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How Do I Reset My Air Conditioning Unit?

Is your air conditioner in need of a full reset? Don’t worry—we can help.

Out of all the household devices, air conditioners are the ones that we hold near and dear when it is warm and humid. Most modern homes have an air conditioning unit, which means that most homeowners also experience the occasional problem with them. When your A/C unit starts acting up, you will want to start with a system reset. What does this take? Just a few simple steps!

Resetting Your Air Conditioner

Every air conditioner is different, and the process of resetting them is not necessarily universal. Of course, there are many common methods that can be used for a lot of the more popular devices—and some strategies to use if these methods don’t work!

Turn it Off and Back On

No one likes to hear it, but it is the first step for a reason. Manually turning an air conditioner offer and then turning it back on just might be enough to resolve your issues. This might seem like a silly step, but experts will tell you that it can be a powerful one. Sometimes, your unit just needs a quick break.

Use a Reset Button if There is One

To make resetting an A/C unit more convenient, some models actually have dedicated reset buttons. These buttons can be used to effortlessly restart your air conditioner in one simple step. Most of the time, you will need to hold down the button until the system reboots. Wait times can vary.

Follow the Provided Instructions

When in doubt, you can always reset your air conditioner by following the instructions that come with it. These details might be included in a manual or on the device itself, so always check for them. One look at the reference materials might just show you that you are using the wrong approach.

Partner with Local Experts

Some air conditioning units don’t respond well to homeowners and need that expert opinion. When your unit refuses to reboot, or you notice that you still have problems after a full reboot, you will want to call your local HVAC experts. Repairs, installations, and personal support are all offered by these professionals, and they can get your air conditioner back online!

The Takeaway

An air conditioner that isn’t responding to reboots or continues to have problems needs to be checked out by professionals. Most of the time, your system will need a repair or replacement. Fortunately, there are plenty of professionals supporting Denver air conditioner repair–like us! Our team is here to help you understand your HVAC systems and can help you with any single problem that might arise. We are here to be your partner in the world of HVAC, no matter what stunts your air conditioner tries to pull!

What is the Most Common AC Repair?

Everybody wants their air conditioner to work right when they need it. Because of the uncertainty of Colorado’s climate, your air conditioner can get a workout even in months that are outside of the summer. These systems and appliances deal with wear and tear, and there are a number of common problems that don’t require extensive repairs. It’s important to make sure you don’t perform any repairs with components you’re not familiar with, but here is some insight into the most common problems when dealing with Denver air conditioner repair.

Faulty Capacitors & Nasty Filters

If your system is not blowing cold air, despite what your thermostat reads, it might be something outside of the system. Check the unit outside, and the air being blown from the unit’s fan should be warmer than the air outside. If nothing is blowing, then your capacitor might need replacement. The capacitor is what gets the unit’s motors running properly, and can wear out over time.

If your air filter is full of dirt and dust, it can also impact the performance of your unit. Clogged filters decrease the flow of air, meaning your unit has to work harder to provide the same amount of comfort. That affects your energy bills, but also your system. A clogged filter in place too long can cause your unit to freeze up if not replaced regularly.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your AC unit is working too hard, or isn’t cooling your space properly, this might mean that it is low on refrigerant. This could be due to a leak or simply being undercharged at the time of installation. This seems like a simple problem, but it’s more complicated than just giving your air conditioner a refrigerant refill.

If you’re under the impression that your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it should be dealt with by a trained professional. The technician will be able to identify and fix the leak, test the repairs to make sure the unit will perform optimally, and then charge the system with the right amount of refrigerant. This level should be filled to the manufacturer’s specifications, so getting it right is vital to the proper performance of your unit.

Thermostat Issues

The problem might not be in the AC unit at all, but rather in the device that controls it. This is the brain of the operation that keeps your house comfortable, and the thermostat itself could be faulty and in need of repair or replacement. The first step of troubleshooting your thermostat is to reset it to refresh the signals being sent to it.

If problems persist, you should make sure to clean out any debris that might be preventing the terminals from getting the proper signals. You can also test the wiring to see if it’s faulty. No matter what repairs are needed for your air conditioner or furnace, it’s important to make sure you let the experts handle any problems that seem too complex to fix on your own. For more information on getting your air conditioner back to normal, contact the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

What to Do If AC Is Not Cooling

Your air conditioner is a big part of keeping your home comfortable, but it can be an afterthought until you actually need it. When those warm temperatures kick in, you want your AC unit to promptly kick in, as well. Sometimes that’s not the case, and the air conditioner either doesn’t cool your home or is blowing cold air. Because of Colorado’s climate, you never know when you’ll have to switch between heating and air conditioning in Denver.

There could be a few reasons for this, and some of them could be simple fixes you can take care of in your home. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing anything with your air conditioner, make sure to call a professional technician to check things out. Here are some of the reasons why your air conditioner might not be cooling properly.

Check Simple Solutions First

There are a few things that could be happening if your AC isn’t blowing cold air, and the best way to troubleshoot is to start simple. Check your thermostat and make sure it is set properly – ensuring that it is set to use the AC and not just the fan. You can also reboot or reset the unit to make sure the fresh signals are getting through.

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced the air filter inside of the system, that could be the culprit. Those filters get clogged with dust and dirt, and that can affect the flow of air from the unit throughout your home. A clogged filter can cause your system to overwork, trying to meet the demands set by your thermostat. Leaving a clogged filter in place too long can even cause your system to freeze up.

Inspect Coils & Compressors

Dirty coils can also cause your system not to cool. The condenser coils are generally located outside the compressor unit, and the evaporator coils are enclosed near the indoor blower unit. If either of these sets of coils gets dirty, the amount of cold air coming from the unit can be diminished. You can clean they by removing the protective metal enclosures. Make sure to use a non-rinse cleaner for the evaporator coils, and there are specific condenser coil cleaners to use for those specific coils, as well. Always make sure to read the instructions properly when attempting this on your own.

If there is anything piled around or up against the compressor unit, it can lead to the unit pulling an insufficient amount of air. This component is usually on the back of the outdoor unit, and can get covered by things such as leaves or weeds. Clearing that area can help with the performance. Make sure the power is off before attempting to clean the coils or compressors.

Don’t be afraid to call a professional if any of these things seem too daunting, or if you can’t pinpoint what is causing the issue. For more information or help figuring out why your air conditioner isn’t cooling, call the experts at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

How Do You Clean an Air Conditioner?

The comfort of your home is a vital part of daily life. During those long heat spells of late summer and early fall, the last thing you want is your air conditioner not working up to par – or not working at all. Not every malfunctioning air conditioner is in need of replacement or expensive repairs. If an A/C unit is working overtime to keep your house at a comfortable level, cleaning it might get it back working correctly again.

Clean Your A/C Unit’s Outside

The outside of your air conditioner takes a beating from the elements, meaning dirt and other debris can pile up quick. Start by shutting off the power and then remove the fan unit and grill on the top. Once that’s removed, you’ll be able to see all the debris inside. Follow that up by cleaning the coils and fins. This can be done with a pre-made cleaning solution found at a hardware or home improvement store.

Follow that by straightening the air conditioners fins – since they’re a vital piece to your efficiency that keeps costs down. A fin tool can be purchased at the same home improvement store where you bought the cleaning solution. Once those are back in place, clean around the unit and make sure its level before returning the fan and grill.

Head Inside to Complete the Cleaning

The power to the unit should still be off, so open up the unit and clean the evaporator coils. Those simply need to have the dust from the coils brushed away, and this might require a mask depending on the amount f dust. You can get a specific cleaning spray for this task at the same store as previously mentioned, and make sure to get those hard to reach areas.

Once finished with the evaporator coils, clean out the drain pan. Soap and water are usually sufficient, but for really dirty jobs, using some bleach with the water won’t hurt. If that soap and water takes some time to drain, you might need to clear the A/C unit’s drain. Put the panel back on seal it with new HVAC tape – but make sure to leave the label visible.

Preventative Maintenance is Important

Making sure your air conditioner is running clean and efficient can help you save money and keep your space comfortable year round. The best way to stay away from serious breakdowns is to catch those issues before they happen. Replace your filters, and make sure you have the right size. While you’re at it, check the lines to the condenser unit to make sure that there aren’t any fraying or splits in the cables or cords. Just doing these quick things every once in a while can go a long way in getting in front of major issues.

Your air conditioner is a complex appliance, and it’s important that you do not attempt repairs on your own if you’re unsure of the process. If you still have any questions or need help cleaning your A/C unit, contact the experts in Denver air conditioning repair at Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning today.

How do I calculate what size air conditioner I need?

Finding the right size air conditioner for your home is important for many reasons. This not only ensures that your home is at the perfect temperature all summer long, but it can also save money on your utility bills. Before you invest in a new air conditioner, or call for Denver air conditioner repair, read up on some of the best tips for calculating what size AC unit you need for your home.

Why choosing the right size AC matters

Choosing the wrong size air conditioner can negatively impact your home (and your bank account!). An AC unit that’s too big often results in more upkeep than you have time for and can cost a lot upfront. Smaller units may save your wallet from the get-go, but they’ll do a poor job of cooling your space and cost you more in energy efficiency. A unit that’s not sized correctly to your home won’t run at the capacity that it’s supposed to, causing excess breakdowns and maintenance issues in the long-term. This is why it’s so important to size an AC unit correctly.

How to calculate size

Calculating an air conditioning unit’s size is rather easy once you know the equation. To find the perfect size air conditioner for your home, you’ll need to find the overall BTU needed. Per professional sizing guides, air conditioners require around 20 to 25 BTU of cooling capacity per each square foot of living space.

First, find the square footage of your home. Square footage is found by multiplying the overall length and width of an area. For example, if the room or area is 12 feet wide by 15 feet long, 12 x 15 = 180 sq. ft. Then, multiply the square footage by 25 BTU (the recommended cooling capacity per square foot) to find the overall BTU cooling capacity needed. For this sized space, that would be an air conditioner with a BTU of 4500.

Although this number may seem high, experts recommend 20 to 25 BTU per square foot so that AC units continue to function at high-efficiency no matter fluctuating temperatures or levels of humidity.

Where to find the best air conditioner for your home

When it comes to air conditioner repair and replacement, you can rely on a professional to help you choose the best high-efficiency air conditioner for your home. Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning can ensure that your central air conditioning system is properly sized and functioning at full-capacity. This process checks for air leaks and insulation, system efficiency, and energy ratings.

Keep your home comfortable all year long, all while investing in a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, by contacting Go Green Heating & Air Conditioning.