Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be a few explanations why your AC unit won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a switched off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Triggered Circuit Breaker
Your AC won’t work when you have an overloaded breaker.
To check if one has gotten overloaded, go to your home’s main electrical panel. You can spot this silver 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.
- Look for the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” location. If it’s triggered, the switch will be in the "off" position.
- Quickly move the switch back to the “on” position. If it instantly triggers again, don’t reset it and get in touch with us at 614-879-9091. A breaker that keeps turning off might signal your home has electrical trouble.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t signaling your AC to run, it won’t activate.
The first point is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC might not turn on. You could also have hot air moving from vents being the furnace is on instead.
If you have a digital thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the monitor is blank. If the monitor is presenting scrambled letters, buy a new thermostat.
- Make sure the correct program is displaying. If you can’t alter it, cancel it by decreasing the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will make your AC start if scheduling is not right.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees colder than the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t work if the thermostat is identical to the space’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is calibrated properly, you should start getting cool air fast.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, like one made by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, check the manufacturer’s website for help. If it still won’t work, call us at 614-879-9091 for help.
Shut-Down Switch
Your air conditioner probably has a shut-down device by its outdoor unit. This device is generally in a metal box hung on your house. If your equipment has recently been fixed, the switch may have unintentionally been turned off.
Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans catch the additional water your system takes out of the air. This pan can be positioned either beneath or within your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or backed up drain, water can accumulate and trigger a safety control to switch off your unit.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the surplus liquid with a special pan-cleaning tab. You can get these capsules at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan involves a pump, locate the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you could need to get a new pump. Call us at 614-879-9091 for assistance.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your AC is on but not delivering cold air, its airflow could be congested. Or it may not have enough refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your equipment’s airflow can be limited by a clogged air filter or filthy condenser.
How to Change Your Air Filter
A filthy filter can lead to many problems, including:
- Lower airflow
- Icy refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Inconsistent cooling
- Larger electricity bills
- Making your system break down more quickly
We suggest installing new flat filters every four weeks, and pleated filters every three months.
If you can’t remember when you last replaced your filter, switch off your AC fully and remove the filter. You can locate the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be found in an attached filter holder or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, you should replace it.
How to Clean Your AC System
Brush, vegetation and sticks can block your condensing equipment. This could restrict its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s a method you can follow to get your equipment operating smoothly again.
- Shut off electricity completely at the breaker or outside lever.
- Clear vegetation debris around the air conditioner. Once you’ve removed bigger clutter within a two-foot area, you can use a fine-bristled brush or vacuum to carefully remove dirt from the condenser fins. Misshapen fins can also impact performance.
- Use a hose nozzle to carefully remove gunk off the fins from inside the equipment. Make sure to avoid getting water on the fan motor.
- Restore the power.
Insufficient Refrigerant
When AC systems don’t have enough refrigerant, they’ll struggle to remove heat and humidity from the air.
Here are a few signs that your system is seeping refrigerant:
- It takes an extended amount of time to cool your residence and you’re continually lowering the thermostat.
- Air moving through the vents isn’t as chilly as it should be.
- You’re experiencing fizzing or burbling noises when the AC works.
- Your evaporator coil is icy because it’s having difficulty taking on heat.
Suspect your system is losing refrigerant? You need a authorized heating and cooling service professional to take care of the leak and replenish the right measurement of refrigerant in your system. Call us at 614-879-9091 for support.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it seems like you’re not having enough cool air, there’s usually a blockage or disconnection somewhere in your AC unit.
- The first step is examining your air filter. Get a new one if it’s soiled.
- Make sure the vents are open across your house.
- If you’re still not receiving adequate chilly air, you should have your ducts checked by a professional like West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. Your ductwork may need to be repaired or relinked in hard-to-reach areas like your attic, basement or crawl space.