Diagnosing a problem and finishing your own AC repair in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, can appear like a lot of frustration.
It doesn’t have to be like that. There are a couple of simple fixes you can try without help that could help you avoid an AC service call.
When you’re facing air conditioning problems, try this troubleshooting list before contacting a heating and cooling repair pro like PS Cool Heat.
Our pros are here at 720-613-2210 when you require experienced assistance. We have emergency AC repair and work on most brands of central AC equipment.
If you need a new air conditioner, we also offer AC installation.
When you’re talking with us, think about a regular AC maintenance plan that could help you bypass later problems. We can let you know how frequently you should have air conditioner service.
Want to begin diagnosing your system? Use our simple guide below. Many of these steps don’t require any mechanical experience.
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, incorrect thermostat settings, a turned off switch or a full condensate drain pan.
Overloaded Circuit Breaker
Your air conditioner won’t work when you have a blown breaker.
To determine if one has tripped, locate your house’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 dry before you work on the panel or breakers.
- Locate the breaker marked “AC” and confirm it’s in the “on” spot. If it’s tripped the breaker will be in the middle of the panel or “off” location.
- Quickly shift the lever back to the “on” spot. If it instantly trips again, don’t touch it and contact us at 720-613-2210. A switch that keeps flipping could mean your residence has an electrical issue.
Wrong Thermostat Settings
If your thermostat isn’t giving a sign to your AC to work, it won’t switch on.
The main point is checking it’s switched to “cool” and not “heat.” Otherwise your AC will probably not switch on. Or you could get. heated air coming from vents because the heat is running instead.
If you rely on a digital thermostat:
- Replace the batteries if the readout is empty. If the screen is showing scrambled letters, buy a new thermostat.
- Ensure the proper option is showing. If you can’t change it, cancel it by lowering the temperature and hitting the “hold” button. This will force your AC to work if programming is incorrect.
- Attempt to set the thermostat 5 degrees lower than the house’s temperature. Your AC won’t cool if the thermostat matches the room’s temperature.
Once your thermostat is adjusted accurately, you should receive cool air quickly.
If you have a smart thermostat, including ones manufactured by Nest, Ecobee, Lux, Honeywell or Bosch, look at the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting. If it still won’t work, reach us at 720-613-2210 for assistance.
Shut-Down Switch
Your cooling equipment typically has a shut-off lever by its outside unit. This switch is typically in a metal box mounted on your house. If your air conditioner has recently been worked on, the switch may have accidentally been put in the “off” location.
Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan
Condensate drain pans catch the additional water your equipment pulls from the air. This pan can be situated either beneath or in your furnace or air handler.
When there’s an obstruction or blocked drain, water can accumulate and initiate a safety control to switch off your air conditioner.
If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can drain the surplus water with a special pan-cleaning capsule. You can get these tablets at a home improvement or hardware retailer.
If your pan includes a pump, look for the float switch. If the lever is “up”