settings to automatically detect the optimal indoor temperature. Keep experimenting with these thermostat settings until you find a balanced temperature level for your home.

2. The AC unit is too dirty

The entire AC system needs to be properly maintained for it to cool your home as intended. A dirty AC unit may lead to air circulation problems, limiting the effectiveness of its cooling abilities. This is a common problem with the outdoor unit, also known as the condenser, which is the part that condenses hot air into cold air. When this unit becomes too dirty, the debris can impede on the heat transfer process, so the overall AC performance decreases.

From time to time, examine the state of your outdoor unit. Is it covered with fallen leaves? Are there weeds growing nearby? Make sure you clear the area and clean the condenser thoroughly. There should be plenty of room around the condenser, allowing it to release air properly. No shrubs, bushes, weeds, or vegetation should grow within the surrounding areas.

In addition, you should clean the air conditioner’s cooling coils as well. If the equipment is caked with dirt and dust, the coils will have a difficult time transferring heat from inside to the outside. Since the heat isn’t being removed efficiently from the house, the air in your vents will feel warmer as a result.

3. The AC unit is low on refrigerant

The air conditioner refrigerant is an important fluid that absorbs the heat in the air. When you don’t have enough refrigerant, your AC won’t be able to cool enough. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by leakages. Any bubbling or hissing noises from the AC unit may be a sign of a refrigerant leak.

Your AC will still run if you have a refrigerant leak problem, but the temperature won’t be nearly as comfortable. You should contact an air conditioner repair technician to fix any leaks and replenish the refrigerant levels again.

4. The AC unit has damaged parts

The compressor is a critical component that manages the flow of refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser. If your compressor is damaged, the refrigerant won’t be able to absorb the heat. As a result, the air doesn’t get cooled enough. In many instances, you’ll need a replacement compressor to fix this problem.

Similarly, any damages to the condenser may impact the AC’s cooling functions. A faulty or broken fan motor will make it impossible for the condenser to dissipate heat. You will need to contact a professional to repair or replace these damaged components.

5. The air filter is clogged

A dirty air filter is another common culprit for a window AC or split AC unit not functioning properly. With frequent use, the air filter often becomes filled with dirt, dust, and debris. The cool air may not be able to pass through the filter when its passage is effectively blocked.

In fact, many issues arise with a clogged air filter, leading to short-term deficiencies and long-term damages. Always change or clean the air conditioner filters on a regular basis. If your unit uses disposable filters, these will need to be replaced. If your AC unit has reusable filters, these will need to be cleaned.

6. The AC unit is too old

As with everything else, air conditioners will get older year after year. Once the units have aged significantly, they tend to work much less effectively. Its cooling ability may have diminished with old age, so the air conditioner won’t cool enough even when you optimized all the settings.

While regular repairs and maintenance can prolong the lifespan of your AC, the equipment will need to be replaced when it reaches the end of its operating life. Consult with an HVAC professional to dispose old air conditioners and get a brand new system installed.

Every summer, your air conditioner works tirelessly to keep the entire home cool and breezy. From the basement to the attic, you expect the crisp cold air to flow freely, reaching every part of the house. Unfortunately, there is a common phenomenon where your AC unit doesn’t seem as effective upstairs. Your house may feel pleasantly cool on the ground floor, but the temperature gets much warmer as soon as you go up the stairs.

If you live in a two-storey home, you may have noticed a difference in the temperatures between the first and second floors. This is happening because warm air, which has less density, tends to rise above cold air. As your AC unit produces cool air on the first floor, the hot air is getting pushed upwards, so the heat lingers on the second floor of the house.

During the summer, a powerful air conditioner will cool the whole house from top to bottom. However, if you feel like the indoor temperature is still too warm, check out these seven methods on how to make the AC colder upstairs:

1. Clean the air filter in your AC

No matter where you are in the house, your air conditioner should be running at maximum efficiency. After all, you are less likely to make the AC colder upstairs unless the unit has been properly optimized.

A good place to start is by cleaning the air conditioner filter on a regular basis. When the air filter becomes clogged, this will decrease your AC’s cooling power significantly. If the problem persists, it may lead to further deterioration of the AC system. Cleaning or replacing a dirty air filter is an important task, and it should be one of the ongoing maintenance tasks for your air conditioner.

2. Install a window air conditioner upstairs

When the second floor feels too warm, this may indicate that your central air conditioner isn’t strong enough to cool down the entire house. In these instances, you can bring in reinforcements by installing a window air conditioner around the hot spots of your house. This small window unit can be placed near some of the commonly frequented rooms, such as the second-storey bedrooms.

Once installed, the AC unit will give a boost of cooling power, and the nearby areas will feel colder almost instantly. If you have a small window air conditioner upstairs, shut the doors in the rooms that you are not using. This way, the AC unit will focus its efforts on cooling only the important rooms.

3. Replace the AC system

An air conditioner is supposed to cool down your entire home, including all the rooms upstairs. If it doesn’t seem to be cooling the second floor effectively, then you need to assess whether your current HVAC system is still adequate.

Over time, air conditioners tend to malfunction, break apart, and perform less efficiently. A professional air conditioner inspection will reveal if the unit simply requires maintenance, or if the existing damages are beyond repair. In some situations, your old air conditioner may have deteriorated so much that a replacement is necessary.

When replacing the air conditioner, make sure you consult with the HVAC professionals to ensure you’re upgrading from your current model. Ideally, you’ll want a new air conditioner that is sized properly and has enough cooling power for the entire home.

4. Use your air supply registers efficiently

The air supply registers control the flow of cool air produced by your AC unit. A neat trick is to open the upstairs registers, while closing some of the ventilation points downstairs. By doing this, the airflow is being guided through a certain direction, which may make the temperatures colder on the higher floors.

Another helpful tip is to make sure these registers aren’t being obstructed by furniture. Move any potential clutter out of the way to improve the air circulation.

5. Seal the windows and open the doors upstairs

Improving the airflow in your home will help to make the AC colder upstairs. Start by checking each of your windows around the house. One or more windows can potentially be leaking, which means the cold air is escaping through the tiny cracks and gaps around the enclosure. Make sure you seal your windows properly, or you can replace them with energy-efficient windows to keep the house cooler.

In addition, you should leave the upstairs doors open as much as possible. By opening the doors, you create a passageway for the air to flow freely, which will help to make the AC colder upstairs.

6. Close the curtains and turn off the lights upstairs

To feel the full effects of your air conditioner, you want to minimize the heat sources in your home, especially on the second floor. When sunlight enters through your windows, it brings some heat inside the home. On hot sunny days, you should keep the shades and curtains closed to reduce the indoor temperature.

Another potential source of heat may be the lights in your home. When you have all the lights turned on, the lightbulbs could be emitting heat into the room. Try to keep the lights off to cool down the temperature upstairs. If you need some functional light inside a room, considering using energy-saving LED lights instead.

7. Insulate your attic

The attic is probably the most elevated room in your house, so this is the room that attracts a lot of heat. You can make the attic cooler by adding some insulation, which keeps the heat outdoors all summer long. Since this task requires extensive labour, it is recommended that you contact a professional to insulate the attic properly. Once the attic has been insulated, this can help the AC unit to cool the upstairs more efficiently.

Are you looking to upgrade your air conditioner this summer? As the new season rolls around, many homeowners are contemplating whether they need a newer, stronger AC system. With the advances in technology, modern AC units are more efficient than their older counterparts. If your aging air conditioner requires a replacement, you’ll quickly realize the benefits of your investment as the cold, fresh air starts flowing into your home.

Nowadays, there are many different air conditioning units available on the market. This can make upgrading an AC unit slightly more complex, due to the numerous technical specifications that you must learn. Ultimately, you want to ensure that the new AC unit is energy efficient and has a long lifespan. At the same time, you also want the system to meet your home’s needs and budget.

How can you make sure your purchase checks all the boxes? This following guide describes the key components to help you upgrade your AC unit:

1. Type of AC Units

First, you’ll need to consider which type of cooling system you will upgrade to. Among the most popular choices are the central AC system and the ductless unit. Other common options include a window AC unit, a heat pump, or a portable air conditioner.

Central AC Units

The central air conditioning system is the most common way to cool a home. This system cools all the rooms in your home and is often the most cost-effective solution in the long run. For central AC units, you can choose either a split system or a packaged unit.

The split AC unit distributes air through ductwork, and the cool air is circulated by your home’s furnace blower. On the other hand, a packaged central air conditioner has both the condenser and the evaporator located in the same unit, which is typically installed outside. With this unit, warm air is pumped from the home to the air conditioner, where it is cooled and returned to the home.

Ductless AC Units

A ductless AC system does not use the home’s ductwork to distribute cool air. This is the ideal system if you live in an older home, which may not have the ductwork necessary for a modern central AC unit. These units are either mounted on the ceiling, the floor, or the wall. The systems will cool the rooms in which they are installed.

Other AC Units

Some of these air conditioners are also available as heat pumps, which are units that function as both air conditioners and heaters. They can be used for both cooling and heating as required throughout the year. This HVAC equipment is excellent in milder climates.

You can also choose a portable air conditioner, which can be moved from room to room. This system uses a window vent kit to discharge the heat. The unit is best used to cool a single room. Alternatively, you can install a window air conditioner that fits into a window frame in your home. This type of unit takes air from inside the home, cools it, and blows the air back into the indoors.

2. Cooling Needs

When upgrading your AC unit, a key decision is determining the strength of its cooling capabilities. Due to the improvements in energy efficiency, it isn’t a good idea to determine your cooling power needs based on your old AC system. Instead, you need to factor in the number of windows in your home, along with the house’s layout and size. Other factors include the amount of shade your home gets, the location of registers, and the room orientation.

Purchasing an oversized unit may lead to unpleasantly strong, cold blasts of air, resulting in a humid home. You may also experience short-cycling equipment that starts and stops frequently, increasing your need for air conditioner repair services. Similarly, purchasing an undersized unit has its own set of issues. Your home will not cool properly, and you will waste energy. The AC unit will also run constantly, which lowers its lifespan.

Choosing a suitable cooling capacity for your AC unit is important because it will save you money. You save on the purchase by getting only what you need. Plus, you save money on installation and maintenance costs. To determine which air conditioner you should upgrade to, contact an HVAC technician for more insights.

3. Energy-Efficiency Rating

Modern air conditioners are designed to be more efficient than older models. As a result, you’ll almost always benefit from greater energy efficiency when upgrading your AC unit. However, it is still useful to understand energy efficiency ratings to ensure you save on your utility bills.

Essentially, the higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), the greater your energy savings will be. All new AC units require a minimum 13 SEER rating, but you can see ratings go as high as 25.

4. Component Compatibility

When your central air conditioner is on its last legs, it can be tempting to replace only the outside condensing unit to save money. However, keep in mind this outdoor part connects to an indoor air-handling unit. The indoor and outdoor parts together make up the entire AC unit. If you only replace the outside unit, you risk having incompatible cooling efficiency ratings and refrigerant. As a result, the new part might not work.

Replacing certain parts of your AC system might be suitable in some scenarios, but there are also many instances where this leads to serious compatibility issues. Upgrading the entire AC system removes this risk, as well as increase the lifespan of the condenser and air-handling unit.

5. AC Filters

Finally, air filters play a significant role in the efficiency of your AC unit, and there are many different options to consider. Most importantly, determine whether your new unit comes with disposable filters that you’ll need to replace periodically or permanent filters that will need to be cleaned regularly. For the latter option, make sure you clean the air filters in your AC properly to ensure fresher, smoother airflow.

Dust, dirt, and grime are the dastardly trio often found inside your air conditioner. Over time, these common contaminants will clog up the air filter, restrict the airflow, and reduce the AC’s ability to cool properly. If left unattended for a long period of time, these dirty air filters could cause significant deterioration to your HVAC systems. Fortunately, this issue can be avoided with ongoing maintenance, as long as you clean the air conditioner filter regularly.

Cleaning your air conditioner’s filter is an important maintenance task that should be done each year before summer arrives. A full, thorough cleanse will improve the overall efficiency and longevity of your AC unit. As summer continues, homeowners are encouraged to clean the air filter several more times throughout the season. This ensures the unit is kept in a pristine condition and reduces the amount of air conditioner repair needed.

It’s important to learn the right way to clean your air conditioner filter. With enough practice, cleaning the filter will become a quick and easy task, like an effortless routine as part of your summer season. Follow this tutorial on how to clean the air conditioner filter effectively:

Step #1: Make sure the air conditioner filter is reusable.

Not all air conditioner filters are meant to be cleaned. There are two types designed for air conditioners: the reusable air filters and the disposable air filters. Some units have disposable cardboard filters that are meant to be thrown out and replaced with new ones regularly. As you could imagine, there’s no point to clean a disposable filter that you won’t be using again.

Before you start the cleaning process, check to see if your AC unit includes a reusable filter. Typically, the reusable filters will have a metal or plastic frame. Not sure which one your unit uses? Read your instruction manual to find out. The manual will also instruct you of any special cleaning procedures for the air conditioner unit.

Step #2: Determine if the AC has a self-cleaning function.

If you bought a new air conditioner, it might have an automatic cleaning function. If so, this is the easiest and fastest way to clean the filter. These modern units self-clean the filter using an internal cassette and brush device, which can remove the dust and particles. The dust is then blown outside.

Step #3: Take out the air filter.

If there’s no automatic cleaning function, then proceed to turn off your air conditioner and remove the filter. The process of removing the filter varies from unit to unit, but you will likely need to remove the cover. This can be done either by removing the screws or pressing down on the tabs for release.

Once the cover is removed, the filter should just slide out or can be easily removed. On large central air conditioning units, the filter is most often located along the return duct. For window-mounted units, you’ll need to pop off the front of the air conditioner to gain access. In wall-mounted units, you may be required to slide the front panel off.

While the filter is out, do not run your air conditioner. This will cause unfiltered air to flow through your home. It will lead to the accumulation of dirt on the air conditioner’s internal parts, such as its evaporator coils.

Step #4: Vacuum the air filter.

Once you have taken out the air filter, check its current condition. You’ll know the filter needs a good cleaning if there is any visible dust, discolouration, or greyness on its surface. Use a vacuum with an appropriate tube extension to remove the dirt from the filter. Use a low or medium setting on your vacuum, and then proceed using an up-and-down motion.

It’s important to remember that your filter is delicate, so you don’t want to press too hard while vacuuming. For lightly used or regularly cleaned air conditioners, vacuuming will likely be all you need to do.

Step #5: Wash the air filter.

If it has been a while since you cleaned your air conditioner filter, vacuuming alone might not be enough. To achieve better results, you might need to either hose down the filter or give it a bath in warm water and liquid detergent.

For a thorough bath, move the air filter around the water to displace the dirt. Then, leave it in the bath for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours. Flip it halfway through the process to clean the other side. If the filter is too large to fit into your bathtub or sink, then try hosing it off either outside or with a handheld showerhead. However, ensure that you do not use a pressurized nozzle, as it will damage the filter.

Step #6: Avoid abrasive cleaning tools.

As mentioned, air conditioner filters are delicate. It’s critical that you avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, which can harm the physical condition of the filter. For example, using wire brushes to clean the filter, while it is submerged in the soapy bath, may damage the equipment.

Step #7: Clean it with a vinegar & water mixture.

While vacuuming and hosing the filter should effectively clean it of grime, this may not kill all the bacteria present. It’s a good idea to create a cleaning solution with equal parts water and vinegar, which can be sprayed onto the filter. Wait 10 minutes, then place the filter under running water to rinse off the mixture. This should effectively kill any bacteria.

Step #8: Let the filter dry.

Hot temperatures can burn the filter, so drying is best done through natural means. Place the filter in a safe spot and allow some time for it to air dry. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on the “cool” function to speed up the drying process.

Make sure the air conditioner filter has dried completely before inserting it into the unit. Air dry for several hours to achieve this effect. Then, you can return the filter to the air conditioner, put the cover back on, and start the power again. You will now be able to enjoy the AC unit, which is operating with a clean and bacteria-free airflow.

Spring is the ideal season for HVAC cleaning. There’s no better time than now to give your air conditioner a meticulous rinse and wash. From the harsh freezing hail to the heavy drizzling rain, your outdoor air conditioner has probably seen better days. After months of enduring through the volatile weather conditions, your AC unit could benefit from some rigorous cleaning and general maintenance.

There are numerous benefits for cleaning your air conditioner regularly. This cleanse ensures the air conditioner functions at its highest level of efficiency, without any clogs or debris. In addition, cleaning the AC helps to preserve the longevity of the HVAC equipment. When the air conditioner parts are well-maintained, you should encounter fewer problems overall and the number of necessary repairs will decrease.

Follow these best practices on how to clean an air conditioner properly:

1. Turn off the air conditioner’s power

Before the cleaning commences, always turn off the power as a safety precaution. Start by shutting off the power on the exterior condenser and compressor. Next, turn off the power at the breaker box, which is usually situated inside your house. It can get messy and dangerous if you clean an air conditioner that is still running, so make sure you turn off the power completely.

2. Clear away natural debris from the AC

During winter, it is unlikely that you went outside and cleaned the air conditioner in midst of the freezing temperatures. This means your AC unit has gone through many months without any proper cleaning. The signs of neglect will be evident in the air conditioner’s exterior appearance. Your AC unit had been struck by the brunt of harsh winds and storms, so don’t be surprised if it’s completely covered with branches, leaves, or dead insects.

Before you start cleaning inside the air conditioner, get rid of all the natural debris surrounding the unit’s exterior. Otherwise, they will obstruct your cleaning processes. Clear away the leaves, twigs, grass, pine needles, and any other nature’s remnants from the air conditioner.

3. Be proactive with air conditioner cleaning

Cleaning an air conditioner isn’t exactly an enjoyable task, and many homeowners feel reluctant to do this type of work. A common excuse to avoid the maintenance work is that the air conditioner looks clean enough, just because you can’t see any natural debris. However, never assume that your air conditioner is clean based on its exterior appearance.

Some debris are small and covert, so they may evade your detection at first. You may not even realize how dirty your air conditioner is until a closer examination. If you have vines, bushes or flowers growing nearby, pollen may find a way to infiltrate your air conditioner. The same goes for mould spores and dust particles. All these pollutants are barely visible, but they can block the AC unit from pulling in air and reduce its efficiency.

You should take a proactive approach towards cleaning your air conditioner. Instead of using your pure instincts to decide if the AC is clean or not, establish a regular cleaning schedule. At the start of every spring season, you can follow this schedule to make sure the air conditioner stays clean.

4. Clean the air conditioner fins

The fins are a part of the condenser that moves heat away from the air conditioner. You can use a vacuum to remove dirt from the fins, and then give them a thorough spray with the garden hose. If the fins are very dirty, there are fin cleaning sprays specifically designed to remove the more persistent debris.

Once you’ve cleaned the fins, take a look to see if any of them are bent. Bent fins can cause a reduction in air flow, leading to decreased efficiency. Contact a professional air conditioner repair service if you need help to straighten the air conditioner fins.

5. Clean the air filters

The air filter captures the pollutants and hazardous particles that go through the AC unit. As a result, the filter quickly becomes clogged with dust and dirt. When the air filter is too dirty, it will obstruct regular airflow and cause a decrease in efficiency.

Air filters can be replaceable or reusable. Replaceable filters are usually made from a papery material, whereas reusable filters are made from a rubber or metal material. You should try to change replaceable air filters twice a year. If your AC unit has reusable filters, you should aim to clean them twice a year.

To clean the filters, wash them gently with dish soap and lukewarm water. The filters tend to be delicate, so make sure you handle them carefully to avoid damages.

6. Clean the air conditioner drain line

In addition, you should clean the air conditioner’s drain line. As the evaporator unit cools and dehumidifies the air from outside, it produces a liquid that runs through a thin plastic pipe to a drain in the floor of your basement. Over time, mould and algae have the potential to plug up the drain.

If you notice the drain is flowing slowly, you’ll need to unplug it. This can be done by applying a wet/dry vacuum on the end of the drain line. Keep vacuuming until the clog and any excess moisture are cleared from the drain.

As the winter season fades into a distant memory, many homeowners are starting to embrace the warmer weather. In the upcoming weeks, the sun might shine brighter, the days might feel longer, and the temperature might get a lot hotter. Eventually, there comes a time when the summer weather becomes too hot to endure. At this point, you’ll want to turn on the air conditioner and cool down from the sweltering heat.

Unfortunately, what if your AC won’t turn on for some reason? No matter how many times you tinker with the power switch, the air conditioner still doesn’t seem to be running. As frustration sets in, you may feel completely perplexed by why the air conditioner isn’t working. In some cases, you may need to contact an air conditioner repair service to find out what has gone wrong.

To help you troubleshoot this issue, below are the six possible reasons why your AC won’t turn on:

1. Your AC won’t turn on because there’s too much dust and dirt.

A likely reason why your AC won’t turn on is because of its poor upkeep. Dirt, dust, and debris all tend to quickly accumulate within an air conditioner system. When the AC unit is clogged with filth, this will affect its ability to operate efficiently or properly. If you haven’t been cleaning the air conditioner for a long time, there are probably excessive amounts of muck and grime within the unit.

Several air conditioner parts are especially vulnerable to dust and dirt, such as the air filters. Since this filter is designed to remove harmful pollutants from the air, it may become dirty rather easily. An unclean filter will obstruct the regular air flow of the AC system, potentially leading to equipment failure. To avoid this, you should make a habit of cleaning or changing the air filters on a regular basis.

2. Your AC won’t turn on because it’s too old & rusty.

Air conditioner problems become more frequent with growing age. The parts may deteriorate, the components can break down, and the equipment will naturally wear out over time. Once an air conditioner is more than ten years old, the risks of equipment failure will increase considerably. As the unit gets older and older, you may need to contact an AC repair service with alarming frequency.

Keep in mind that certain air conditioner parts may have less longevity than others. For instance, every air conditioner component might be working perfectly, all except for the dying condenser fan motor. If this is the case, it doesn’t mean you need a whole new AC unit. You can just replace the motor (or any specific part causing the problem) and the AC might turn on again after this fix.

3. Your AC won’t turn on due to the ice buildup.

Even though the winter season seems so long ago, this may not be your last encounter with frost and ice. You might feel surprised to find a buildup of ice inside your AC unit, particularly around the evaporator coils or the lines outside. The ice usually forms if the air filter is clogged or there is low refrigerant in the system.

This inefficiency means the AC does not have enough warm air passing the through the coil. As a result, the coil becomes colder than usual, which drops the temperatures below the freezing level. This causes internal parts of the coil and lines to collect ice all the way to the outside unit.

4. Your AC won’t turn on due to a thermostat problem.

A thermostat serves as the control panel for the air conditioning system. If your AC won’t turn on, the problem might potentially be traced back to this device. Some common thermostat problems include outdated software, faulty components, electronic glitches, and insufficient battery power. For troubleshooting, you can test the thermostat and check to see if all the settings are working properly.

5. Your AC won’t turn on because of the home’s wiring problem.

The problem with your air conditioner may not be an isolated incident. Inspect whether you can turn on the other electronics and appliances in your household. If several items do not have power either, this could signify an underlying issue with your home’s wiring system.

When the wires are broken or damaged, this may prevent sufficient power or communication from connecting to your household equipment, including the AC unit. You will need to contact an HVAC technician in order to resolve this issue.

6. Your AC won’t turn on due to a tripped circuit breaker.

A tripped circuit breaker can be the reason why your AC won’t turn on. As a safety measure, circuit breakers are supposed to shut off when they receive an overload of electricity. This often happens when too many appliances are being used at once, or an old appliance is hogging too much electricity. If there was a recent thunderstorm, the sudden power surge may have also tripped the circuit breaker.

To fix this issue, inspect the breaker box, specifically the breaker connected to the AC unit. If you discover the breaker has tripped, reset it and then try turning on the AC again. If the breaker shuts off again, there may be an underlying issue and you should contact an HVAC technician.

Observing the air quality is important when we spend a lot of time inside our homes. Since the human body benefits from breathing in fresh air, we want to ensure the indoor air quality is as safe and clean as possible. When the air quality is poor, there could be a lot of dust, allergens, and bacteria passing through your home. This may lead to a myriad of health problems in the long term, especially among those with respiratory conditions.

Fortunately, there are many natural ways to purify the air in your home. You just need to make a couple of simple adjustments that will increase the overall indoor air quality. Once you have adapted to these changes, the air quality should improve and you will start breathing in fresher, purer air inside the house.

Here are the ten best ways to purify the air in your home:

1. HVAC maintenance

The HVAC system sets the primary foundation of the indoor air quality inside every home. When the HVAC units are properly maintained, they ensure that clean air is regulated throughout the home at maximum efficiency. A faulty HVAC system will have the opposite effect, causing inefficiencies that may obstruct the circulation of clean air in your home. For the best indoor air quality, you should schedule regular appointments for HVAC inspections.

2. HEPA filters

Commonly referred to as HEPA filters, High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters are an excellent way to help purify the air in your home, especially if you are an allergy sufferer. HEPA filters are able to remove more than 99% of all airborne pollutants 0.3 microns or larger. They are capable of killing airborne germs and particles that can trigger allergy symptoms.

If you’re wondering how you can incorporate HEPA filters into your home, these could be found in some air purifiers, HVAC systems, and vacuum cleaners.

3. UV lights

Another way to purify the air in your home is with the use of UV lights. You can choose to have an ultraviolet light installed in your HVAC system, which will help to kill microbes as they pass through the system. UV lights will kill growths in the air resulting from high humidity levels. They can be beneficial for allergy sufferers, as well as those living in hot, humid areas.

A UV light will kill bacteria and mould spores before they get blown into the system. Along with a UV light, you will still need to use a high-quality air filter for the best purifying results.

4. HRV and ERV

HRV and ERV, which stand for Heat Recovery Ventilator and Energy Recovery Ventilator, can both be beneficial for improving the air quality in your home. They were created to remove stale air from the home, while bringing in fresh air from outside.

If you live in a colder climate, the heat recovery ventilator (HRV) will retain heat inside the home, while bringing in fresh air. For those living in climates with hot humid summers, the Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) reduces the amount of moisture entering your home. And for those living in dryer climates, the ERV reduces the amount of moisture leaving your home.

5. High MERV filters

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, also known as MERV, is a measurement scale to report the effectiveness of air filters. The scale ranges from 1-16, and most residential HVAC systems will use air filters with a rating from 7-12.

Using a media cabinet with a high MERV filter is another great choice if you want to purify the air in your home. They are installed in the return duct of your forced air heating or cooling system. The media air cleaner can trap tiny particles including pollen, dust, and dander, making them a great choice for allergy sufferers.

6. Purify the air with essential oils

When used properly, essential oils can be one of the best natural ways to purify the air in your home. Some types of essential oils can help to fight bacteria, mould, fungi, and other nasty intruders that lower the indoor air quality. Tea tree oil and cinnamon oil are two of the most powerful essential oils with positive results.

To employ the essential oils, you will need an oil diffuser. This elegant device acts like a humidifier, dissipating an essential oil-laden steam within the room. Over time, the diffuser will help to purify the air in your home. Instead of a diffuser, you can also add a few drops of the essential oil into a bowl of warm water, letting it slowly evaporate into the room.

7. Use house plants to purify the air

Plants are an effective way to purify the air in your home. The best house plants are known for detoxifying the air, which can kill airborne germs in your household. Some popular house plants for air purification include the aloe vera, the weeping fig, the snake plant, and the ever-popular spider plant.

The spider plants are especially popular due to their low maintenance. These plants can also reproduce themselves, giving you extra plants that you can then hang throughout your home. For the best air purifying results from house plants, you should place a plant about every hundred square feet. While you do have to maintain these plants from time to time, their air purification benefits could last for many years to come.

8. Eliminate mould from your home

Mould releases harmful spores into the atmosphere of your home, which will severely impact the indoor air quality. These spores are detrimental to our health and can be a huge problem for those with respiratory problems.

You should conduct a diligent search for mould at least once a year. Mould can often be found in basements and bathrooms, appearing in the dark and damp spots where the spores grow unhindered. If you detect the presence of mould in your home, you should eliminate it with urgency.

9. Air out your new furniture

Chemicals can often be found in the most unsuspecting places, even within the new furniture that you bought for your bedroom or living room. Whether it is a new couch or a new chair, some furniture pieces are stuffed with volatile chemical compounds that will release into the air of your home. You don’t want these chemicals to foul the indoor air quality.

There are several ways to work around this problem. Firstly, you can place the furniture in the garage for a week to let the chemical compounds dissipate into the air. Secondly, you can place the furniture near a window to increase air circulation. Finally, you can buy from ecofriendly furniture manufacturers that minimize the use of harmful chemicals in their processes.

10. Use natural air purifiers in your home

There are many natural air purifiers with positive detoxifying effects on the indoor air quality of your home. One example is beeswax candles, which can eliminate the dust and toxins in the air. These candles are also smokeless, so they shouldn’t aggravate any respiratory problems as other candles might.

Another great natural air purifier is the Himalayan salt lamp. These pink-orange salt lamps work well as air purifiers, soaking up toxins and other pollutants to purify the air in your home. You can keep a salt lamp on your desk and another near your bedside table, which will improve the air quality as you work and sleep respectively. As an added bonus, these salt lamps will work whether they are switched on or not.

With the arrival of spring, there are many activities that we can do to prepare for the new season. One of the more practical activities is to get our HVAC systems ready for spring. Since you will need air conditioning when the temperature gets warmer, you want to make sure your HVAC system is in great condition.

It would be wise to schedule a seasonal maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC specialist, especially if your system is getting old. If you can’t remember the last time a contractor performed preventative HVAC maintenance, this is an indication that you need to make a new appointment. Maintenance will not only help you stay cool when the summer heat arrives, but it will also help you save money on energy bills and costly repairs.

In addition to scheduling a maintenance appointment, you should follow these eight helpful air conditioner and HVAC tips for spring:

Tip #1: Clean leaves and debris around the HVAC unit.

Spring is the perfect time to clean up the debris, dead leaves, and tree branches that have accumulated around the air conditioning unit. During the winter, you probably didn’t check up on the HVAC system when the outdoor temperature was so cold. As a result, your air conditioning system could have a lot of dirt and dust build-up over these past few months.

When your air conditioning unit is dirty and clogged, this could reduce the overall efficiency of the HVAC equipment. In some potential cases, this could even cause critical damages to your air conditioner. You should remember to clean up your AC unit at least a few times throughout the season. Due to the frequency of storms and strong winds during spring, a lot of debris can potentially infiltrate your air conditioning unit.

Tip #2: Be careful about vegetation that grows around the HVAC unit.

Gardening is a popular activity during the spring. As a gardener, an important HVAC tip is to be mindful of the vegetation that grows around your air conditioning unit. This includes any flowers, crops, bushes and small trees planted near the air conditioner. Make sure these plants do not touch the air conditioning system.

Ideally, the vegetation should not grow within two feet of the air conditioner. The AC unit needs to pull in air to cool down the home properly, so you don’t want the equipment to be obstructed by anything nearby. If this is a problem, it is recommended that you trim a few plants or relocate them elsewhere in your garden.

Tip #3: Replace the dirty air filters

The air filter in your HVAC system is intended to improve the air quality inside your home. The air filter works by trapping dust, pollen, and other allergens throughout your home. If the air filter is dirty, this means your air conditioner will not function as effectively as it should.

You should ideally check the air filter once a month. If you have a disposable filter, you can replace the dirty filter with a new one. If it’s a reusable filter, simply wash the filter and put it back into place.

Tip #4: Test the HVAC system.

Spring is an ideal season to test your HVAC system after a long period of inactivity. You want to make sure the system runs properly before the scorching summer temperatures arrive. During the testing phase, let the HVAC system run for an hour. Then, check if you notice anything unusual inside and outside of your home. If there are any issues, you still have plenty of time to schedule for an air conditioner repair before the summer season starts.

Tip #5: Install a new HVAC system.

When was the last time you bought a new HVAC system? If the purchase happened a long time ago, it may be time to consider upgrading your current HVAC system for this spring season. An old air conditioner could cost you more in maintenance and repair costs than the price of getting a new one installed. A new air conditioning system comes with many benefits, including reliability, energy efficiency, and a better overall performance.

Tip #6: Check the condition of your air ducts.

Another HVAC tip for spring is to inspect the air ducts around your home. The ducts may be clogged with dust and debris, which can decrease the efficiency of the HVAC system. You may also notice there are cracks or leaky joints in the ductwork. Call a professional HVAC contractor to assess the damage and find out what repairs need to be done.

Tip #7: Install a programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat is a useful device that will make it easier to regulate the temperature inside your home. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat yet, it could be a good idea to have one installed during spring. There are many benefits of a programmable thermostat, including a feature to monitor the temperature when nobody is home.

If you already have a programmable thermostat, spring is the perfect time to review your settings. Based on your preferences, adjust the thermostat to ensure your home stays comfortable as the temperature increases.

Tip #8: Close your windows and doors when the AC is on.

Even before summer arrives, you may notice the temperature getting a lot warmer outside. If you don’t enjoy the sweltering heat, it may be necessary to turn on the air conditioner a bit earlier during the spring. When the air conditioning system is running, you should keep all the windows and doors closed. This prevents the hot and humid air from entering your home, which could be counterintuitive to the effectiveness of your HVAC system.

Finding the best humidity level in your house can be a delicate balancing act. When the humidity levels are too high, the air will feel uncomfortably wet and stuffy. You will begin sweating more, but the air is so humid that your sweat does not evaporate quickly. The high humidity environment will force your body to work harder to cool off, which leads to excessive sweating.

There are negative consequences with prolonged periods of high humidity. You may experience allergy flare-ups, respiratory problems, and sleep interruptions. In addition, you may notice the gradual growth of mould and mildew within your surroundings. Once these fungi begin to grow, they will only continue until your humidity problem is properly addressed.

A hygrometer can read the humidity levels and measure the amount of moisture in the air. The ideal indoor humidity level should be around 30% to 50%. If the rating exceeds this range, you need to find effective ways on how to reduce the humidity in your house.

Below are seven ideas on how to lower humidity and bring it down to an acceptable level:

1. Use a dehumidifier to lower humidity in the house.

A dehumidifier is an absolute necessity on how to reduce high humidity in the house. The dehumidifier will help to remove excess moisture as the air passes through the device. Once the air reaches you, it will feel cooler and drier as a result.

In addition, the dehumidifier can help to reduce some of the common allergens in the air, such as dust mites, mould spores, and mildew. The powerful device can also make your home smell better by reducing any musty or rotting odours. With the dehumidifier running quietly in the background, you will end up with healthier indoor air quality throughout your house.

2. Fix any leaking pipes around the house.

Leaking pipes lead to excess moisture and condensation, which are common culprits for the high humidity around the house. Check your pipes, faucets, and plumbing fixtures for any possible leaks. You should also check your gutters, which are one of the likeliest sources of indoor water leaks.

If you identify a leak, wrap the exposed pipe with insulation. Your goal is to minimize moisture and prevent condensation from infiltrating your home through these openings. While the smaller leaks could be difficult to detect at first, some of the possible signs include stained drywall, wet spots, and inconsistent water bills.

3. Use your air conditioner to reduce humidity.

Your air conditioning system can be used to lower high humidity levels in the house. An air conditioner works by introducing cool air and removing warm air simultaneously. During the process of absorbing heat, the air conditioner also removes some of the moisture from the air. This makes the air less humid as a result.

In order to maximize its effectiveness, make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly and maintained regularly. The air filter should also be frequently cleaned. Using the air conditioner to regulate your humidity levels is recommended in summer, but you will need alternative solutions during the cold winter months.

4. Open the windows to lower humidity levels.

If you need a quick and temporary way to lower the humidity in your house, an open window could prove to be useful. The act of opening a window isn’t going to eliminate humidity altogether, but it will help to improve the air flow. The increased circulation will be effective in evaporating more moisture, so you should notice less humidity in the air.

5. Limit the amount of plants in your house.

When you have many indoor plants in your home, high humidity is more likely to occur. As lovely as plants are, they do release a lot of moisture into the air. In order to control the humidity levels, you can either move the plants outside or limit the amount of plants within your indoor spaces. If you keep the plants inside, place them in a room with proper ventilation.

6. Use your ventilation fans in the kitchen and washroom.

Many modern homes are built with ventilation fans in the washrooms and exhaust fans in the kitchens. Use these fans wisely to reduce the excess humidity in your house. These fans are designed to extract damp air from the area. If you leave the fans powered on for a while, this will help to reduce the humidity levels in your home.

7. Dehumidify a room with charcoal briquettes.

Using charcoal briquettes is an interesting way to lower the humidity levels. Take a few clean charcoal briquettes, put them in a basket, and place these strategically around the high humidity sections of your home. Since charcoal can absorb a lot of moisture, the briquettes will be effective in reducing humidity over time. They can be replaced every few months for maximum impact.

Does your thermostat drop below its set temperature frequently? This can be a frustrating problem when your home’s temperature and your thermostat’s settings do not seem to match. No matter how much you adjust the thermostat, the temperature always falls short of the optimal level, resulting in a colder house than anticipated.

A functioning thermostat will regulate the right amounts of warmth and coolness in our homes. Quite understandably, we expect the thermostat to regulate at a consistent temperature that corresponds with our predetermined settings. If the thermostat drops below the set temperature, this brings into question whether the HVAC system works or not.

There could be numerous reasons why your thermostat drops below the set temperature. Some problems are simple to fix, while others will require more professional HVAC expertise to decipher. Below are eight common explanations about why the thermostat drops below a set temperature:

Reason #1: Your thermostat is improperly calibrated.

As with any piece of technology, the thermostat may become faulty from time to time. This affects its ability to assess the temperature accurately. Due to these technical glitches, the thermostat could indicate a lower (or higher) number than the actual temperature.

To fix this problem, follow the instruction manual to ensure the thermostat is properly calibrated. The calibration process may vary between different thermostat models, but it should be simple and straightforward to perform. Every thermostat will require calibration, regardless of whether you have a manual model or a digital version.

Reason #2: Your thermostat is broken and needs to be replaced.

Sometimes, a thermostat is so completely broken that no amount of calibration will fix it. You will know your thermostat is malfunctioning if it causes your heater to turn on and off at inappropriate times. This is one of the most common warning signs that your thermostat could be broken. Other warning signs may include a non-responsive thermostat that won’t turn on or power off properly.

If you have a broken thermostat, the HVAC professional may be able to fix your device depending on the problem. Otherwise, you will have to replace the broken thermostat with a new version instead.

Reason #3: The outdoor unit is broken and not running properly.

If the thermostat is working properly, then the problem may lie within your HVAC system. A broken outdoor unit could lead to less efficiency in your heating and cooling systems. Since the unit doesn’t operate at its full potential, you may get weaker power and lower temperatures as a result.

The prospective problems with HVAC units tend to be diverse and complex, ranging from a defective valve to a faulty run capacitor. Unless you have the technical expertise, you will need professional technicians to troubleshoot the HVAC system. Depending on the diagnosis, further repairs or a full system replacement may be necessary.

Reason #4: The temperature is too cold outside.

Winter can be an intensely cold season with plummeting temperatures. If the outdoor temperatures drop too much, your heat pump may experience a loss of efficiency under these extreme weather conditions.

Most heat pumps are built with a supplemental heating system that kicks in to give it extra power during the cold. However, the outdoor temperature could drop to a point where your heat pump is simply not powerful enough. In other words, the warmth that it generates cannot sustain against the coldness of winter.

Reason #5: The outdoor unit is frozen and covered in ice.

Along with the cold temperatures, snow and ice are quite prevalent during the winter season. During a snowstorm, the coil of your heat pump might be covered in a layer of ice. If these coils are completely blocked by ice, the heat transfer between the refrigerant and the outside air cannot occur. As soon as these coils are cleared, you can expect your desired temperature to come roaring in again.

Reason #6: Your furnace isn’t the right size.

When a furnace is inappropriately sized, this could cause heating issues inside a home. A furnace that is too small may not have the power to reach high temperatures. Conversely, a furnace that is too large may warm the air so quickly that it overheats faster than the thermostat expects.

Reason #7: Your home isn’t adequately insulated.

Warm temperature has a way of escaping from poorly insulated homes. The easiest way to check your home insulation is to feel the interior ceilings, walls, and floors. If they are warm and dry during winter, this is a good signal. If they are damp or cold, you haven’t applied enough insulation.

Reason #8: There are leaking ducts in your home.

Your HVAC system is significantly impacted by the leaking ducts in your attics, crawlspaces, and basements. When there is a leak, the heated air will escape through these openings and never arrive at their intended destination. The leaky ducts will create cold spots, heat losses, and uneven temperatures throughout your home.