Pinpointing the problem and doing your own AC repair in Cache Valley, Utah, can appear like a lot of frustration.
It doesn’t have to be like that. There are a couple of easy adjustments you can do by yourself that could help you get out of an AC service call.
When you’re having air conditioning issues, try this diagnostic list before getting in touch with a heating and cooling repair specialist like Western Mechanical, Inc..
Our professionals are standing by at 435-753-5515 when you need knowledgeable help. We provide emergency AC repair and work on most models of central air conditioners.
If you need an updated AC system, we also can do AC installation.
When you’re on the phone with us, contemplate an annual AC maintenance plan that could help you keep clear of future breakdowns. We can tell you when you need air conditioner service.
Prepared to begin diagnosing your equipment? Try our easy guide below. A lot of of these steps don’t need any AC knowledge.
Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of explanations why your AC equipment won’t start: a tripped circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your system won’t start when you have a tripped breaker.
To find out if one has tripped, find your house’s main electrical panel. You can locate this metallic box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Ensure your hands and feet are free of moisture before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s tripped the lever will be in the middle or “off” position.
- Firmly move the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantaneously triggers again, don’t touch it and get in touch with us at 435-753-5515. A breaker that keeps turning off may indicate your home has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t telling your air conditioner to work, it won’t activate.
The first point is checking it’s on “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner might not turn on. Or you might get. hot air coming from vents being the heat is running instead.
If you rely on a regular thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the readout is clear. If the screen is presenting jumbled numbers, buy a new thermostat.
- Check the proper option is showing. If you can’t update it, cancel it by decreasing the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if the configuration is incorrect.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat is set the same as the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set properly, you should begin getting chilled air quickly.
If you have a smart thermostat, such as one produced by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If you still can’t get it to work, reach us at 435-753-5515 for assistance.
Shut-Off Switch
Your AC usually has a shut-off lever near its outdoor unit. This switch is typically in a metal box hung on your residence. If your equipment has recently been worked on, the lever may have inadvertently been positioned in the “off” position.
Blocked Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans catch the surplus water your AC pulls from the air. This pan can be positioned either beneath or inside your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or clogged drain, water can build up and trigger a safety control to switch off your equipment.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can get rid of the surplus water with a custom pan-cleaning tablet. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan has a pump, look for the float switch. If the mechanism is “up” and there’s liquid in the pan, you could need to get a new pump. Call us at 435-753-5515 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your equipment is on but not providing cold air, its airflow could be clogged. Or it might not have adequate refrigerant.
Blocked Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be reduced by a plugged air filter or dirty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can cause countless problems, like:
- Lower airflow
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Larger utility bills
- Making your system break down faster
We recommend installing new flat filters once a month, and accordion filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last installed a new one, turn off your system totally and remove the filter. You can find the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It could also be located in a connected filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
Hold the filter up to your light fixture. If you can’t see any light you certainly should replace it.
How to Clean Your Air Conditioning Equipment
Weeds, vegetation and sticks can get in the way of your condensing system. This can limit its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and change your comfort. Here’s how you can get your unit running properly again.
- Shut off the electrical current totally at the breaker or outdoor lever.
- Clear yard waste around the air conditioner. Once you’ve removed all the refuse within a two-foot radius, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to slowly clean the condenser fins. Warped fins can also hurt effectiveness, so you can attempt to reshape them with a blunt knife.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly take off dirt on the fins from inside the unit. Don’t get liquid on the fan motor.
- Put the top back on and turn on the power.