Carrier Heating and Cooling Blog

Troubleshooting Your Thermostat

5 Common Thermostat Issues & How To Fix Them

Your thermostat is like the brain of your heating and cooling system. When this device stops working properly, your home may become uncomfortable quickly. Here are five common thermostat issues and the troubleshooting tips to try before calling a professional HVAC company for help.

Why Is My Thermostat Not Reaching the Set Temp?

• Dirty sensors: Thermostats use temperature sensors to tell when to turn on the HVAC system. Over time, dust, dirt, and lint can find their way into the thermostat housing and block the sensors. To fix this problem, remove the cover and clean the parts inside using a soft-bristled brush.
• Damaged sensors: If your attempts to clean the sensors don’t work, they may be damaged, resulting in a higher or lower readout than the actual ambient temperature in the room. You’ll need help from a professional to fix this issue.
• Poor thermostat location: Is your thermostat exposed to direct sunlight, heat from an air vent, or drafts from an old window? You may need a professional’s help relocating your thermostat where it can get a more accurate temperature reading.

Why Won’t My Thermostat Let Me Change the Temperature Setting?

• Locked unit: Check if the child lock setting is activated. You’ll need to disable it before you can change the temperature.
• No power: If the thermostat isn’t working at all, there could be a power issue. Try checking the circuit breaker box or replacing the batteries.
• Bad wiring: The thermostat may be unresponsive if the wiring has gone bad. Remove the cover and check inside for loose, detached, or corroded wires. If you spot any problems, contact an HVAC technician for assistance.

Why Are My Heating and Cooling Systems Continuously Running?

• Auto fan: Check the thermostat setting. The fan may be set to “auto,” which means the blower circulates air continuously. To change this, set the fan to “on” so it only operates when the furnace or air conditioner is running.
• Faulty thermostat: There could be an internal fault with the thermostat. Call a professional for help diagnosing and repairing the problem.

Why Is My Thermostat Blank?

• Dead batteries: The first troubleshooting tip for a blank thermostat is to remove the cover and replace the batteries. If the screen powers on now, you’re good to go.
• Tripped breaker: For hardwired thermostats, the issue could lie with a tripped circuit breaker. Check your electrical box and reset any tripped breakers you find.
• Tripped safety switch: Check around your furnace or air conditioner for a safety switch. It may have tripped by accident. However, if you notice excess moisture or high temperatures within your system, call an HVAC professional to schedule an inspection.

Why Is My Thermostat Not Turning On?

• Incorrect settings: First, check that your thermostat is set correctly. If you want to heat your home, make sure it’s set to “heat.” If you want air conditioning, make sure it’s set to “cool.”
• Overheated HVAC system: If the HVAC system runs briefly, shuts back off, and won’t turn on again, the equipment may be overheating. Try replacing the filter and opening all vents to improve airflow. Also, be aware that air conditioners can take at least three minutes to turn on again after shutting off to avoid damaging the compressor.
• Broken thermostat: If no other troubleshooting tips do the trick, your thermostat may be broken and require a replacement.

Schedule Thermostat Replacement Services

Hopefully, these troubleshooting tips worked, and your thermostat is operating normally again. If not, Conditioned Air can set things right. Call us the next time your thermostat stops working, and we’ll diagnose the problem and recommend a cost-effective repair. If an upgrade is the better choice, we can install an energy-saving programmable or smart thermostat. With over 80 years of experience, you can trust our team to recommend the best options for your budget and comfort needs.

To schedule thermostat replacement in the Macon, GA, area, contact us at (478) 787-6578.

Why Is My AC Leaking Water?

If you notice water puddling under your outdoor air conditioning unit, your first instinct might be to pick up the phone and call a contractor for service. Luckily, water leakage from your AC unit can be perfectly normal. However, there are certain circumstances when a leaking AC could be cause for concern and warrant a service call. We’ll help you find out what’s normal and what isn’t for water leaking from your unit.

What’s a Normal Amount of Water to Leak from My Air Conditioner?

There are two main reasons for water (specifically in this case, condensation) to leak from your air conditioner. One factor is your thermostat setting. The second involves the outdoor temperature. When you live in the hot and humid climate of Macon, Georgia, it’s normal to see condensation pooling by the condenser unit because it’s working extremely hard to cool your house down—especially if you keep your thermostat set lower than normal or if it’s an extremely hot day.

When Is AC Water Leakage Too Much?

As a rule of thumb, your air conditioner should leak condensation only while it’s running. If a puddle of condensation pools under your compressor, it should dry up after a hot day. If you notice the unit has been leaking for a full day or longer or you notice the puddle of water is consistently getting bigger, it’s probably wise to call Conditioned Air to inspect your AC unit for problems.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Leaking Water?

Many factors could play a role in why your air conditioner is leaking water either inside the home or out. These include:

• A dirty air filter – If your air conditioner filter becomes clogged or even partially blocked, it can cause the unit’s evaporator coils to freeze, which causes extra water to overflow from the drainage pan.
• Faulty condensate pan – Your air conditioner will leak if the pan that’s designed to hold water breaks down due to age or corrosion.
• Blocked drain pipe – Normal air conditioner function involves water funneling through a series of drainpipes before disappearing down the drain. If any of these drainpipes are blocked, it could cause a water leakage.
• Faulty installation – If your air conditioner is brand new and is experiencing a leaking problem, chances are it is improperly sized for your home or was installed incorrectly.
• Cool outdoor temperatures – If you try to cool your home when the outside temperature is below 60 degrees, the coils may freeze up and cause water leakage.
• Low refrigerant level – When the refrigerant level for your AC is too low, it causes the unit to lose pressure. This can cause freezing coils, which may overflow the drain pan when it melts.

Schedule AC Repair in the Macon Area with Conditioned Air

If your air conditioner is leaking water and you need a contractor, call the experts at Conditioned Air, Inc. to solve the problem. Conditioned Air has more than 70 years of experience in the installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of HVAC equipment in Middle Georgia. Our highly skilled team is standing by to repair your air conditioner day or night with our 24/7 emergency HVAC services.

Give us a call at (478) 787-6578 or schedule an online appointment today for AC repair in Macon, GA or the surrounding areas.

AC Maintenance Tips

The last thing you want in Macon, GA is a broken air conditioner. The heat will be one thing, but the cost of replacing your AC unit might make you sweat even more! Fortunately, there are some easy tasks you can perform to maintain your unit. Use these AC maintenance tips and tricks to keep your air conditioner running smoothly.

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How Long Will My HVAC System Last?

A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last from 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course over time.

For trusted HVAC services in the Macon, Georgia area, contact Conditioned Air online or call our team at (478) 787-6578 today!

Typical HVAC Life Spans

The service life of an HVAC system depends on its type. Here are the typical life spans for common HVAC equipment:

• Furnaces – With proper maintenance, gas furnaces typically last 20 to 30 years, or even longer. Usually, a furnace is replaced when the heat exchanger starts leaking, as it is one of the most critical and expensive components. Systems that are poorly maintained or of questionable quality may last as little as 10 years, while oil furnaces typically last only 10 to 15 years, due to maintenance problems caused by the inefficient fuel.
• Boilers – Boilers often last slightly longer than furnaces, with an average life span of 20 to 35 years. Usually, they are replaced when the heat exchanger starts leaking.
• Air conditioners – Most air conditioners will last 15 to 20 years, though some may last closer to 10. In coastal areas, they typically last only seven to 12 years due to salt exposure. Both air conditioners and heat pumps are usually replaced when the compressor fails or the condenser develops significant corrosion and leaks.
• Heat pumps – Heat pumps can last 10 to 20 years, depending on usage frequency, though 15 is average. Functionally, heat pumps are similar to air conditioners, but because they can provide both heating and cooling, they are typically used longer each year. Heat pumps in coastal areas will also fail prematurely, with typical life spans of seven to 12 years.
• Ductless mini-splits – Like heat pumps, ductless mini-splits can provide both heating and cooling, with a typical life span of 10 to 30 years, except in coastal areas.

While these are the most common life spans, many homeowners choose to replace their HVAC system sooner. As the system ages, it will gradually become less reliable and efficient, increasing repair and utility costs. Once a system is 10 to 15 years old, the monthly energy savings from upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can often justify the initial investment, especially if the current system is unreliable or has major problems.

Factors That Affect HVAC Service Life

There are many things that can reduce the life span of HVAC equipment, including:

• Poor maintenance practices
• Poor initial quality or defective components
• Oversizing or undersizing the system
• Improper installation procedures
• Inordinately high usage or high loads
• Improper usage, such as heating or cooling with windows and doors open
• Installation in salty or corrosive environments, such as coastal areas

Of these, poor maintenance and oversizing are the most detrimental. A lack of maintenance can lead to accelerated component wear and a dramatically shorter life span, while oversizing can cause frequent on-and-off cycling, leading to compressor or blower motor failure. Additionally, air conditioners or heat pumps in coastal areas will also see significantly reduced life spans due to salt corroding the condenser unit. With preventive maintenance plans, HVAC systems will last longer because small issues are caught before they require costly fixes.

5 Ways That Conditioned Air Can Help

When you experience issues with your HVAC system in Georgia, our team at Conditioned Air is ready to help! We provide:

• HVAC repairs – When regular HVAC issues occur, you can count on our team at Conditioned Air for fast service and reliable HVAC repairs.
• HVAC installations – Whether you are upgrading from a system that is inefficient and expensive to repair, you are adding air conditioning to a home that lacks it, or you are installing an HVAC system in a new home, you can count on our team at Conditioned Air for a quality, energy-efficient installation.
• HVAC replacements– If your HVAC system is showing its age, an HVAC replacement may offer several benefits, including improved comfort, lower utility bills, and fewer repair costs.
• HVAC maintenance – Though HVAC systems are built to last, they can only continue to perform well and efficiently if they’re well-maintained. Not only does regular maintenance increase efficiency, but it also minimizes the chance of breakdowns and could potentially lower your utility costs.
• Emergency HVAC services – Whatever your HVAC emergency may be, Conditioned Air offers 24-hour repair services.

Expert HVAC Services in Macon, GA

If you are worried about the condition of your HVAC system in Georgia, our team at Conditioned Air, Inc. can help. We can perform a full inspection of your system and estimate its remaining service life. We offer complete replacement services if you choose to upgrade, as well as comprehensive maintenance and repair services to keep your system running smoothly.

To schedule HVAC system maintenance, repair, or installation services in the Middle Georgia area, contact Conditioned Air online today or at (478) 787-6578!

Why Won’t My Heating System Turn On?

Is your heating system on the fritz? Wondering why your heat won’t turn on? Don’t ignore it! If you want to fix your heating system at home, we’ve put together a few troubleshooting tips, featured below.

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