Do you have an A/C not working? Think twice before making a call for professional repairs. There are many AC problems that you can fix on your own and that will allow you to save the cost of an expensive AC service call. Troubleshooting air conditioning problems can be as simple as going through the following tips.
The first step necessary in order to diagnose HVAC problems is to determine whether or not you have electrical service to your home. If your home is without power, your air conditioner will also not have the electricity needed in order to operate. Once you have determined that you have electricity to your home, it is necessary to check to see if the AC system is getting electricity. Check the fuse or circuit breaker for your cooling system to be sure the circuit hasn’t been tripped.
If you have electrical power to your air conditioner, other factors are causing the problem. Check the air filter, if you find that it is dirty, chances are your air conditioner is not providing sufficient cooling. This can also lead your system to freeze, leaving you with little or no cool air. You should also make sure that your thermostat has batteries in it and that it is set properly to cool your home.
Many air conditioners have a built-in switch designed to protect your home from water damage. This switch will turn off your air conditioning system if the drain line is clogged. Check the drain line and flush it out if necessary, then empty the pan of water. Additionally, sometimes this switch can inadvertently get switched off if the unit or pan is accidentally bumped. If there is no water in the pan, check to be sure that the switch is still on.
When troubleshooting air conditioning problems be sure to check both the indoor and outdoor units. There are switches both by the inside air handler as well as by the outside unit that can turn off your air conditioner. Make sure that both of these switches are on.
If you are unable to diagnose the air conditioning problem, a local HVAC contractor will be able to help. Call a reputable AC technician to get your air conditioner repaired and back to cooling your home.
