Checking The Refrigerant

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Refrigerant lines connect the evaporator coils inside the house with the condenser unit outside. The pressurized refrigerant circulates through the two unit. Have the refrigerant level checked every other year by a certified service person. Low refrigerant levels cause poor cooling or make the condenser run continuously. If you find oily spots on or near the refrigerant lines, or hear a hissing sound then the refrigerant may be leaking. Call for repair immediately.

If an outdoor unit makes a clanking noise while running, shut off the power to the unit and turn up the thermostat. Remove the grill and check for any obstructions that may be hitting the fan blades. Check to see if the fan is loose, it should spin freely and without wobbling. To tighten, use an adjustable wrench or a hex wrench. If your fan motor oil has oil ports, usually plugged with rubber or metal caps, add a nondetergent lightweight SAE 20 oil no more than 10 drops per port or check your owner’s manual. Tighten any loose screws in the housing. If the noise continues call for repairs. If the unit won’t turn on check to see if the circuit breaker is tripped or the fuse is blown. Make sure the unit is switched on and that the thermostat is on the Cool or Auto setting with the temperature set below the room temperature. If it still won’t run, call for repair.