Why Isn't the AC Turning On or Cooling? Common Causes and Solutions

As anyone who lives in South Carolina knows, the indicator of spring is pollen and other airborne allergens. According to the EPA, on average, Americans spend as much as 90% of their time indoors. Believe it or not, the air quality inside is often about two to five times worse than the great outdoors. Once pollen starts to hit the area, it is critical to do everything you can to keep it from getting inside your home, where it can lead to some serious allergy suffering for you and your family. These are measures that you can take to head off spring allergies and enhance the air quality within your home.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the most critical home maintenance things on your HVAC to-do list should be changing your air filters once a month. Your air filters are the first line of defense that your HVAC system has against fine particles and allergens being trapped in your ductwork and ultimately making their way into your furnace or air conditioning system. And if your air filters are caked with dirt and debris, this will limit airflow and cause your system to work overtime. This leads to more wear and tear, which can shorten your system’s lifespan.

Wash Registers

The air registers on the floor can be a haven for dirt and allergens. When your registers are dirty, all those particles continue getting kicked up and circulated throughout your home every time that your heating or cooling turns on. As we approach spring, make a special point to clean off all the HVAC parts that you can to improve your air quality and cut down on things like respiratory illness and allergy issues.

Vacuum Frequently

One of the ways to keep your HVAC in good condition is by keeping your carpet and area rugs clean. Vacuuming frequently will stop things from getting trapped in the carpet and rug fibers. Once those particles settle, they are continually kicked up and circulated in your home by your family’s activity. Also, wash pillowcases, sheets, and stuffed animals when possible. They can all accumulate allergens and increase allergy issues, especially if you have a family member with asthma or respiratory problems.

Control the Humidity in Your Home

With spring and summer comes humidity. The best way to increase indoor air quality is by controlling your home’s humidity. Moist and humid environments are a haven for mold and mildew growth that can trigger asthma and allergies. Consider installing a dehumidifier to pull some of the moisture out of the air. It will not only make your home feel cooler and save on your air conditioning costs throughout summer; it will help to improve your air quality throughout the season.

As we roll into spring, the allergens will soon bombard us. The best way to combat allergy and respiratory suffering is to take measures to enhance your indoor quality by being proactive. At First Choice, we do all that we can to ensure that your HVAC system is running smoothly and providing a much cleaner atmosphere for you and yours. Contact our office today to schedule your Charleston HVAC service!