Air Conditioner Repair Checklist
1. AC Won’t Turn On
There can be several reasons why your air conditioner won’t run: an overloaded circuit breaker, wrong thermostat settings, a shut off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your AC won’t run when you have a tripped breaker.
To find out if one has tripped, locate your house’s main electrical panel. You can find this silver fixture on the wall in the basement, garage or closet.
- Make sure your hands and feet aren’t wet before you check the panel or breakers.
- Find the breaker labeled “AC” and make sure it’s in the “on” position. If it’s tripped, the breaker will be in the "off" position.
- Firmly transfer the switch back to the “on” location. If it instantaneously triggers again, leave it alone and reach us at 954-320-7398. A fuse that keeps tripping might indicate your residence has electrical trouble.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your air conditioner to run, it won’t turn on.
The key step is ensuring it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your air conditioner may not start running. You may also get warm air moving from vents because the heat is on instead.
If you’re using a regular thermostat:
- Put in new batteries if the screen is clear. If the monitor is presenting jumbled characters, buy a new thermostat.
- Make sure the right option is displaying. If you can’t alter it, reverse it by dropping the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will cause your AC to run if the configuration is wrong.
- Test setting the thermostat 5 degrees below the room’s temperature. Your AC won’t start if the thermostat is identical to the house’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is set accurately, you should receive cold air promptly.
If you rely on a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for assistance. If it still won’t work, reach us at 954-320-7398 for assistance.
Shut-Off Switch
Your cooling equipment typically has a shut-down device by its outside unit. This lever is commonly in a metal box attached to your home. If your equipment has recently been repaired, the device may have accidentally been turned off.
Clogged Condensate Drain Pan 
Condensate drain pans hold the extra water your air conditioner takes out of the air. This pan is located either below or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s a clog or clogged drain, water can become concentrated and initiate a safety control to turn off your unit.
If your pan involves a PVC pipe or drain, you can clear the additional water with a special pan-cleaning tablet. You can purchase these capsules at a home improvement or hardware store.
If your pan involves a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up” and there’s water in the pan, you could need to install a new pump. Reach us at 954-320-7398 for support.
2. AC Blows Warm Air
If your system is running but not providing cold air, its airflow may be clogged. Or it may not have adequate refrigerant.
Obstructed Airflow
Your system’s airflow can be limited by a plugged air filter or dusty condenser.
How to Put in a New Your Air Filter
A dusty filter can create numerous troubles, including:
- Limited cooling
- Frozen refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Intermittent cooling
- Larger cooling costs
- Leading your system to stop working more quickly
We suggest changing flat filters monthly, and pleated filters every three months.
If you aren’t sure when you last replaced your filter, switch off your AC completely and pull out the filter. You can spot the filter in your furnace or air pump’s blower compartment. It may also be situated in an attached filter case or wall-mounted return air grille.
Angle the filter up to the sunshine. If you can’t see through it, you certainly should buy a new filter.
4 Steps to Cleaning Your Air Conditioning System
Brush, vegetation and bushes can get in the way of your condensing system. This could reduce its airflow, impact its energy efficiency and impact your comfort. Here’s how you can get your unit working smoothly again.
- Shut off electricity fully at the breaker or outside device.
- Clear greenery debris around the unit. Once you’ve cleared larger debris within a two-foot radius, you can use a soft brush or vacuum to slowly clean the unit’s fins. Warped fins can also affect efficiency.
- Use a hose nozzle to gingerly remove gunk off the fins from inside the system. Make sure to avoid getting moisture on the fan motor.
- Turn the power back on.
Leaking Refrigerant
When air conditioning units don’t have adequate refrigerant, they’ll have difficulty removing heat and humidity from the air.
Here are a few indications that your system is leaking refrigerant:
- It takes too long to refresh your rooms and you’re constantly decreasing the temperature on the thermostat.
- Air moving through the vents isn’t as chilled as it should be.
- You’re noticing fizzing or bubbling noises when the AC runs.
- Your evaporator coil is icy on account of having trouble taking on humidity.
Suspect your equipment is seeping refrigerant? You need a qualified heating and cooling service professional to repair the leak and replenish the right level of refrigerant in your equipment. Contact us at 954-320-7398 for help.
3. AC Not Blowing Enough Air
When it appears like you’re not having ample amounts of chilled air, there’s usually an obstruction or disconnection inside your air conditioning system.
- The first step is looking at your air filter. Buy a new one if it’s dirty.
- Make sure the registers are open throughout your rooms.
- If you’re still not experiencing sufficient chilled air, you should have your duct system inspected by a specialist like Solar Air Inc. . Your ducts may need to be serviced or rejoined in hard-to-reach locations like your attic, basement or crawl space.