Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several causes why your AC equipment won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t run when you have a blown breaker.
To find out if one has blown, locate your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this metallic device on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are dry before you check the panel or breakers.
- Look for the breaker identified “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the "off" position.
- Steadily shift the switch back to the “on” position. If it instantaneously trips again, don’t reset it and call us at 800-296-5088. A breaker that keeps tripping might signal your home has an electrical issue.
Inaccurate Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your AC to start, it won’t switch on.
The key point is ensuring it’s on “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioning might not switch on. You might also have heated air blowing from vents being the heat is running instead.
If you have a regular thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the monitor is clear. If the monitor is displaying garbled numbers, get a new thermostat.
- Make sure the correct program is showing. If you can’t alter it, cancel it by decreasing the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is incorrect.
- Try setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted correctly, you should start getting cold air promptly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, such as one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If you still can’t get it to work, reach us at 800-296-5088 for assistance.
Shut-Off Switch
Your cooling equipment probably has a shut-off device around its outdoor unit. This device is generally in a metal box attached to your house. If your unit has recently been fixed, the switch may have unintentionally been turned off.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans hold the additional condensation your AC pulls from the air. This pan can be positioned either below or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or blocked drain, water can build up and initiate a safety feature to stop your equipment.
If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the extra liquid with a special pan-cleaning tablet. You can buy these tabs at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan involves a pump, find the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you might have to replace the pump. Call us at 800-296-5088 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is running but not cooling, its airflow may be clogged. Or it might not have adequate refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be limited by a plugged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A filthy filter can create a lot of troubles, such as:
- Limited airflow
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Intermittent cooling
- Increased utility costs
- Causing your system to stop working sooner
We recommend changing flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last replaced your filter, shut off your unit fully and pull out the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be situated in a connected filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it, you certainly should replace it.
How to Clean Your Cooling Equipment
Weeds, vegetation and leaves can get in the way of your condensing system. This can restrict its airflow, make it less energy efficient and impact your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your equipment operating smoothly again.
- Shut off electricity fully at the breaker or outdoor lever.
- Clear vegetation waste around the equipment. Once you’ve gotten rid of bigger debris within a two-foot range, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to slowly clean the condenser fins. Deformed fins can also hurt effectiveness.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly remove gunk off the fins from inside the unit. Make sure to avoid getting moisture on the fan motor.
- Turn on the power.
Leaking Refrigerant
When cooling equipment doesn’t have ample refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your residence.
Here are a few signs that your system is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes an extended amount of time to lower the temperature in your house and you’re continually decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Air conditioning blowing through the ducts isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re hearing whistling or bubbling racket when the AC runs.
- Your evaporator coil is frosted as a result of having trouble taking on humidity.
Suspect your system is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and restore the correct measurement of refrigerant in your equipment. Get in touch with us at 800-296-5088 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not getting adequate amounts of cool air, there’s possibly an obstruction or separation inside your AC equipment.
- The first stage is examining your air filter. Get a new one if it’s dirty.
- Make sure the vents are open throughout your house.
- If you’re still not getting adequate chilly air, you should have your ductwork inspected by a professional like AZ Air Conditioning and Heating. Your ductwork might need to be serviced or reconnected in limited space areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.