Cooling FAQs

At Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric, we strive to provide full service home and business comfort solutions. Below, we’ve answered some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions about their cooling systems. Keep checking back, as we will be adding more answers and insight over time.

If you don’t see an answer to a question you have about your heat pump or air conditioner, give us a call at 888-454-7365.

Why won’t my cooling system turn on?

The first thing to do if your cooling system is not working at all is to check for a tripped switch. If the issue is a tripped switch and it continues to happen, you will want to get a specialist out to take a look. Another reason your cooling system may not turn on, is if you have adjusted the thermostat up and down within a short period of time. Give your system 15 minutes, if it doesn’t switch on after 15 minutes there may be a more complicated issue. You will likely need a licensed technician to take a look.

Why is my cooling unit leaking condensation?

Quite often, blockages in your condensate drain line can occur. If your drain line is clogged or blocked, this can cause a backup in condensation. Once the condensation builds up it will then start to leak. The best solution is to have your drain line cleaned out. You may also want to have a full system check done to make sure there are no other major issues going on.

Why have my energy bills gone up suddenly?

When your cooling unit is not working efficiently, you will notice a steep rise in your energy costs. This could be due to the fact that regular maintenance has not been completed on the system, and the system has to work harder to get cool air into and throughout your home. The sudden rise could also be due to an aging system. It is best to have regular maintenance performed on your cooling system to make sure it is running at its full efficiency.

How often should I change out my homes filter?

It is a good idea to change out the filter every 3 to 4 months. How often will really depend on how hard your system is working. If you are having a particularly hot summer and your unit is constantly running, you may need to change it every two months.  This applies to homeowners with pets in their homes too—pet hair can easily clog your filter, reducing your whole system’s efficiency. If you have pets, consider changing or cleaning your filter every two months.

My air conditioner is running, but there is no cold air. What’s going on?

There could be many reasons as to why your cooling system is pushing air into the home, however the air is not cold. Your system may have a refrigerant leak or it may need a refrigerant refill. The problem may also be caused by obstructions on the outside unit. This can easily happen when leaves and debris build up inside and outside of your cooling system. If your cooling system is blowing hot air, it may be time to have a technician out to assess the problem.