The Most Efficient Heating and Cooling Units for Your Home

Common causes include refrigerant leaks or low refrigerant levels, frozen or dirty coils, airflow issues, drainage problems, electrical faults, compressor failure, and fan motor issues.

Most air conditioning systems last about 10-15 years. If your unit is over ten years old, think about replacing it instead of fixing it again. This is especially true if it uses the outdated R22 refrigerant, which is being phased out.

No plunger? Try a toilet brush to remove the clog. You can also use a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Pour it in the toilet and let it sit all night. Then, flush in the morning.

An AC system works by moving refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units. It absorbs heat from inside and sends it outside. Knowing how the refrigeration cycle and heat transfer work helps fix cooling problems.

On average, a central air conditioning system lasts 10-15 years. How long it lasts can depend on regular maintenance, how much you use it, and your environment.

The plunger is your best bet. Make sure it's a strong plunger with a ball or rubber flange. Plunge quickly up and down to clear the clog.

Signs include the AC running all the time but not cooling the house, warm air coming from vents, and the outdoor unit feeling cool. You might also see frost or ice on the coils.

If your AC is getting old, watch for higher bills, more repairs, uneven temperatures, lots of dust, and trouble with cooling and humidity.

To stop clogs, use less toilet paper. Also, don't flush things that can clog it, like paper towels. Clean the toilet's jets often to improve flushing.

First, make sure the thermostat is set to "cool" and the temperature is lower than inside. Check the circuit breakers for both units are on and haven't tripped.

High energy use can come from ductwork issues, broken equipment, or the unit just not working as well as it used to. Checking repair versus replacement costs can help you decide what's best.

You can use a chemical cleaner as a last option. Pick one made for toilets and follow the instructions. They might not work on clogs from hard items.

Blocked air filters or vents can stop proper airflow. This stops the heat transfer and makes the cold air go outside instead of in.

If your AC breaks down a lot and repair costs add up, replacing it might be cheaper in the long run. This is especially true if your warranty has ended.

For a plumbing snake, gently push and twist it into the drain. Move it around to clear the blockage. This can help with stubborn clogs.

Without enough refrigerant, the AC can't cool the air well. A leak or low levels can freeze the coils and send cold air outside.

Starting in 2020, the U.S. will stop making R-22 refrigerant. If your AC uses R-22, you'll need a new one if it needs refrigerant after that. R-22 will be hard to find and expensive.

If it overflows, turn off the water using the shut-off valve. Twist it to the right. This stops the overflow. Then, you can try unclogging it with a plunger or other methods.

Frozen coils block airflow and stop heat transfer, sending cold air outside. Dirty coils also stop the heat from being released, making the AC struggle to cool the air.

Ductwork problems like leaks or the wrong size can cause uneven temperatures, use more energy, and reduce cooling. Checking your ductwork is important when thinking about replacing your AC.

A blocked condensate drain can make the system freeze or shut down. This sends cold air outside instead of inside.

Smart thermostats let you control temperatures from anywhere, set custom schedules, and save energy. Adding smart technology to your new AC can make it work better and save you money.