Troubleshooting Tips to Try Before Calling Your AC Company
At Service Wizard, we understand that not every air conditioning issue warrants a visit from our technicians. As much as we would love to have your business, we’re in the business of keeping you comfortable with a properly functioning AC. That means we’ll tell you if you don’t need our air conditioning services, saving you time and money.
Sometimes, fixing your AC is as simple as making sure your thermostat is properly set or flipping a circuit breaker. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of easy AC troubleshooting steps to take before calling us for AC repair.
1. Check Your Thermostat Settings
It can be a bit too easy to change the settings on your thermostat accidentally when you’re adjusting the temperature. If your AC isn’t running or isn’t meeting your cooling needs, the thermostat is the first place you should check. Make sure that the fan is set to AUTO and the thermostat is set to COOL. And of course, check that it’s set to your preferred temperature!
If the screen is blank, your thermostat batteries are dead and your AC won’t turn on. Simply replace them to restore power.
2. Flip the Circuit Breakers On
If your AC won’t turn on even though the thermostat is set correctly, it might not have power. Locate your electrical panel and find the circuits labeled for your AC system — central air conditioners typically have two separate circuits for the indoor and outdoor units. If the circuit breaker is tripped (in the middle position), flip it off, then on to reset it.
This should restore power, but please note that frequently tripped circuit breakers indicate an electrical problem, and you should call an electrician to prevent potential safety hazards!
3. Check for Frozen Coils
If your AC still isn’t working properly, check the evaporator coils (located in the indoor unit) for ice. A frozen AC will still run but won’t be able to cool, sending warm air into your home. If you find ice on your AC coils, follow our step-by-step instructions to easily thaw it out on your own. However, it’s important to call the experts at Service Wizard if your AC freezes more than once since this could be a sign of several serious issues.
4. Change the Air Filter
Airflow is essential to the proper function of an HVAC system. If you feel like little to no air is coming out of your vents, check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. You should do this every one to three months to prevent dust and debris from building up on the filter and infiltrating the system. Otherwise, the debris will block the air flowing through the ductwork, resulting in an inefficient air conditioning system.
5. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
When it comes to airflow, the outdoor unit of your AC system is incredibly important. If changing your air filter doesn’t improve the airflow, check your outdoor unit for the following debris:
Dirt
Leaves
Landscaping materials
Plant growth
Twigs and branches
These things can cause major problems with your AC system, so you’ll need to turn the power off and clear away any debris in the unit. Some of our customers find that a garden hose with a spray nozzle does the trick!
Call the Pros at Service Wizard
If none of these troubleshooting tips fixes your air conditioning problems, it’s time to call on Service Wizard for AC repairs. Contact us online or by phone to schedule your repairs today!
