Services

• Troubleshooting
• Plumbing Troubleshooting
• Drains Troubleshooting
• Heating Troubleshooting
• A/C Troubleshooting
• Emergency Service
• Cash for Caulkers
• Home Star Program
• Backup Sump Pump

Air Conditioning Troubleshooting

It's a really hot day and my central air conditioning won't turn back on! What's the deal?

If the compressor turns off and won't come back on during a very hot day, the unit may have built up a high "head" pressure and the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped. Simply push the button located right inside the access panel on the compressor unit to reset it and the unit should return to normal operation. If your central air conditioning doesn't go on automatically, be sure to check that your thermostat is set to "cool" and the temperature setting is below the current room temperature. You should also check the main electrical panel and any secondary circuit panels to see if any circuit breakers have tripped or fuses are blown. If so, reset the breaker or replace the fuse. If none of these steps resolves your problem, or your unit continues to go off and not turn back on, call Sobieski Services and one of our trained technicians will be routed to your home to quickly diagnose the problem and find the right solution.

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My central air-conditioning system is running, but it isn't cooling my house. What might be the problem?

A central air conditioner that runs but doesn't cool may just need to be cleaned. Plan to do this on a relatively warm day. But before you begin, check the thermostat to make sure it is set to "cool" rather than "heat." Then turn off the power to the unit. There is normally a shut-off or disconnect panel on the house wall next to the outdoor compressor. Otherwise, shut off the air conditioner's 240-volt circuit at the main electrical panel. Next, look for your owner's manual and, if you find it, follow the instructions. If you can't find it, request one from the manufacturer or look online. To clean the filter, remove it from the furnace or air handler (it's usually located inside or very near the air inlet side). Replace a disposable filter or clean a reusable filter according to the manufacturer's directions. Be sure to rake leaves or debris away from the outside condenser unit. You can even remove the protective grille or cover from the condenser and carefully remove dirt and debris from the fins using a soft brush and a vacuum. Be careful not to bend the fins. If you accidentally bend the fins, you can buy a special comb made for straightening them at an appliance parts store.

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I see pools of water on the floor next to my air conditioning unit. Where is this coming from?

Air conditioners and high-efficiency combustion furnaces create significant amounts of condensation (water), which exits through a plastic drain tube. This drain should go into a floor drain or be carried away by a small condensate pump. If the water is pooling at the base of the appliance, something may be blocking the water's flow. Or a tube or pipe is cracked or leaking, or the pump may not be working. Otherwise it could be something a bit more serious, like a cracked secondary heat exchanger or low refrigerant, which definitely requires a trained professional. Start by checking to see if any of the tubes that drain away the water are cracked, leaking, or blocked by algae growth. If they are cracked or leaking, replace or repair them. If you find algae growth, you can try running a wire or coat hanger down the tube, or you may have to cut and replace a section. To kill algae, pour a diluted solution of one part chlorine to 16 parts water through the pipe. If you have a condensate pump, check to see that it is working properly: Try pouring some water into its pan and see if it turns on. If not, check that it has power. If it has power, then the pump might need to be replaced. If the pump does run, but doesn't seem to empty the pan, the ball-like check valve just before the discharge tube may be stuck. Unscrew the check valve and try loosening the ball inside it or look for other obstructions.

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My house seems to get way too cold. Why doesn't my thermostat control this better?

When room temperatures drop lower than the set temperature on the thermostat, it usually means that the thermostat is improperly calibrated or it has been installed where it doesn't sense a proper sampling of room air. The highly trained technicians at Sobieski Services can help by recalibrating or replacing the thermostat, or relocating it to a better location for improved operation, better efficiency and improved comfort for your home.

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My central air conditioner is making a squealing noise. How do I fix this?

Squealing sounds from an air conditioner generally occur when the belt that connects the motor to the fan begins to slip. This could mean the belt is improperly aligned or worn and need to be replaced. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual. If you don't have one, contact the manufacturer and ask for one, or check the manufacturer's website on the Internet. But if you hear more of a grinding type of sound, shut your furnace off and call Sobieski Services right away. It could be that the motor's bearings are shot and your motor will need to be replaced.

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I hear noises coming from my air ducts. How do I make them be quiet?

Many ducts are made from sheet metal, so they conduct noise quite readily from the air-handling unit to your rooms. To break the conduction of sound, you can have Sobieski Services insert flexible insulation ductwork between the furnace or air conditioner and the ductwork runs. If you hear pinging or popping sounds, this may be caused by the thermal expansion or by air blowing past a loose flap of metal. Track along the duct run, listening for the sound. If you find it, make a small dent in the sheet metal to provide a more rigid surface that's less likely to move as it heat up and cools down.

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How can you clean ducts?

First, we decontaminate the HVAC system. A thorough source-removal cleaning of the ductwork and other critical HVAC components will help eliminate the food sources (dirt and dust) for bad microbial growth that may be living in your duct work. A dirty HVAC system is an ideal breeding ground for molds, fungi and other microbial pests. Sobieski Services uses high-performance duct cleaning systems, like The RotoBrush aiR+ ®, the number one choice for HVAC professionals. This state-of-the-art technology will scrub your ductwork clean and vacuum out the dust, dirt and contaminants that could be seriously affecting the efficiency of your system and your family's health!

Second, we protect against recontamination of the indoor environment. Sobieski Services has solutions to help keep your entire home free of microbial pests and dust. Unlike portable in-room air purifiers sold in gimmick stores, our solutions treat contaminants at the source. These items include electronic and pleated air cleaners, humidifiers, germicidal ultraviolet light, and outdoor fresh air recovery ventilators. One of our Indoor Air Quality Specialists can help you decide the right systems for your home within your budget. Always remember... safety first! If you're not sure how to fix a problem let our trained technicians do the job for you.

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Want all these questions answered by a qualified professional?

Sobieski Services offers a complete home "tune and check" inspection program. Our service technicians will inspect your entire heating and air-conditioning systems, evaluate the overall condition of your system, look for existing or potential problems, and get your systems performing according to manufacturer's specifications.

And if you are a Sobieski Services Home Care Club member, remember that you always receive 15% off our standard rates for all plumbing, heating and cooling services. And as a Home Care Club member, you also get priority service-you'll go to the top of our list when you call, even during peak heating and cooling periods!