Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a couple of reasons why your AC equipment won’t work: a tripped circuit breaker, inaccurate thermostat settings, a switched off switch or an overflowing condensate drain pan.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioner won’t run when you have an overloaded breaker.
To determine if one has tripped, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can find this metallic box on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet are dry before you check the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker identified “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s triggered, the lever will be in the "off" position.
- Quickly shift the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantaneously triggers again, don’t reset it and get in touch with us at 724-401-1843. A breaker that keeps tripping could signal your house has an electrical issue.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your equipment to run, it won’t switch on.
The most important point is making sure it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not switch on. You might also receive hot air moving from vents since the furnace is running instead.
If you’re using a regular thermostat:
- Swap out the batteries if the monitor is empty. If the monitor is showing scrambled letters, get a new thermostat.
- Make sure the right program is displaying. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by lowering the temperature and pushing the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is not right.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set accurately, you should begin getting chilled air quickly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, like one manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, go to the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, contact us at 724-401-1843 for support.
Shut-Off Switch
Your AC usually has a power-cutting device by its condenser. This switch is typically in a metal box hung on your residence. If your air conditioner has recently been repaired, the switch may have unintentionally been turned off.
Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans catch the surplus condensation your system pulls from the air. This pan is located either under or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or backed up drain, water can accumulate and prompt a safety setting to stop your air conditioner.
If your pan includes a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the additional condensation with a formulated pan-cleaning capsule. You can buy these tabs at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan involves a pump, find the float switch. If the switch is “up” and there’s moisture in the pan, you might have to install a new pump. Contact us at 724-401-1843 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your air conditioner is running but not delivering cold air, its airflow may be congested. Or it might not have sufficient refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your unit’s airflow can be reduced by a clogged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Replace Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can lead to countless troubles, such as:
- Limited cooling
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Higher utility bills
- Making your system stop working faster
We propose changing flat filters every four weeks, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t recall 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 may also be situated in a connected filter box or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to the sunshine. If you see a lot of dust, you certainly should buy a new filter.
4 Steps to Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Unit
Greenery, vegetation and leaves can obstruct your condensing system. This can restrict its airflow, lower its energy efficiency and affect your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your unit running properly again.
- Turn off electricity fully at the breaker or outside switch.
- Get rid of yard debris around the AC. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the debris within a two-foot radius, you can use a paint brush or vacuum to slowly clean the condenser fins. Crooked fins can also impact capability.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly remove gunk off the fins from inside the unit. Don’t get moisture on the fan motor.
- Restore the power.
Not Enough Refrigerant
When cooling systems don’t have sufficient refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from your house.
Here are a couple of signs that your equipment is seeping refrigerant:
- It takes a long time to cool your space and you’re regularly turning down the thermostat.
- Air conditioning blowing through the vents isn’t as cold as it should be.
- You’re hearing fizzing or bubbling sounds when the AC works.
- Your evaporator coil is frosted because it’s having difficulty absorbing humidity.
Worried your equipment is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service specialist to fix the leak and refill the correct amount of refrigerant in your unit. Reach us at 724-401-1843 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it feels like you’re not getting adequate amounts of chilled air, there’s usually a blockage or detachment inside your cooling equipment.
- The initial place is examining your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s soiled.
- Make sure the ductwork is open across your house.
- If you’re still not experiencing enough chilly air, you should have your ducts checked by a specialist like Central Heating & Plumbing. Your duct system may need to be serviced or reconnected in limited space locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.