When something is really wrong with your air conditioner, it’s critical to get repairs done as promptly as possible. This prevents a small problem from worsening, avoids the increased electric bills that struggling air conditioners often cause, and helps maximize the lifetime of the system. But sometimes, nothing serious is actually wrong. Before jumping to conclusions, consider the benefits of scheduling AC maintenance.
It would be such a shame to wait in the heat for a repair tech only to find out that you could have resolved your AC issue all by yourself. How can you tell if your air conditioner actually needs repair or if you can solve your own problem? Consult this handy AC troubleshooting checklist.
What Should You Check Before Calling for Heating and AC Repair?
- Make sure the thermostat is set to cooling or heating mode
- Check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker
- Replace or clean the air filter if it’s dirty
- Ensure the outdoor unit is clear of leaves and debris
- Listen for unusual noises that may signal a mechanical issue
- If the issue persists, contact a professional HVAC technician
Troubleshooting Step 1: Check AC Circuit Breaker
If your AC isn’t running at all, head directly to the electrical panel, also called a circuit breaker panel, to see if any of the breakers have been tripped. This would mean the switch is flipped the opposite way of all the others. Maybe it just needs to be reset!
This can happen if you’ve plugged something that draws a lot of electricity, like a vacuum, into the same circuit that powers your air conditioner. But if it happens repeatedly, there’s probably an electrical issue with the AC itself that requires AC repair in Toms River, NJ.
Step 2: Verify Thermostat Settings
What if an accidental elbow-bump switched your thermostat to heat or off? What if a curious child, delighted with pressing buttons, activated a vacation setting that saves energy by keeping your home’s temperature quite a bit higher while you’re away? It would take a matter of seconds for you to get it set back the way it should be. See these common signs your AC needs repair for more guidance.
Step 3: Clean or Change Your AC Filter
Short cycling is when the AC turns on and off far too rapidly and other problems like poor distribution of the cool air or even a hot, dusty smell can be caused by a clogged air filter. Make sure you’re cleaning or replacing the filter every month during the heat of the summer. And if you think something’s wrong and you can’t tell quite what, it’s a good time to take a peek at that filter.
Step 4: Inspect Outdoor AC Condenser Unit
If anything is preventing the heat from being released from the outdoor coils, it can cause a wide variety of issues. What would prevent the heat from being released? Anything that might act as insulation or interfere with airflow around the outdoor unit. This could be caked-on dust, dirt, or lawn clippings. It could be debris like leaf litter blown against the unit. Learn why professional installation prevents AC problems.
Trim back any encroaching branches, shrubs, or tall grass. Rake away anything that’s piling up around the unit. Then use a gentle hose to wash away any mess on the unit itself. This will help maximize the ventilation that the unit requires to help heat dissipate and might resolve problems like ineffective performance, the air conditioner running too much, or rising electric bills.
With this handy checklist, you won’t need to wait for a technician in an overheating house unless their help is truly necessary. But if you take these steps and your problem continues, get AC repair right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I check first if my AC isn’t working at all?
Answer: First check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker, and reset it if needed. If the breaker is fine, inspect your thermostat settings to ensure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than room temperature.
Question: Why does my air conditioner keep short cycling or run constantly?
Answer: Short cycling or constant running can be caused by a dirty or clogged air filter restricting airflow, or thermostat settings issues. Cleaning or replacing the filter and verifying thermostat settings often helps.
Question: How can outdoor unit issues affect my AC performance?
Answer: Debris like dust, leaves, or grass around the outdoor condenser unit can block airflow, reducing cooling efficiency. Clearing debris and trimming nearby plants can improve air circulation and system performance.
Question: When should I call a professional instead of troubleshooting myself?
Answer: If basic checks like breakers, filters, thermostat settings, and outdoor unit clearing don’t solve the problem, it’s time to call an HVAC professional. Persistent electrical issues or complex mechanical failures require expert diagnosis.
Question: Can regular maintenance prevent AC problems?
Answer: Yes, regular maintenance like changing or cleaning filters, checking thermostat settings, and ensuring proper airflow around the outdoor unit can prevent many common issues and help your AC run efficiently.
You’re More Comfortable With Atlantic Air Systems. Schedule your appointment with us today.